Wilberforce and the Slave Trade
October 2007 - I'm leaving this here as, although time has now passed since March and the commemorative year is in process of itself passing into history, the issues remain unchanged. Modern versions of slavery remain.
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2007 sees the 200th anniversary of the British and American abolition of the trade in slaves. This great social evil did was not defeated easily. Powerful financial and trading interests fought to continue the old, cruel system. It was a only a long-term, totally determined campaign which eventually brought it down. Defeat followed defeat, but victory came at last. One of the great heroes of the abolition movement, along with others such as Thomas Clarkson whose researches fuelled the argument, was the parliamentarian William Wilberforce. During 2007 the memory of this champion of freedom will be honoured in many places - not least in the city of Hull, and in Yorkshire more generally, each of which he for many years represented in Parliament.
As I update this lens (16th March) I am feeling a mixture of emotions - partly sadness, partly fury. I have just watched one of the most disgraceful documentary programmes I have ever seen on British television, in which the presenter and editors devoted an hour to running down the contribution of Wilberforce to emancipation.
Now of course he did not do it alone. Of course he did not get everything right all the time. Of course there were many others involved in the long campaign to stop the trade and free the slaves. And yes, many slaves themselves bravely fought against their own situation and died in the process. But the way to give credit to these courageous men and women is not to seek to belittle and discredit the massive contribution of the man who decade after decade gave his life to public leadership on the issue in Parliament.
Why does this modern age find it so necessary, with such arrogant ingratitude, to pull down and besmirch the memory of the campaigners of the past? Maybe there's a lesson here for campaigners on major ethical issues today - such as the environment, anti-corruption and human rights. In a few generations' time, after their good work has produced its fruits, will they suffer the same fate of demolition?
Caveat Lector
Note from David Murray
William Wilberforce - by William Hague
This excellent biography of William Wilberforce, written by current opposition spokesman on Foreign Affairs and former leader of the Conservative Party, is almost 600 pages in length and packed with valuable insights into the life, times and work of a remarkable man.It is noteworthy that the writer represents substantially the same area of northern England in the London Parliament as did his subject two hundred years ago.
More about Wilberforce
As a convinced and devout Christian layman, and a politician, Wilberforce could not accept the notion that the love for his fellow-man inspired by his faith should remain merely a private matter. Like other Christian leaders of his and later generations, who struggled for improved conditions for factory workers, prisoners and children in the mines, Wilberforce wanted to see concern for the wellbeing of all people enshrined in the public policy of his day.
British Early-19th C. Anti-Slavery Campaigners - Poster
Sharp, Macaulay, Wilberforce, Buxton and Clarkson - Giclee Print - 24x18 ins
John Newton and "Amazing Grace"
God's transforming power in a former slaver's life
In these verses he explains how he sees God's grace in his coming to fear eternal judgment for his past way of life, and God's grace in his finding relief from that fear as he accepted forgiveness for that evil past. God in His grace had made available through Christ's sacrifice on the cross a forgiveness which Newton acknowledged to be totally undeserved, given the cruelty, violence and godlessness of his former life. The transformation came to him entirely of free grace. Amazing grace! That's what the song is about!
Newton became a clergyman after his conversion. Wilberforce stayed in politics after his. Each, in his different sphere, then devoted his life to the relief of physical and spiritual suffering.
Here are the full Amazing Grace lyrics
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.
'Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear,
And Grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that Grace appear,
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
We have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And Grace will lead me home. (Lead me home!)
The Lord hast promised good to me,
His word my hope secures!
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this heart and flesh shall fail
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be for ever mine.
When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we'd first begun.
(Note: the final verse was not actually written by Newton, but has been included with it in hymn books since the mid-19th century and fits perfectly).
Other useful information sources
Amazing Grace: The Movie - The Official Movie Website
The new film out in February (N. America) and Marc more...1 point
BrunleaBooks - Special Feature Page
Books about Wilberforce, and more ...1 point
The Better Hour: A Documentary Film about William Wilberforce
The film, The Better Hour, will complement the eff more...1 point
Wilberforce 2007: Join the Fight for Freedom and sign the online petition
From his native city, Hull: In March 2007 it will more...0 points
William Wilberforce: abolitionist
A very good biographical site0 points
WISE - Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation
Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and more...0 points
Wilberforce Central: WilberforceCentral.org
An excellent American site about Wilberforce givin more...0 points
Set all free - Act to end slavery
A project of Churches Together in England working more...0 points
UK Parliament - Exhibitions
Exhibition in Westminster Hall (in the Houses of P more...0 points
The British Empire & Commonwealth Museum - Exhibitions - Slave Trade 2007
The British Empire & Commonwea more...0 points
UK National Maritime Museum - "Freedom"
"Freedom" is par more...0 points







