THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY (JULY 30TH)
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| Sir William Wilberforce, British Hero Who Lead the Abolitionist Movement |
Today, the Anglican Patrimony celebrates William Wilberforce and the Claphamites -
William Wilberforce, whose name is most often associated with the abolition of slavery, was an Anglican and member of the Clapham Sect (or 'Saints') which flourished from 1792 - 1808 and centered on Holy Trinity Church, Clapham.
They supported the project to develop Sierra Leone as a colony for former slaves and members of the group were also involved in the formation of the Church Missionary Society (founded in 1799, known as Church Mission Society (CMS) since 1995) and the Bible Society (founded in 1804).
William Wilberforce, whose name is most often associated with the abolition of slavery, was an Anglican and member of the Clapham Sect (or 'Saints') which flourished from 1792 - 1808 and centered on Holy Trinity Church, Clapham.
United by their commitment to 'practical Christianity', the Claphamites were opposed to slavery and played an important role in ensuring the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act was passed in 1807.
They supported the project to develop Sierra Leone as a colony for former slaves and members of the group were also involved in the formation of the Church Missionary Society (founded in 1799, known as Church Mission Society (CMS) since 1995) and the Bible Society (founded in 1804).
PRAYER FOR THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav'd 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 reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believ'd!
Thro' many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promis'd good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart 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 call'd me here below,
Will be forever mine.
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God's will is good to all mankind,
His grace is free, secure;
It frees the slaves and heals the blind,
And makes his promise sure.
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Fr. John Newton, Former African Slaver, Anglican Priest and Abolitionist, 1779
Original Text: Eric Staples
Photos: Holy Trinity, Clapham, Portrait of Wilberforce, and “Wilberforce Argues in Parliament” via Wikimedia Commons
Photos: Holy Trinity, Clapham, Portrait of Wilberforce, and “Wilberforce Argues in Parliament” via Wikimedia Commons
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