Tonight we watched it again with the kiddos--
Pausing frequently to explain the specifics of
British Parliament, the horrors of slavery, and the powerful impact of a man...
who was willing to follow God through years and years of fighting to abolish the slave trade in Britain.
If we ever have another son join our family, I'm ready to name him Wilberforce.
Or maybe just William.
If you also were moved by the life of William Wilberforce or just want to learn more about him...
I definitely recommend the following books for a more in depth view of his life and faith.
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| Piper's biography of Wilberforce is one of my favorites... |
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| From the Swans Are Not Silent Series...also includes biographies of John Newton and several others. The whole series is excellent (there are 5 books in the Swans collection). |
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| This was the book that most inspired my admiration for Wilberforce. I love his letters to his children and he frequently quotes William Cowper--who became one of my favorite poets after I read through this book a couple of years ago. I'm re-reading it this year because it's just that good! Sonnet to William Wilberforce by William Cowper Thy country, Wilberforce, with just disdain, Hears thee, by cruel men and impious, call'd Fanatic, for thy zeal to loose th' enthrall'd From exile, public sale, and slav'ry's chain. Friend of the poor, the wrong'd, the fetter-gall'd, Fear not lest labour such as thine be vain! Thou hast achiev'd a part; hast gain'd the ear Of Britain's senate to thy glorious cause; Hope smiles, joy springs, and tho' cold caution pause And weave delay, the better hour is near, That shall remunerate thy toils severe By peace for Afric, fenc'd with British laws. Enjoy what thou hast won, esteem and love From all the just on earth, and all the blest above! |
