William Wilberforce was an English politician, philanthropist, and a leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade. He was born in Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, and educated at St. John’s College, Cambridge. After a period of time in London working for his father’s business, he became an evangelical Christian and began campaigning against slavery and the slave trade. In 1789, he became a member of parliament for Yorkshire. Over the next few years he denounces slavery both inside and outside parliament despite strong opposition from some parts of society.
Discover the most inspiring Christianity quotes from William Wilberforce, and much more.
Surely the principles of Christianity lead to action as well as meditation. — William Wilberforce
It is the distinguishing glory of Christianity not to rest satisfied with superficial appearances, but to rectify the motives, and purify the heart. — William Wilberforce
Surely the principles as well as the practice of Christianity are simple and lead not to meditation only, but to action. — Eric Metaxas
If . . . a principle of true Religion [i.e., true Christianity] should . . . gain ground, there is no estimating the effects on public morals, and the consequent influence on our political welfare. — William Wilberforce
Inspiring Phrases From William Wilberforce
If to be feelingly alive to the sufferings of my fellow–creatures is to be a fanatic, I am one of the most incurable fanatics ever permitted to be at large. — William Wilberforce
Can you tell a plain man the road to heaven? Certainly, turn at once to the right, and then go straight forward. — William Wilberforce
When blessed with wealth, let them withdraw from the competition of vanity and be modest, retiring from ostentation, and not be the slaves of fashion. — William Wilberforce
As much pains were taken to make me idle as were ever taken to make me studious. — William Wilberforce
Let true Christians then, with becoming earnestness, strive in all things to recommend their profession, and to put to silence the vain scoffs of ignorant objectors. — William Wilberforce
Let everyone regulate his conduct… by the golden rule of doing to others as in similar circumstances we would have them do to us, and the path of duty will be clear before him. — William Wilberforce
Measure your progress by your experience of the love of God and its exercise before men. — William Wilberforce
Surely the experience of all good men confirms the proposition that without a due measure of private devotions the soul will grow lean. — William Wilberforce
No matter how loud you shout, you will not drown out the voice of the people! — William Wilberforce
The observance of one commandment, however clearly and forcibly enjoined, cannot make up for the neglect of another which is enjoined with equal clearness and equal force. — William Wilberforce
Lovely flowers are the smiles of god’s goodness. — William Wilberforce
We are too young to realise that certain things are impossible. — William Wilberforce
Bountiful as is the hand of Providence, its gifts are not so bestowed as to seduce us into indolence, but to rouse us to exertion. — William Wilberforce
It must be conceded by those who admit the authority of Scripture (such only he is addressing) that from the decision of the word of God there can be no appeal. — William Wilberforce
More Phrases From William Wilberforce
Selfishness is one of the principal fruits of the corruption of human nature; and it is obvious that selfishness disposes us to over–rate our good qualities, and to overlook or extenuate our defects. — William Wilberforce
I continually find it necessary to guard against that natural love of wealth and grandeur which prompts us always, when we come to apply our general doctrine to our own case, to claim an exception. — William Wilberforce
Redundant Thematics
In William Wilberforce Statements
faith
heart
soul
christianity
Let it not be said that I was silent when they needed me. — William Wilberforce
God has so made the mind of man that a peculiar deliciousness resides in the fruits of personal industry. — William Wilberforce
It is the true duty of every man to promote the happiness of his fellow creatures to the utmost of his power. — William Wilberforce
God Almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners. — William Wilberforce
Our motto must continue to be perseverance. And ultimately I trust the Almighty will crown our efforts with success. — William Wilberforce
Life as we know it, with all its ups and downs, will soon be over. We all will give an accounting to God of how we have lived. — William Wilberforce
Oh Lord, purify my soul from all its stains. Warm my heart with the love of thee, animate my sluggish nature and fix my inconstancy, and volatility, that I may not be weary in well doing. — William Wilberforce
My walk is a public one. My business is in the world, and I must mix in the assemblies of men or quit the post which Providence seems to have assigned me. — William Wilberforce
You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know. — William Wilberforce
This perpetual hurry of business and company ruins me in soul if not in body. More solitude and earlier hours! — William Wilberforce
There is no shortcut to holiness; it must be the business of our whole lives. — William Wilberforce
Of all things, guard against neglecting God in the secret place of prayer. — William Wilberforce
WILLIAM WILBERFORCE Quotes Take Away
Check out our courses to learn more about how you can make a difference in the world. William Wilberforce’s words are as inspiring today as they were two hundred years ago, and we hope that by sharing his story and these quotes, we have helped to motivate you to take action. We believe that each of us has the power to change the world for the better, and we want to help equip you with the tools necessary to do just that.
