| |
WILLIAM WILBERFORCE
Can a man be a Christian and a politician? This was the
question that plagued a rising member of the English parliament
in 1785. William Wilberforce was debating exactly how he should
live out his newfound faith.
William Wilberforce was born in 1759 in Hull, England. He was
raised in a wealthy home, educated at Cambridge and won his
first seat in Parliament at 21 years of age. Although small in
appearance and plagued with physical difficulties, he was a
gifted and persuasive speaker and was soon known as "the
nightingale of the House of Commons."? By the age of 24, he was
already a powerful force in the British government.
Although he had the trappings of a Christian faith, he attended
church and considered himself a 'good person'; life seemed to be
empty when he contemplated eternity. He wrote, "Often while in
the full enjoyment of all that this world can bestow, my
conscience told me that in the true sense of the word, I was not
a Christian. I laughed, I sang, I was apparently.. happy, but
the thought would steal across me, "What madness is all this; to
continue easy in a state in which a sudden call out of the world
would cosign me to everlasting misery, and that, when eternal
happiness is within my grasp!"?
In 1784, he began to read, debate and think seriously about
claims of Christianity. What was an intellectual puzzle soon
became a personal faith. As he would later write, "intellectual
assent developed into deep inner conviction."? He became
convinced that although he was what the world would consider a
successful and solid citizen, he still had committed acts
against God's standard of righteousness and was in need of the
blood of Christ to cover his sins. "It was not so much the fear
of punishment," he said, "by which I was affected, as a sense of
my great sinfulness in having so long neglected the unspeakable
mercies of my God and Saviour."?
Now a committed Christian, he wondered if he should continue in
his political career. He sought the advice of one of the most
radical Christians of his day, John Newton - who had been a
former slave trader turned follower of Jesus Christ. Newton not
only encouraged him to stay in politics, but warned him against
forsaking his old friendships and losing himself in too many
religious activities. He argued that Wilberforce's abilities and
position in the 'secular' world had actually been orchestrated
by God for the good of the nation and for a moral voice in
government.?
Wilberforce embraced this concept, that Christianity should
shape his entire worldview. He returned to Parliament committed
to letting his Christian convictions direct his political course
of action. In October of 1787, he felt God leading him to
confront two societal issues as he wrote in his journal, "God
Almighty has set before me two great objects, the suppression of
the slave trade the reformation of manners."6
The reformation of manners would become a campaign to see
biblical moral principles flourish in British society,
especially in the upper class. In 1797 he published a book
containing this vision entitled, "A Practical view of the
Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians," which
became almost an instant classic. It was especially influential
in leadership circles. "Men of authority," he said, "and
influence may promote good morals. Let them in their several
stations encourage virtue .. let them favor and take part in any
plans which may be formed for the advancement of morality." ?
However, he is best known for his unwavering commitment to the
total abolition of the slave trade. With an impassioned
three-hour speech he brought his first anti-slavery motion to
the floor of the House of Commons in 1789. The bill was soundly
defeated. This was the beginning of a life-long struggle of
cultural persuasion. For the next eighteen years he would
propose bill after bill arguing for the end of slavery. Many of
the finest minds in Britain rallied to this cause and the men
and women of the " 'Clapham Sect' .. were a group of whose
brains could not be denied, even by those who sneered at
religion .. they possessed .. an astonishing range of
capacities; encyclopedic knowledge, a capacity for research,
sparkling wit and literary style, business sagacity .. legal
ability, oratory and parliamentary skill." ?
His tireless efforts were finally rewarded when, in January
1807, Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of abolition of
the slave trade. The vote was greeted with an unusual breakout
of cheering and applause. Wilberforce continued to battle
against slavery itself, and the bill for the emancipation of all
slavery in British territories passed just three days before his
death on July 29th, 1833.
1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether, then, you eat or drink or
whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." In the evangelical
environment of today, it is easy to be drawn into the idea that
there are two kinds of professions, Christian and secular. There
are some who falsely teach that a Christians highest calling can
only be lived out in full time Christian ministry. However, the
scriptures clearly call us to do all to the glory of God. We are
commanded to surrender our time and talent, in whatever
profession, to be used as a platform for the spread of His
kingdom.
The history of slavery in Britain would be entirely different if
Wilberforce would have listened to those voices that called for
him to leave the secular workplace in order to be involved in
'real ministry.' Christian architects, engineers, homebuilders
and teachers should permeate our society as we dedicate the
abilities God has given to us to be used for His glory. Rather
than retreating from world, we are called to live in the world
in such a way that brings about Christian transformation to
other individuals and, prayerfully, to societal institutions.
1Ryun, Heroes Among Us, pg. 53 {Wilberforce Chapter}
2Wilberforce, Life of William Wilberforce, Vol. 1,88
3Lean, God's Politician, pg. 35
4Wilberforce, Life of William Wilberforce, Vol. 1,88
5Ryun, Heroes Among Us, pg. 55
6Wilberforce, Life of William Wilberforce, Vol. 1,148
7Wilberforce, A Practical View of Christianity, pg. 215
8Lean, God's Politician, pg. 104
|
|
