The abolishing of the slave trade... paving the way for the abolition of slavery itself in the British Empire just a few days before Wilberforce died, is really one of the most monumental achievements in our history (Rt Hon William Hague MP)
On the 12th May 1789 William Wilberforce delivered a four-hour speech that would change the course of history. The printed version of the speech On the Abolition of the Slave Trade, recorded in The Parliamentary Register, is widely considered to be one of the most influential pieces of writing ever published. Indeed, Melvyn Bragg includes it in his latest book 12 Books that Changed the World.
Wilberforce's On the Abolition of the Slave Trade begins with these words: 'When I consider the magnitude of the subject which I am to bring before the House - a subject in which the interests not just of this country, nor of Europe alone, but of the whole world and of posterity are involved… it is impossible for me not to feel both terrified and concerned at my own inadequacy to such a task... the end of which is the total abolition of the slave trade’.
In addition to his humility, Wilberforce displayed tremendous courage. He was subjected to vitriolic attacks in the press. He was physically assaulted and received death threats. But it was primarily the context of the speech that demanded the greatest courage. Slaves were property, and Parliament itself was the greatest property- owning club in Britain!
Wilberforce drew his courage and strength from his strong faith in Jesus Christ. St Paul, who was no stranger to assaults and death threats himself, wrote these words to the Christians at Corinth: ‘Stand firm in your faith, be courageous... Let all that you do be done in love’ (1 Corinthians 16:13).
As we restore and develop the church that Wilberforce built, let us pray for courage to stand firm in our faith, and let all that we do be done in love.
Jonathan and Hazel
