William Wilberforce: The Little Man Who Stopped a Big Evil

William Wilberforce was only about five feet tall as an adult and he was often ill, suffering from stomach problems and poor vision.

"William, come quickly! We need to leave now, or we'll be late for our meeting with Reverend Newton."

It was 1768 in England, and nine-year-old William hurried downstairs where his Aunt Hannah and Uncle William had a carriage waiting.

"I'm coming," William mumbled as he climbed into the carriage. He wasn't happy about wasting his afternoon visiting a preacher. Still, John Newton had been a slave ship captain many years ago. Maybe he would have some interesting stories to tell.

When they arrived at Mr. Newton's house, William hung back shyly.

"And who is this young man?" John Newton asked.

"This is our nephew William. His mother sent him to live with us after his father died," replied Aunt Hannah. "We love him like a son!"

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"William, I am very pleased to meet you. Do you like cake?" asked the pastor.

William smiled and nodded while his aunt responded laughingly.

"Of course he does! He may be small for his age, but it seems like all he does is eat!"

"Well, William, let's have tea and cake in the garden and get acquainted."

William followed Mr. Newton into the garden and was soon asking questions about his adventures at sea. Reverend Newton patiently indulged the boy's curiosity before steering the conversation in a different direction.

"Slaving may sound like a grand adventure, but it wasn't. I've repented of my sin of helping to capture and sell fellow human beings. Slavery is evil. God loves all people the same, William."

"Even the slaves?"

"Oh, yes, even the slaves. Even you, William!"

By the end of the day, William and John Newton were friends. After that, William went to see John Newton preach and was soon convinced that slavery was a great wrong. He wrote a letter back home to his mother.

Dearest Mum, I heard John Newton preach in church last Sunday. He has had an interesting life as a slave ship captain, but now he realizes slavery is sinful. He has asked for God's forgiveness for the way he has treated the people of Africa. He said he wants to treat all people with more love. I am thinking about committing my life to Jesus. I'd like you to come with me to hear Mr. Newton preach sometime. Your loving son, Willy.

William's mother, Elizabeth, was not happy to hear that her son was interested in religion. She considered the belief in a personal relationship with Jesus unnecessary and beneath her social standing. She immediately informed William's grandfather, who shared her concern.

"You're right, Elizabeth," he told her. "If that boy wants to be a Wilberforce and inherit any of my money, he'd better steer clear of that kind of religion."

Aunt Hannah was devastated. "Please don't take him, Elizabeth," she and Uncle William begged. They had no children of their own and had grown to love William. But Elizabeth could not be persuaded.

WILLIAM SEES THE LIGHT
Back in his mother's care, young William soon forgot about his introduction to faith. At age 21, he was elected to the British parliament, which is a part of government. He was soon known for his great talent in public speaking. He had a good job, lots of friends, and invitations to the best parties.

William loved being the life of the party by mocking the town's Christians--especially the ones who were just too religious. William's crowd of intellectual friends agreed that serious religion was quite beneath them.

In 1784, 25-year-old William and his family took a vacation to France. William invited along his friend Isaac Milner but hoped Isaac wouldn't talk about his Christian beliefs. But, with so much time together, discussions of faith were bound to happen. Isaac patiently answered William's questions and even gave William a book on faith. Within a few months, William was on his knees speaking to God. He had become a committed Christian, and his life's purpose would soon become clear.

Find out the results of William Wilberforce's decision in Part Two of this "Glimpses for Kids" children's worship bulletin insert.