Christians You Should Know: William Wilberforce - Enjoying the Journey
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” – Galatians 6:9
A Snapshot of the Life of William Wilberforce:
Born: Aug. 24, 1759, Hull, England
Died: July 29, 1833, London, England
Politician, philanthropist, and promoter of the abolition of slave trading. Wilberforce began his political career by founding the Proclamation Society to cthe ombat vice. He was converted (1784) and took up the abolition cause (1786), proposing his first motion for the abolition of slave trade (1789), which did not carry until 1791. As a Parliament member for Hull (1780), Yorkshire (1784), and Bramber, Sussex, 1812-25, he aggressively pursued the passage of bills to end slavery. Wilberforce married Barbara Spooner. He helped found the Church Missionary Society (1799) and the British and Foreign Bible Society (1804). In 1807 an act of Parliament ended the slave trade. In 1823, he founded the Anti-Slavery Society. He wrote Practical View of Christianity (1797). He published Appeal. ..on Behalf of Negro Slaves in the West Indies, which moved for the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of slaves. In 1825, he retired from the House of Commons. He was able to curb the powerful East India Company and was instrumental in having its charter revoked, after his death, in 1859. He was a key figure of the Clapham sect (group of wealthy Anglican Evangelicals who lived in the Clapham area, northwest of London. One month after his death, slavery was abolished throughout the British Empire. His favorite Bible verses were Luke 18:13 and Galatians 6:9. “Christianity condensed: admit, submit, commit, transmit”. – (Excerpt taken from the Reese Chronological Encyclopedia of Christian Biographies. Used by permission.)
A Spiritual Application for Our Lives:
There have been many wicked scourages throughout history. One of the darkest was the abhorrent slave trade. Few today understand the dark and dreadful realities of slavery. William Wilberforce dedicated his life to abolishing it. Sadly, few have heard of the strong faith that brought Wilberforce to this mission. He was doing what he believed God had created him to do.
The faith of Wilberforce was no political tactic or public display. Faith in Christ was foundational to the work and causes Wilberforce dedicated his life to accomplish. However, this faith was not always the center of Wilberforce’s life. Through the childhood influences of strong believers, the earnest witness of a Christian friend, the diligent search of Scripture, and the wise counsel of John Newton did William commit his life to Christ. The Holy Spirit’s convicting work had accomplished its purpose.
William Wilberforce has been described as the “conscience of his nation.” Understandably so, William fought for the truths found in scripture to be acknowledged by law. He understood that true morality is found in the Word of God, not the whims of culture or government. Sadly, many believers have bought the lie that we must allow the unbelievers to right every wrong and speak out against the evils around us. Many believe that error must be countered by anyone except those who are “the pillar and ground of truth…” (1 Timothy 3:15). Wilberforce is a glaring rebuke of this fallacy.
We desperately need a Wilberforce in our day who has the moral fortitude, unwavering integrity, and feverish determination to take on the abundant evils surrounding us. God’s people must be willing to proclaim the truth, suffer the attacks, and fight with all their might to stop the atrocities around us. Christians must remember that the Word of God must be the foundation upon which we build our lives. As Wilberforce said of Scripture…
“…a due sense of its value would be assuredly impressed on us by the diligent study of the Word of God, that blessed repository of divine truth and consolation. Thence it is that we are to learn our obligations and our duty, what we are to believe and what to practice. And, surely, one would think it could not be required to press men to the perusal of the sacred volume. Reason dictates, Revelation commands;…Yet, is it not undeniable that with the Bible in our houses, we are ignorant of its contents; and that hence, in a great measure, it arises, that the bulk of the Christian world know so little, and mistake so greatly, in what regards the religion which they profess?”
Slavery, in Great Britain, was abolished on a Friday. Wilberforce was informed on Saturday and died on Sunday. His faithful labor had not been in vain. Doubtless, the day he heard the news was one of great rejoicing. He had spent his entire adult life for this cause, and God used him greatly. May God raise up more godly leaders who will persevere for God’s glory, the gospel’s sake, and the love of others.
A Suggestion for Further Reading…
A Practical View of Christianity – William Wilberforce, 1797
