2 of 2

Yet Wilberforce refused to give up, introducing another anti-slave trade bill in 1791, which was also defeated.

Another defeat followed in 1792.

Another in 1793.

Others still in 1797, 1798, and 1799. And in 1804 and 1805.

But gradually the public came to support the abolitionists' efforts, and in 1806 Parliament abolished the slave trade throughout the British Empire. Wilberforce wept in joy.

Not one to rest on his laurels, he next set his mind to the larger issue, the freeing of all slaves. This too required remarkable persistence. But in the summer of 1833, Parliament finally passed the Emancipation Act. Three days later, Wilberforce died.

Wilberforce and his allies (he never acted alone nor took credit alone) managed to rid Britain, the greatest world power of the day, of the greatest evil of the day—and only with the steady application of faith, politics, and persistence.

Adapted from Christian History magazine. To subscribe to Christian History, call 1-800-873-6986.

1998 by the author or Christianity Today International/Today's Christian magazine (formerly Christian Reader).
Click here for reprint information.

first page |  2 of 2

	What did you think of this story?
	Please to give us your feedback.

Home  |  People of Faith  |  Stories of Hope  |  Today's Culture
Build Your Faith  |  Laughing Matters  |  Archives  |  Contact Us

				Try 3 Issues of Christianity Today Free! Name Street Address City/State/Zip E-mail Address Subscribe to Christianity Today and get 3 free trial issues. No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. If you decide you want to keep Christianity Today coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive nine more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The three trial issues are yours to keep, regardless. Give Christianity Today as a gift Order a gift subscription!