|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
National NewsConservative News
New Film Chronicles British Emancipator
By Gary Palmer
Posted on: February 14, 2007
February 23rd will mark the 200th anniversary of one of the monumental days in history. On February 23, 1807, even though it meant the loss of a major part of their maritime trade, the British Parliament voted to end the slave trade throughout the British Empire.
This historic event, unknown to most Americans, will come to life in movie theaters nationwide on February 23rd. Amazing Grace tells the story of William Wilberforce, Britain’s Great Emancipator, and his struggle to end a despicable chapter in Britain’s history.
At the beginning of his political career, Wilberforce seemed an unlikely candidate to lead the effort to abolish the slave trade, and eventually, to abolish slavery altogether.
Though Wilberforce grew up in the company of pious Christian men such as John Newton and Rev. Isaac Milner, he was not a believer and was very much a part of the debauched English society of the late 18th century. However, his view of Christianity changed after inviting Milner to accompany him on a tour of Europe. Milner, who had been Wilberforce’s tutor at Cambridge, engaged him in a dialogue about the Bible and faith. Before their travels were completed, Wilberforce was converted.
After his return to England, Wilberforce had difficulty reconciling his new faith in Christ with his involvement in politics and considered giving up his seat in Parliament. He thought he couldn’t be a politician and a Christian.
Fortunately, Newton, the redeemed slave ship captain and author of the hymn Amazing Grace, opened Wilberforce’s eyes to the fact that God is at work in every sphere of life, even in politics and advised him to keep his seat in Parliament. Newton said, “The Lord has raised you up to the good of His church and for the good of the nation.” Newton concluded, “…who knows that but for such a time as this God has brought you into public life and has a purpose for you.”
His purpose, Wilberforce soon came to believe, was to ignite a revival of Christian faith in British society and to use his influence and position to bring about the abolition of slavery in the British Empire.
To pursue this purpose, in 1787 he joined an abolitionist group led by Thomas Clarkson. Clarkson was a brilliant writer with a passion for righteousness and justice who courageously gathered the evidence needed to turn public as well as political opinion against slavery. This group, which became known as the Clapham Sect for the town in which they met, initiated a grassroots campaign to educate the British citizens that became a model for future social reformers.
At the beginning of their efforts, Wilberforce and his colleagues believed success would come fairly quickly because of the humanity and justice of their cause. They were wrong. Their campaign proved to be a long and demanding ordeal. In 1789, Wilberforce introduced 12 resolutions against the slave trade but lost each one after being outmaneuvered on legal points.
Between 1791 and 1805 Wilberforce introduced eight more bills only to see them defeated as well. The defeat of his bill in 1796 was the most disheartening. Prior to the vote, Wilberforce knew that he had enough support in the House of Commons to pass his abolition bill. But on the evening of the vote, his opponents offered free opera tickets to enough members that the bill lost by four votes.
As a result of his exhaustion and grief over the bill’s defeat, his physical and mental health broke down. But the aging and ailing Newton renewed his spirit by telling Wilberforce that he must see himself as a man like Daniel who trusted the Lord to preserve him in the face of all opposition. Newton said, “…the God whom you serve continually is able to preserve and deliver you, He will see you through.”
Newton was not Wilberforce’s only source of spiritual encouragement. In what was perhaps the last letter he penned, John Wesley wrote to him, “Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God be for you, who can be against you?”
Wilberforce and his allies regrouped and pressed onward. Public support for abolition had grown tremendously. Thousands of British citizens signed petitions calling for abolition. And to the great astonishment of Wilberforce, over 300,000 participated in a boycott of sugar from plantations employing slave labor. The little ripple of abolitionists had become a tidal wave.
Finally, at 4 a.m. on Friday, February 23, 1807, the House of Commons voted 283-16 to abolish the slave trade in all of Britain. As Wilberforce placed his head in his hands and wept, the House erupted in cheers and applause.
Even though he had achieved his goal of ending the slave trade, Wilberforce and his allies worked another 26 years for full emancipation. On July 26, 1833, the House of Commons approved an emancipation bill; Wilberforce, his purpose fulfilled, died three days later.
Wilberforce’s impact on history will be revived when Amazing Grace opens in American theaters. Each of us should see this movie, both to celebrate the significance of the abolition of the slave trade in Britain and to be reminded of how great faith and steadfast courage can impact a nation if people are willing to be used by God for His purpose. In these uncertain times, many people are looking for the next Ronald Reagan or Margaret Thatcher to lead us. Perhaps we should look for the next Wilberforce to give our nation and the world an example of how principled public service, undergirded by faith, can achieve the impossible.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
