Two hundred years ago today, the unbiblical and perverse practice of trafficking in humanity was dealt a serious blow thanks to the efforts of an indefatigable reformer named William Wilberforce. As we reflect on the anniversary of the great accomplishments of William Wilberforce, The Slave’s Champion is recommended as an inspiring little biography on the life and efforts of the great Evangelical parliamentarian who almost singlehandedly ended the evil practice in Great Britain.

First published in 1861, this historical reprint reveals helpful insights into the customs, culture, and perspectives of people living in the 19th century. The Slaves’ Champion also includes the reflections of those who knew him and reveals the story of Wilberforce’s efforts to wipe out the brutal slave trade. The Slaves’ Champion is a must-read, not only for those students interested in the life of Wilberforce, but for Christians who want a better understanding of the long battle for liberty.

During the 19th century there was a large body of people in England, as well as in both the South and the North of America, who opposed slavery and the slave trade. But this opposition took different forms and expressions, and the forms and expressions were often rooted in unique theological presuppositions. In the American context, opponents of slavery divded into numerous different groups. One of the many groups who opposed slavery was the Abolitionists. Those opponents of slavery who identified themselves as “abolitionists” were largely led by transcendentalists, some of whom endorsed, subsidized, and encouraged violence and even bloodshed to accomplish their goals. Their leadership was largely anti-Trinitarian. Wilberforce, on the other hand, was driven by distinctively Christian presuppositions, and resorted to tactics which sprung from those presuppositions. His legacy stands as a testimony to perseverance and principle in pursuit of a righteous cause.

The noxious practice of chattel slavery is at least as old as the post-Flood world.. Traffic in humanity continues to this present day, the most notorious and evil form of which is the sexual trade of women and children. It is estimated that there are millions of poor victims of this diabolical practice.

The enigmatic and conflicted record of our own nation on ths subject of slavery remains shrouded in controversy and emotion. Christian students of history must reconcile the challenges of interpreting a complex past which can not be reduced to simple slogans. They must answer the appropriate inquiries of those who desire to better interpret the lives of popular American heroes from George Washington to Stonewall Jackson to Ulysees S. Grant — all of whom were slave owners. They must handle history honestly, which means acknowledging warts and bumps, and strengths and weaknesses, with iconic American heroes of all stripes. This means they must aspire not only to understand the motivations and philosophy of honorable opponents of slavery in the South, like Robert E. Lee, but they must try to understand the theology of Abraham Lincoln, who once actively advocated the removal of blacks from America, and who chose to restrict the legal boundaries of the Emancipation Proclamation to slave holding in the Southern States.

For an interesting and informative overview of “The Bible, Slavery and America’s Founders,” visit David Barton’s Wallbuilder’s site for an article by Stephen McDowell which draws extensively from Holy Scripture, the writings of Dr. R.J. Rushdoony, and the quotes of the Founding Fathers themselves to offer one perspective on the issue.