Wilberforce and Shaftesbury were only able to do so by declining all offers of cabinet positions. Freedom from the responsibilities of office, however, had the advantage of the opportunity to speak in Parliament at any time, on any issue, and from whatever perspective they chose. Persevering Finally, these men were, above all, persevering. Both of them faced tremendous opposition to the causes they championed. Enormously powerful vested interests stood in favour of the slave trade and child labour in factories.
Christian causes are usually unpopular in the world.
Few will support them. Wilberforce gave his whole life. Oh, be not weary of well-doing.