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William Wilberforce: His Unpublished Spiritual Journals
These spiritual journals will give readers insight into the heart and mind of one of Britain’s leading abolitionists.
William Wilberforce (1759–1833) is best remembered as a leading figure in the movement to have the slave trade abolished throughout the British Empire. He was a Member of Parliament from the age of 21 until he retired due to ill health at the age of 66. His conversion in 1785 caused him to change his lifestyle and to commit his future life and work to the service of God.
He wrote a series of spiritual journals as a record of his spiritual pilgrimage. These journals are an honest record of Wilberforce’s spiritual the Scriptures and Christian books he read; people he met; people he witnessed to; his spiritual and physical struggles; and many other fascinating insights.
Throughout his writings his constant desire to be a better Christian is striking. This man, admired by many, saw himself as a sinner, and his diaries are filled with his striving to put this sin to death. He follows a Puritan pattern of self–introspection and his journals are form of spiritual confession
Michael McMullen has transcribed the original manuscripts and has added many helpful annotations and footnotes. Scripture passages, book titles, names of people and events are clarified. These annotations will assist the reader to better understand the context and value of the journals. This work gives an invaluable insight into the life and motivations of William Wilberforce. There is much to be gleaned from his example in life and culture today.
William Wilberforce (1759–1833) is best remembered as a leading figure in the movement to have the slave trade abolished throughout the British Empire. He was a Member of Parliament from the age of 21 until he retired due to ill health at the age of 66. His conversion in 1785 caused him to change his lifestyle and to commit his future life and work to the service of God.
He wrote a series of spiritual journals as a record of his spiritual pilgrimage. These journals are an honest record of Wilberforce’s spiritual the Scriptures and Christian books he read; people he met; people he witnessed to; his spiritual and physical struggles; and many other fascinating insights.
Throughout his writings his constant desire to be a better Christian is striking. This man, admired by many, saw himself as a sinner, and his diaries are filled with his striving to put this sin to death. He follows a Puritan pattern of self–introspection and his journals are form of spiritual confession
Michael McMullen has transcribed the original manuscripts and has added many helpful annotations and footnotes. Scripture passages, book titles, names of people and events are clarified. These annotations will assist the reader to better understand the context and value of the journals. This work gives an invaluable insight into the life and motivations of William Wilberforce. There is much to be gleaned from his example in life and culture today.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
745 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2021
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83 people want to read
About the author
William Wilberforce
154 books91 followersWilliam Wilberforce was an MP, a committed Christian and a vanguard in the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire. He campaigned all his life, despite opposition and ill health and championed reform in many areas of society. He was founder of the Church Mission Society and what would later come to be known as the RSPCA.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 20, 2022
I want to think about myself as Wilberforce thought of himself.
March 26, 2022
William Wilberforce is a frequently forgotten hero of the Christian faith— but Dr. McMullen has given Wilberforce the recognition he deserves. Read this book if you want to be encouraged. Read this book if you want to be challenged. Wilberforce’s “Spiritual Journals” will penetrate your soul and draw you into the life of a man who relentlessly pursued Christ in all things.
July 15, 2023
Wilberforce's life was truly remarkable, and I am grateful for the compilation of his spiritual journals, which offer an intimate glimpse into the highs and lows of his journey with Christ. I had the privilege of reading this book for McMullen's church history course at MBTS, and it provided invaluable insights into Wilberforce's faith and experiences.
May 16, 2022
For full review: http://www.brittongail.com/theologica...
Our world is a world of injustice and conflict. Every passing year seems to intensify. From global riots and revolutions to racial injustice and the oppression of the poor, Wilberforce is a force to reckon with. McMullen exemplifies through his presentation of Wilberforce’s journals a fuller picture of the man behind the abolition of the slave trade in Britain. Modern depictions, even Amazing Grace (though I do watch about twice a decade), have not portrayed Wilberforce to the extent which his journals, themselves, present. To gaze into his most intimate writings, one’s not written for the eyes of man, but God, one glimpses the true self in the life of faith. Wilberforce glorifies God and God makes Wilberforce’s weak life an unconquerable mountain. To tread is set out on a quest for the grace of God in the struggles of humankind. Like Brainerd, Wilberforce has to be read with eyes who have tasted the glory of God’s infinite glory, mercy and grace. His is not a life of perfection, rather, his is a life marked by God’s goodness to save to the uttermost. A life marred by the imperfection of the flesh, yet communion with God proved enough. Wilberforce, fresh under the fires of new faith was given an ambition to abolish slavery, and on the journey, he found pleasure in his union with Christ.
Today’s challenges require godly devoted persons who not only seek to demonstrate truth and justice in the outward declaration; further still, let truth and justice row down the mountains of communion with God. Yes, Wilberforce represents pertinacity in political fervor, however, let not his legacy die with earthly accomplishments (even though they are great), let his legacy be remembered, namely, through the lens of the God of Grace who accomplishes great things by the weak and foolish things of the world. We need more than a reformation of justice; we need a reformation of biblical justice. Biblical justice begins and ends with mortifying the flesh through communion with God. Therefore, we are indebted to Wilberforce, those who preserved his journals and made them available, and to Ed. Michael D. McMullen (who will likely be too humble to receive a loud applause), who gave much blood, sweat and tears, I am sure, in providing a concise, easy to read, navigation through choice journal entries of Wilberforce. In a world marked by an overbearing amount of media content, let us not neglect the private intimacy with God found in spiritual journaling.
Our world is a world of injustice and conflict. Every passing year seems to intensify. From global riots and revolutions to racial injustice and the oppression of the poor, Wilberforce is a force to reckon with. McMullen exemplifies through his presentation of Wilberforce’s journals a fuller picture of the man behind the abolition of the slave trade in Britain. Modern depictions, even Amazing Grace (though I do watch about twice a decade), have not portrayed Wilberforce to the extent which his journals, themselves, present. To gaze into his most intimate writings, one’s not written for the eyes of man, but God, one glimpses the true self in the life of faith. Wilberforce glorifies God and God makes Wilberforce’s weak life an unconquerable mountain. To tread is set out on a quest for the grace of God in the struggles of humankind. Like Brainerd, Wilberforce has to be read with eyes who have tasted the glory of God’s infinite glory, mercy and grace. His is not a life of perfection, rather, his is a life marked by God’s goodness to save to the uttermost. A life marred by the imperfection of the flesh, yet communion with God proved enough. Wilberforce, fresh under the fires of new faith was given an ambition to abolish slavery, and on the journey, he found pleasure in his union with Christ.
Today’s challenges require godly devoted persons who not only seek to demonstrate truth and justice in the outward declaration; further still, let truth and justice row down the mountains of communion with God. Yes, Wilberforce represents pertinacity in political fervor, however, let not his legacy die with earthly accomplishments (even though they are great), let his legacy be remembered, namely, through the lens of the God of Grace who accomplishes great things by the weak and foolish things of the world. We need more than a reformation of justice; we need a reformation of biblical justice. Biblical justice begins and ends with mortifying the flesh through communion with God. Therefore, we are indebted to Wilberforce, those who preserved his journals and made them available, and to Ed. Michael D. McMullen (who will likely be too humble to receive a loud applause), who gave much blood, sweat and tears, I am sure, in providing a concise, easy to read, navigation through choice journal entries of Wilberforce. In a world marked by an overbearing amount of media content, let us not neglect the private intimacy with God found in spiritual journaling.
January 25, 2022
"O God, make me more earnest for Thy glory; and may I act more from real love and gratitude to my redeeming Lord."
Diving into the reflections, confessions, and development of William Wilberforce has been an edifying experience. For years I have known about Wilberforce's battle to abolish slavery, and of his deep faith in Christ. However, getting a glimpse behind the curtain into the inner life and struggles of this great man has deepened my admiration for him. What I found most encouraging was how relatable Wilberforce's struggle with sin was. God uses real people to make a real difference. Enhanced by the historical context provided by Dr McMullen, this book is a treasure. I recommend it for anyone seeking to deepen or rekindle their spiritual life.
Diving into the reflections, confessions, and development of William Wilberforce has been an edifying experience. For years I have known about Wilberforce's battle to abolish slavery, and of his deep faith in Christ. However, getting a glimpse behind the curtain into the inner life and struggles of this great man has deepened my admiration for him. What I found most encouraging was how relatable Wilberforce's struggle with sin was. God uses real people to make a real difference. Enhanced by the historical context provided by Dr McMullen, this book is a treasure. I recommend it for anyone seeking to deepen or rekindle their spiritual life.
July 25, 2023
This book was referenced by a pastor I respect as an example of someone “obsessed with sanctification” in the best possible sense. I appreciated reading through Wilberforce’s candid daily reflections - honestly facing his sin and striving by God’s to walk by grace. His candor is refreshing to read!
And for history lovers, naturally the important issues he faced and the changes in society he sought to help bring about are throughout.
And for history lovers, naturally the important issues he faced and the changes in society he sought to help bring about are throughout.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews