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It was a twenty year struggle, start to finish, before Wilbur Wilberforce was successful in abolishing the slave trade in England. As mentioned previously, he submitted a bill to Parliament every year for 17 years in a row. The bill finally passed in March of 1807, by a large majority. If one does the math, you realize we are on the eve of the 200 year anniversary of that date.
But Wilberforce didn’t stop there. Twenty six years later, and three days before he died, as a result of his efforts slavery was abolished across all the British colonies.
In addition to dealing with a chronic illness and devoting significant time and energy to abolishing slavery, Wilberforce was a catalyst for change in other areas. According to the website Amazing Change…
Wilberforce also believed in reforming greater society as well. His good works included lending his assistance to hospitals and prisons, preventing cruelty to animals and promoting positive reform in India and other colonies. He also founded what we know today as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
According to Wikipedia, it was after William’s father died and he was sent to live with his aunt and uncle that he was introduced to Methodism. His mother and grandfather became concerned about his “evangelical” leanings and brought him back home.
Do you know how the movie acquired its title, Amazing Grace? It is because the hymn with that name was written by John Newton, the ex-slave trader turned minister. Think about the meaning of the words with that information in mind…
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
I think William Wilberforce is a man we could all aspire to emulate. His passion, his conviction, his tenacity, and his absolute commitment to doing what is right… those are all qualities to admire.
What are your passions? How do you want to change the world? My dream is not only to grow ADN to the point where all families get support and services, but to take our cause to state and federal legislatures. I want to see legal support for families, not just moral support. At this point, we have neither in most places. Together, what can WE accomplish in 15 or 20 years?
I’m taking one issue to the Utah legislature next session – it’s the victimizing the victim thing of requiring parents to pay when their (adopted) child commits crimes, in spite of good parenting efforts . .. I do have support for it . . .
You go girl! Let us know how it goes!