William Wilberforce was in turmoil over what he should do: give up his political career and all that went with it and be shunned by his contemporaries? Or stay in politics and face the disapproval of his new Christian friends? On December 7, 225 years ago, he sought the advice of John Newton, who wisely encouraged the young Wilberforce to stay in politics and serve God there, with all the abilities and influences that he clearly had. Newton later wrote: “It is hoped and believed that the Lord has raised you up for the good of His church and for the good of the nation.”
He also wrote of Wilberforce to his good friend and fellow hymnwriter William Cowper: “I hope the Lord will make him a blessing both as a Christian and as a statesman. How seldom do these characters coincide! But they are not incompatible.” William Wilberforce went on to show how true that last statement was, as he spent the remainder of his life seeking to transform society through distinctively Christian political involvement. Christian Institute
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