WILLIAM WILBERFORCE

The 29th Classic on William Wilberforce presents a detailed account of his life, work, and influence. The book includes his significant work, Practical View of Christianity, important historical papers, and a biography of the man whose dedication helped bring about the end of the transatlantic slave trade.Points of Wilberforce's Life:

• Born in 1759 in Hull to a wealthy merchant family, Wilberforce lost his father at a young age and was raised by his uncle and aunt for a time.
• Under the influence of his aunt, a supporter of John Wesley and the Methodist movement, Wilberforce was exposed to religious ideas that concerned his family, leading his mother to bring him back home.
• In 1784, Wilberforce experienced a conversion to Evangelical Christianity, joining the Clapham Set, an influential group of Anglican evangelicals.
• His conversion inspired him to work toward social reform, and in response to a request from Lady Middleton, he used his position as a Member of Parliament (MP) to fight against the slave trade.
• Although hesitant and doubting his abilities, Wilberforce made his first powerful speech against the slave trade on May 12, 1789, marking the start of his lifelong campaign against slavery.

Wilberforce’s efforts, combined with his deep Christian convictions, made him a pivotal figure in the abolition movement. His work contributed to the eventual abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire.