Early life and Christianity
Early life
William Wilberforce was born in 1759 in the port town of Hull in North-East England. His family were merchants trading with Russia and the Baltic States. He had a privileged background going to Cambridge University before becoming the MP for Hull at just 21. He was the youngest member of the House of Commons. He went on to become the MP for the whole of Yorkshire.
His aim was to achieve personal success. He confessed to a friend "...my own distinction was my darling object."
He was close friends with the Prime Minister, William Pitt, and the two of them were the political celebrities of the 1780s: their charm, wit and position made them greatly sought after in up-market drawing-rooms and social circles.
Wilberforce was popular in Parliament too. He was known as the 'Nightingale of the House of Commons' because he had such a distinct and melodious speaking and singing voice! It's said that he often sang all through the night.
Wilberforce becomes a Christian
1n 1784 Wilberforce's life changed radically. On a trip to Europe he spent time with one of his former school teachers; a Christian. Wilberforce read William Law's book A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life. The book touched him profoundly and made him doubt his unbelief.
He found himself moving closer towards Christianity and this led him to ask himself 'Can one serve God and one's nation in parliament?' He wondered whether the two goals might be mutually exclusive.
He discussed the problem with John Newton, the hymn writer and former slave ship captain. They met in secret because evangelical Christians were frowned on by the establishment.
Newton told Wilberforce:
God has raised you up for the good of the church and the good of the nation, maintain your friendship with Pitt, continue in Parliament, who knows that but for such a time as this God has brought you into public life and has a purpose for you.John Newton