“Wilberforce overturned not just European civilization’s view of slavery but its view of almost everything in the human sphere; and that is why it’s nearly impossible to do justice to the enormity of his accomplishment: it was nothing less than a fundamental and important shift in human consciousness.” page xv

 

William Wilberforce was small in appearance, and huge in personality and raw talent. Additionally, his was a heart that was captured by God, and in seeking to live for Him, he overturned cultural norms and changed the trajectory of history. And that sentence is by no means an exaggeration as this book clearly shows us. The name “William Wilberforce” is on my personal list of heroes. Few people have the giftings and opportunities that this English Parliamentary member had, but there are some things we do have in common: the same God, one life, and the ability to choose to love and serve God with and in the particular opportunities He gives us. As we learn of the life, work, and single-focus of William Wilberforce, may we be encouraged to live with resolve, courage, and passion for – and because of – our Lord!

Due to the nature of what Wilberforce fought against (largely, the slave trade), this book should not be read by a child. (It can be read aloud by an adult and edited for age-appropriateness.)

-Annie

“‘The decision of the great question approaches. May it please God, who has the hearts of all in His hands, to turn them as in the House of Lords; and enable me to have a single eye, and a simple heart, desiring to please God, to do good to my fellow-creatures, and to testify my gratitude to my adorable Redeemer.'”

– William Wilberforce (page 208)