Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1833-09-26

WILLIAM WILBERFoRCE.-- William
Wilberlorcc, whose death is announced
in the papers lately received from Lon
don, was truly great and good man.
lie was born in 1859, and entered Par
Lament in 1880. He was of good
family, and possessed Of an ample for
tnne, but never yielded to any of the
temptations peculiar to rank and wealth
He was truly religious man, and his.
conduct did honor to his faith. He is,
principally known by his successful ex-
crtions in the abolition ofthc slave trade
His first motion upon that subject, was
brought before Parliament in l787.--l
The opposition which it excited both ip''
and out Of the House, seems almost in
credible. Petitions poured in against it
from all quarters, and though it was sup
ported by Mr. Pitt, it was rejected by Il,
large majority Mr. Wilbertorcc and his,
friends continued their efforts in behalf
Of oppressed humanity ,undiscouraged by
repeated repulses. Notwithstanding,
however, the manifest Justice of the mea-
sures they advocated, and the horrors of
the traffic itself, and although they had
the powerful support OF both PITT and Fox,
it was not until 1906, that motion in
troduccd by Mr. Fox, that the House OF
Commons should declare the slave trade
inconsistent with justice, humanity, and
sound policy, and should Immediately
fake me asures for its abolition, prevail
ed. Twenty wears were occupied in.
convincing the Legislators of Great Bri-
tain, that it was enlawiul to deal in hu-
man flesh In bringing abon' this hap
py and glorious result, Mr. Wilberforcc
was mainly influential, and has associa-
ted his name imperishably with the tri
un,phs of humanity and bencvolcncc.
Mr. Wi1berforce's whole life has been
consistent with this portion oft. The re-
country, have found him an efficient
supporter and liberal friend. His pub
lic and private life has been spo,less--
even his enemies never impugned the
purity Of his motives, or doubted his dis
interested and elevated views. His wri-
tings have been full of christian spirit
and the most sublime morality. The
fame that he has acquired is truly en-
viable one, arising from eXertions of the
! highest beDevolence, the most compre-
hensive charity, fervor ofmoral feeling,
a steadiness Of moral principle, and an
energy of purpose in behalf of the truth,
that nothing could damp. How infinitely
superior it is, not only to the warriors
/ laurels, but even to the statesman's wor-
ihier honors. With these kast are asso-
ciatcd rccollections of party strife, Of
1 bitter contentious, a steclIng Of the heart
against emotions, and they arc too Otter
! gained by sacrifce Of that high princi-
! pie which "feels a stain like a wound
I But in the glory of such man as Will
I berforce, there is no alloy. No one cal
look upon it with any thing but nnmixe'
) admiration. 1t is triumph of virtue, q
religion, and Of moral courage. Iii
life is no less encouraging than beautiful
The influence of such man never dies
lie communicates an electric impulse
" his age. Thousands have been kindle
;. from the fires that burned in his breast
= The good man lives in his works, in h
Z example, and in his inhuences--whe
- his own bright orb is sunk TO rest, tn
" world Is still illumined with the "brigl
y track of his fiery ear"
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