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Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce
"John Piper's succinct and superbly perceptive study of William Wilberforce deserves to become an acclaimed bestseller. It not only tells the story of a great man's life-it also tells us how to understand the ultimate source of his greatness and happiness. Moreover, that understanding goes far deeper than the abolitionist achievements for which Wilberforce is honored, astounding though they were. William Wilberforce's secret, as revealed in this book, was that he made the journey from self-centeredness, achievement-centeredness, and political-centeredness to God-centeredness. And he made it with Christlike joy."
-Jonathan Aitken Against great obstacles William Wilberforce, an evangelical Christian and a member of Parliament, fought for the abolition of the African slave trade and against slavery itself until they were both illegal in the British Empire. Many are aware of Wilberforce's role in bringing an end to slavery in Great Britain, but few have taken the time to examine the beliefs and motivations that spurred him on for decades. In this concise volume, John Piper tells the story of how Wilberforce was transformed from an unbelieving, young politician into a radically God-centered Christian, and how his deep spirituality helped to change the moral outlook of a nation. As world leaders debate over how to deal with a host of social justice and humanitarian crises, a closer look at Wilberforce's life and faith serves as an encouragement and example to all believers.
-Jonathan Aitken Against great obstacles William Wilberforce, an evangelical Christian and a member of Parliament, fought for the abolition of the African slave trade and against slavery itself until they were both illegal in the British Empire. Many are aware of Wilberforce's role in bringing an end to slavery in Great Britain, but few have taken the time to examine the beliefs and motivations that spurred him on for decades. In this concise volume, John Piper tells the story of how Wilberforce was transformed from an unbelieving, young politician into a radically God-centered Christian, and how his deep spirituality helped to change the moral outlook of a nation. As world leaders debate over how to deal with a host of social justice and humanitarian crises, a closer look at Wilberforce's life and faith serves as an encouragement and example to all believers.
80 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2007
34 people are currently reading
1064 people want to read
About the author
John Piper
609 books4,584 followersJohn Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as senior pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
February 28, 2014
There have been many books written about the life of William Willberforce. You will find other books that have a much more detailed accounting of Willberforce's life. But Piper has given us a short little vignette that gives a clear picture of the man more than a clear picture of his theological and political prowess.
This is a good book for a group discussion starter about the life of a saint and his persistence in the calling that God placed on his life. Piper points out the following about Wilberforce:
1. He was not educated in Theology, but he had a firmer grasp of the truths of the doctrine of Justification and Sanctification than many learned men of his time.
2. He was a wealthy man who didn't need to get involved in social issues of his day. He could have lived a quiet uneventful life in wealth and done just fine, but he chose to get involved. Have you chosen to get involved?
3. He found his calling from God and never wavered from it. How many people would spend forty years fighting for the abolition of Slavery and continue to do so after being voted down by parliament year after year? He found his passion and stuck with it.
4. Wilberforce though was not just a one social issue politician. He was involved in dozens of issues and worked hard for them, it's just that abolition was the most focused.
5. Did you know that Wilberforce loved children and loved having fun and laughing? In his period of life wealthy men hired nanny's to care for their children and push them out of sight. Wilberforce loved though to play with them and have family meals and read to them and care for them. Unusual for that day and age, but even unusual in ours.
6. Wilberforce suffered from physical ailments. BUT, he didn't let those keep him from his work.
7. Wilberforce wrote guides for practical Christianity that are still relevant today.
All in all Wilberforce was amazing, and John Piper in just a short 82 page book gives us a glimpse into a side of Wilberforce's life that many other biographers don't address.
Don't make this your only book you read about William Wilberforce, but maybe make it your first if you have never read any at all.
Enjoy!
This is a good book for a group discussion starter about the life of a saint and his persistence in the calling that God placed on his life. Piper points out the following about Wilberforce:
1. He was not educated in Theology, but he had a firmer grasp of the truths of the doctrine of Justification and Sanctification than many learned men of his time.
2. He was a wealthy man who didn't need to get involved in social issues of his day. He could have lived a quiet uneventful life in wealth and done just fine, but he chose to get involved. Have you chosen to get involved?
3. He found his calling from God and never wavered from it. How many people would spend forty years fighting for the abolition of Slavery and continue to do so after being voted down by parliament year after year? He found his passion and stuck with it.
4. Wilberforce though was not just a one social issue politician. He was involved in dozens of issues and worked hard for them, it's just that abolition was the most focused.
5. Did you know that Wilberforce loved children and loved having fun and laughing? In his period of life wealthy men hired nanny's to care for their children and push them out of sight. Wilberforce loved though to play with them and have family meals and read to them and care for them. Unusual for that day and age, but even unusual in ours.
6. Wilberforce suffered from physical ailments. BUT, he didn't let those keep him from his work.
7. Wilberforce wrote guides for practical Christianity that are still relevant today.
All in all Wilberforce was amazing, and John Piper in just a short 82 page book gives us a glimpse into a side of Wilberforce's life that many other biographers don't address.
Don't make this your only book you read about William Wilberforce, but maybe make it your first if you have never read any at all.
Enjoy!
March 15, 2020
Great, brief read. Piper always does these biographies well.
Takeaways:
1) William Wilberforce fought 46 years
to abolish the slave trade and outlaw slavery
in the British Empire.
Forty-six years. And he succeeded!
Piper tells us,
“Wilberforce wrote in a letter,
‘I daily become more sensible that my work must be affected by constant and regular exertions rather than by sudden and violent ones.’
“In other words, with 15 years to go in the first phase of the battle, he knew that only a marathon mentality, rather than a sprint mentality, would prevail in this cause.”
Such a wonderful reminder that consistent, steady effort bears fruit. It’s a call to be faithful!
2) Though without formal theological training, Wilberforce emphasized the need for good doctrine to inform our lives. Morality without solid theology is only legalism, but the behavior that results from a right understanding of the foundational teachings of Scripture leads to JOY!
3) Joy in the Lord is our responsibility to pursue, to God’s glory.
4) Never underestimate the impact of a single person fully devoted to Christ.
Takeaways:
1) William Wilberforce fought 46 years
to abolish the slave trade and outlaw slavery
in the British Empire.
Forty-six years. And he succeeded!
Piper tells us,
“Wilberforce wrote in a letter,
‘I daily become more sensible that my work must be affected by constant and regular exertions rather than by sudden and violent ones.’
“In other words, with 15 years to go in the first phase of the battle, he knew that only a marathon mentality, rather than a sprint mentality, would prevail in this cause.”
Such a wonderful reminder that consistent, steady effort bears fruit. It’s a call to be faithful!
2) Though without formal theological training, Wilberforce emphasized the need for good doctrine to inform our lives. Morality without solid theology is only legalism, but the behavior that results from a right understanding of the foundational teachings of Scripture leads to JOY!
3) Joy in the Lord is our responsibility to pursue, to God’s glory.
4) Never underestimate the impact of a single person fully devoted to Christ.
October 17, 2021
I read Eric Metaxas's excellent biography, "Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery," six years ago. But I'm so glad I didn't miss this thin volume by John Piper. It is an excellent introduction to William Wilberforce and served as an encouragement for my own walk of faith.
June 14, 2023
If all you know about Wilberforce comes from a movie... This fills in quite a few gaps. Joyful, little biography.
June 10, 2024
William Wilberforce’s life is a testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness. John Piper’s biography is very short and an easy introduction to the life of Wilberforce. I would have LOVED if this biography was longer, but I am leaving this brief read inspired by Wilberforce’s endurance in the faith and humble dedication amongst heavy opposition to the abolition of slavery in the name of Christ.
February 1, 2012
Very brief look at Wilberforce's life and campaign for the abolition of slavery. The focus is on Wilberforce's life after his entry into politics and mainly how he managed to endure so many years of rejection and setbacks in his campaign before finally achieving success. Piper calls this the "root of his endurance" which he then fleshes out over a few chapters. I felt like Piper tried to force some of his language and terminology on Wilberforce and like he read Wilberforce's main work ("A Practical View of Real Christianity") through his theological lenses rather than letting Wilberforce speak for himself. Either way, it was an enlightening and edifying read and I was encouraged by the joy and endurance of Wilberforce despite significant health and political challenges.
August 27, 2017
This is a short summary of the life of William Wilberforce and the elements of faith that led him to his long road to fight for the abolition of slavery within the British empire in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It shows his change from directionless, advantaged youth to weighty soul after his conversion and long study of Scriptures and other writings. He rivaled Job in his longstanding dedication to a cause that seemed lost from the beginning by all outward appearances, but ultimately achieved victory just days prior to his death. He was a fine balance of statesman and biblical moral guide (at least the way Piper tells it; I'm sure he had his fair share of shortcomings that a pamphlet of 76 pages didn't have time to address) and seemed to view joy in all circumstances as the key to moving forward on causes of great importance.
It's not the most detailed biography, but does point to other biographies and Wilberforce's own writings to fill in the gaps.
It's not the most detailed biography, but does point to other biographies and Wilberforce's own writings to fill in the gaps.
April 4, 2020
I love John piper and I think he does an excellent job on his biographies. the book was short and sweet. I have really enjoyed biographies in the past and wanted to read more this year. William Wilberforce life was/is an excellent person to look at. He fought long and hard and with great perseverance to end the slave trade. in 1807 the first major win in Parliament finally won enough votes. and after this he labored for many more years. IT was really interesting to hear how piper explained his life and the trails that he faced. I think that I give up too easily, our entire culture gives up easily; especially if things are not going their way. but Wilberforce is a perfect example of someone to look up too when it comes to endurance. most of his life was failure after failure however, three days before he died slavery was officially ended in England. I cant imagine what those last few days of his life were like, how God so graciously let him see the fruit of his labors.
I only wish the biography was a little longer But, all in all a great read and very enjoyable read.
recommended. Ps. I always recommend anything by John Piper lol.
I only wish the biography was a little longer But, all in all a great read and very enjoyable read.
recommended. Ps. I always recommend anything by John Piper lol.
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January 28, 2025"In other words, he (William Wilberforce) lived to do good—or as Jesus said, to let his light shine before men that they might see his good deeds and give glory to his Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16).
[...] Therefore, in all our zeal today for racial harmony, or the sanctity of human life, or the building of a moral culture, let us not forget these lessons: Never minimize the central place of God-centered, Christ-exalting doctrine; labor to be indomitably joyful in all that God is for us in Christ by trusting his great finished work; and never be idle in doing good— that men may see our good deeds and give glory to our Father
who is in heaven (Matt. 5:16)."
[...] Therefore, in all our zeal today for racial harmony, or the sanctity of human life, or the building of a moral culture, let us not forget these lessons: Never minimize the central place of God-centered, Christ-exalting doctrine; labor to be indomitably joyful in all that God is for us in Christ by trusting his great finished work; and never be idle in doing good— that men may see our good deeds and give glory to our Father
who is in heaven (Matt. 5:16)."
March 5, 2024
The story of a man who fought for decades against all opposition to abolish the slave trade and slavery itself in England. How was he able to do it?
“William Wilberforce’s secret… was that he made the journey from self-centeredness, achievement-centeredness, and political-centeredness to God-centeredness. And he made it with Christlike joy”
“William Wilberforce’s secret… was that he made the journey from self-centeredness, achievement-centeredness, and political-centeredness to God-centeredness. And he made it with Christlike joy”
January 29, 2024
Encouraging, inspiring, short and sweet
April 22, 2025
Such a short, easy read packed full of good theology. Wilberforce was a British slavery abolitionist in the late 1700s to early 1800s. He was also a devout Christian who, even though his circumstances were extremely difficult, trusted in Jesus as his Savior. The root of his incessant joy was the Cross of Christ, and he held on to his faith throughout his struggles.
June 25, 2008
I have finished Piper's little book Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce. It was excellent! You should look into getting some for evangelistic reasons, as people will be interested when you tell them that this is the 200th anniversary of the banning of the slave trade (by Britain).
The last two chapters were most captivating, as they looked into Wilberforce's contagious Christian joy and his beliefs on the importance of doctrine. The book is available to read for free online, and it would be well worth your time.
I would like to provide some excerpts here as I can't help but spread some wisdom from Wilberforce.
A Prayer during a season of darkness, when he was fighting for joy:
From Piper's conclusion to the book:
The last two chapters were most captivating, as they looked into Wilberforce's contagious Christian joy and his beliefs on the importance of doctrine. The book is available to read for free online, and it would be well worth your time.
I would like to provide some excerpts here as I can't help but spread some wisdom from Wilberforce.
My grand objection to the religious system still held by many who declare themselves orthodox Churchmen...is, that it tends to render Christianity so much a system of prohibitions rather than of privelege and hopes, and thus the injunction to rejoice, so strongly enforced in the New Testament, is practically neglected, and Religion is made to wear a forbidding and gloomy air and not one of peace and hope and joy. [Wilberforce in response to someone expressing their mistrust of joy. (pg. 62 in Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce, by Piper):]
A Prayer during a season of darkness, when he was fighting for joy:
Lord, thou knowest that no strength, wisdom or contrivance of human power can signify, or relieve me. It is thy power alone to deliver me. I fly to thee for succor and support, O Lord let it come speedily; give me full proof of thy Almighty power; I am in great troubles, insurmountable by me; but to thee slight and inconsiderable; look upon me O Lord with compassion and mercy, and restore me to rest, quietness, and comfort, in the world, or in another by removing me hence into a state of peace and happiness. Amen. [pg. 64:]
Pleasure and Religion are contradictory terms with the bulk of nominal Christians. [pg. 64:]
[It is a:] "fatal habit to consider Christian morals as distinct from Christian doctrines." [pg. 72:]
From Piper's conclusion to the book:
Is it not remarkable that one of the greatest politicians of Britain and one of the most persevering public warriors for social justice should elevate doctrine so highly? Perhaps this is why the impact of the church today is as weak as it is. Those who are most passionate about being practical for the public good are often the least doctrinally interested or informed.
Wilberforce would say: You can't endure in bearing fruit if you sever the root.
...Wilberforce lived off the "great doctrines of the gospel,"....This is where he fed his joy....The joy of the Lord became his strength (Neh. 8:10). And in this strength he pressed on in the cause of abolishing the slave trade until he had the victory.
Therefore, in all our zeal today for racial harmony, or the sanctity of human life, or the building of a moral culture, let us not forget these lessons: Never minimize the central place of God-centered, Christ-exalting doctrine; labor to be indomitably joyful in all that God is for us in Christ by trusting his great finished work; and never be idle in doing good---that men may see our good deeds and give glory to our Father who is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).
November 5, 2016
This is a good and timely monograph on the role of Wilberforce' faith as a motivation for his abolitionist and other social work. Unfortunately, Piper's penultimate aim - to force Wilberforce into Piper's own theological dispositions - is contrived and distracting. Fortunately, the main aim rings through, and is very relevant today: to feature Wilberforce's strong conviction that nominal Christianity cannot produce Christian good. Only the 'peculiarities of the Christian doctrine' - sin, salvation, and sanctification - are capable of producing Christian action in the long run. Consequently, social action in the name of Christianity will only be successful to the extent that it is rooted in the central doctrines of the Christian gospel. It is enlightening to see the comparisons between his day and ours. All in all, this is a good, quick and enjoyable read.
August 10, 2016
"The indomitable joy that carries the day in time of temptation and trial is rooted in the cross of Christ. If we would fight for joy and endure to the end in our struggle with sin, we must know and embrace the full meaning of the cross."
I find that the life of Wilberforce is not encouraging and inspiring because of all he did I abolishing slavery and fighting for human sanctity - though these things are amazing and important - but that he was so driven on first rejoicing in the cross of Christ and the gift of justification.
I am thankful for how well written this is by John Piper and see how much of an impact Wilberforce had on his life and the foundations of Christian Hedonism as a whole. Good stuff!
I find that the life of Wilberforce is not encouraging and inspiring because of all he did I abolishing slavery and fighting for human sanctity - though these things are amazing and important - but that he was so driven on first rejoicing in the cross of Christ and the gift of justification.
I am thankful for how well written this is by John Piper and see how much of an impact Wilberforce had on his life and the foundations of Christian Hedonism as a whole. Good stuff!
August 13, 2016
I have become a huge fan of Wilberforce ever since the movie, "Amazing Grace" came out in 2006. This was an extremely, easy read but a very inspirational one as well. Wilberforce faced a lot of opposition but never gave up because his cause was just. He had political opposition and enemies, difficult family problems and health issues but he was an optimist rooted in his joy in the Lord and had the support of his friends.
January 5, 2017
Great introductory primer to the life of Wilberforce. I had not read anything previously on the man so I was excited to learn about his life of endurance for the cause of abolition. Reading of his life and faithfulness encouraged me to not grow weary in doing good and challenged me in many ways. This is not a traditional biography but rather is condensed and specifically oriented to show how his evangelical faith motivated all that he did.
April 30, 2015
Great introductory work, with an emphasis on gospel rooted joy in Christ, and the necessary sequence of good doctrine preceding and producing GOD works.
Read
October 9, 2025Quotes from my notes app:
No true Christian can endure in battling unrighteousness unless his heart is aflame with new spiritual affections, or passions.
"Mere knowledge is confessedly too weak. The affections alone remain to supply the deficiency." This is the key to public and political morality.
It is a great story of the providence of God pursuing a person through seemingly casual choices.
He embraced the guilt for himself… “for having suffered this horrid trade to be carried on under their authority. We are all guilty—we ought all to plead guilty, and not to exculpate ourselves by throwing the blame on others."
If it please God to honor me so far, may I be the instrument of stopping such a course of wickedness and cruelty as never before disgraced a Christian country.
O what a comfort it is to have to fly for refuge to a God of unchangeable truth and love.
Every leader knows that almost any external burden is bearable if the family is whole and happy. But when the family is torn, all burdens are doubled.
we must pay due respect to the power of camaraderie in the cause of righteousness.
So for Wilberforce, joy was both a means of survival and perseverance on the one hand, and a deep act of submission, obedience, and worship on the other hand. Joy in Christ was commanded. And joy in Christ was the only way to flourish fruitfully through decades of temporary defeat. It was a deep root of endurance.
He speaks of "self-denial" exactly the way Jesus did, not as an end in itself, but as a means to the highest pleasures. The mass of nominal Christians of his day did not understand this. And it was the root of their worldliness. "Pleasure and Religion are contradictory terms with the bulk of nominal Christians." But for Wilberforce it was the opposite. The heart and power of true religion-and the root of righteous political endurance— was spiritual pleasure. "O! little do they know of the true measure of enjoyment, who can compare these delightful complacencies with the frivolous pleasures of dissipation, or the coarse gratifications of sensuality.... The nominal Christian knows not the sweetness of the delights with which true Christianity repays those trifling sacrifices.'"
Joy in Christ was so crucial to living the Christian life and persevering in political justice that Wilberforce fought for it with relentless vigilance.
Persons of the highest distinction were frequently at his breakfast-table, but he never made his appearance till he had concluded his own meditations, reading his Bible, and prayer; always securing, as it were, to God, or rather to his own soul, I believe, the first hour of the morning. Whoever surrounded his breakfast-table, however distinguished the individuals, they were invited to join the family circle in family prayer.
No true Christian can endure in battling unrighteousness unless his heart is aflame with new spiritual affections, or passions.
"Mere knowledge is confessedly too weak. The affections alone remain to supply the deficiency." This is the key to public and political morality.
It is a great story of the providence of God pursuing a person through seemingly casual choices.
He embraced the guilt for himself… “for having suffered this horrid trade to be carried on under their authority. We are all guilty—we ought all to plead guilty, and not to exculpate ourselves by throwing the blame on others."
If it please God to honor me so far, may I be the instrument of stopping such a course of wickedness and cruelty as never before disgraced a Christian country.
O what a comfort it is to have to fly for refuge to a God of unchangeable truth and love.
Every leader knows that almost any external burden is bearable if the family is whole and happy. But when the family is torn, all burdens are doubled.
we must pay due respect to the power of camaraderie in the cause of righteousness.
So for Wilberforce, joy was both a means of survival and perseverance on the one hand, and a deep act of submission, obedience, and worship on the other hand. Joy in Christ was commanded. And joy in Christ was the only way to flourish fruitfully through decades of temporary defeat. It was a deep root of endurance.
He speaks of "self-denial" exactly the way Jesus did, not as an end in itself, but as a means to the highest pleasures. The mass of nominal Christians of his day did not understand this. And it was the root of their worldliness. "Pleasure and Religion are contradictory terms with the bulk of nominal Christians." But for Wilberforce it was the opposite. The heart and power of true religion-and the root of righteous political endurance— was spiritual pleasure. "O! little do they know of the true measure of enjoyment, who can compare these delightful complacencies with the frivolous pleasures of dissipation, or the coarse gratifications of sensuality.... The nominal Christian knows not the sweetness of the delights with which true Christianity repays those trifling sacrifices.'"
Joy in Christ was so crucial to living the Christian life and persevering in political justice that Wilberforce fought for it with relentless vigilance.
Persons of the highest distinction were frequently at his breakfast-table, but he never made his appearance till he had concluded his own meditations, reading his Bible, and prayer; always securing, as it were, to God, or rather to his own soul, I believe, the first hour of the morning. Whoever surrounded his breakfast-table, however distinguished the individuals, they were invited to join the family circle in family prayer.
July 1, 2025
Wow—what a life. Piper writes beautifully (this is the first book I’ve read by him!), and this little book really opened my eyes to a man who was both deeply joyful and deeply committed to Christ. The “amazing grace” in the title isn’t just about saving grace—it’s about sustaining grace. Grace that fueled Wilberforce through sickness, setbacks, and decades of work to end the slave trade.
One thing that stood out was how happy he was. Not fake-happy. Real, deep, Christ-centered joy. Piper describes him as “always happy,” and it’s true. Wilberforce embodied what Piper calls Christian Hedonism—the idea that delighting in God is the heart of the Christian life. That joy gave him strength, perspective, and perseverance.
Piper also draws from Wilberforce’s own book, A Practical View of Christianity. Wilberforce didn’t want a cold, lifeless faith. He pushed back hard against the cultural Christianity of his day—people who said the right things but weren’t changed by grace. For him, true faith wasn’t just belief—it was joy in Christ that spilled over into action, especially in fighting injustice.
This book encouraged me more than I expected. I came into it knowing almost nothing about Wilberforce, and I left feeling like I had met a man who truly walked with Jesus. It stirred up in me a desire to live more joyfully—not just to have joy, but to live from it. It made me want to stay faithful in the daily grind, to keep going when things are hard, and to let the grace of God shape everything I do. (And Piper does all this in only 80 pages!)
And just to be clear—despite the title, this book isn’t about the hymn Amazing Grace. It’s about the actual grace of God that saved Wilberforce and carried him through his whole life. That grace gave him perseverance in politics, gentleness in suffering, and a contagious gladness that came straight from knowing Christ. Piper captures that beautifully.
One thing that stood out was how happy he was. Not fake-happy. Real, deep, Christ-centered joy. Piper describes him as “always happy,” and it’s true. Wilberforce embodied what Piper calls Christian Hedonism—the idea that delighting in God is the heart of the Christian life. That joy gave him strength, perspective, and perseverance.
Piper also draws from Wilberforce’s own book, A Practical View of Christianity. Wilberforce didn’t want a cold, lifeless faith. He pushed back hard against the cultural Christianity of his day—people who said the right things but weren’t changed by grace. For him, true faith wasn’t just belief—it was joy in Christ that spilled over into action, especially in fighting injustice.
This book encouraged me more than I expected. I came into it knowing almost nothing about Wilberforce, and I left feeling like I had met a man who truly walked with Jesus. It stirred up in me a desire to live more joyfully—not just to have joy, but to live from it. It made me want to stay faithful in the daily grind, to keep going when things are hard, and to let the grace of God shape everything I do. (And Piper does all this in only 80 pages!)
And just to be clear—despite the title, this book isn’t about the hymn Amazing Grace. It’s about the actual grace of God that saved Wilberforce and carried him through his whole life. That grace gave him perseverance in politics, gentleness in suffering, and a contagious gladness that came straight from knowing Christ. Piper captures that beautifully.
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June 20, 2025O what a comfort it is to have to fly for refuge to a God of unchangeable truth and love
Oh lord purify my soul from all it's stains. Warm my heart with the love of thee, animate my sluggish nature and fix my constancy and volatility that I may not be weary in well doing.
A Christian should have joy and peace in believing. It is his duty to abound in praise
As he walked about the house he was generally humming the tune of a hymn or psalm as if he could not contain his pleasurable feelings of thankfulness and devotion
If a man can rob you of your joy, he can rob you of your usefulness
Self denial-not ad an end in itself but as a means to the highest pleasures.
The true Christian...knows therefore that this holiness is not to preced his reconciliation to God and be it's CAUSE; but to FOLLOW it, and be it's EFFECT. That in short it is by FAITH IN CHRIST only that he is to be justified in the sight of God
Oh lord purify my soul from all it's stains. Warm my heart with the love of thee, animate my sluggish nature and fix my constancy and volatility that I may not be weary in well doing.
A Christian should have joy and peace in believing. It is his duty to abound in praise
As he walked about the house he was generally humming the tune of a hymn or psalm as if he could not contain his pleasurable feelings of thankfulness and devotion
If a man can rob you of your joy, he can rob you of your usefulness
Self denial-not ad an end in itself but as a means to the highest pleasures.
The true Christian...knows therefore that this holiness is not to preced his reconciliation to God and be it's CAUSE; but to FOLLOW it, and be it's EFFECT. That in short it is by FAITH IN CHRIST only that he is to be justified in the sight of God
December 5, 2021
William Wilberforce was an amazing British politician during the late 18th and early 19th century. As a member of parliament in the late 18th and early 19th century, he almost single handedly put an end to human slavery. He became an evangelical Christian when he was in his thirties and felt so convicted that he took it upon himself to work for the abolishment of slavery in the British Empire.
Some quotes by Wilberforce-
"The first years in Parliament I did nothing - nothing to any purpose. My own distinction was my darling object."
"God Almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners."
"We are too young to realize that certain things are impossible... So we will do them anyway."
"My walk is a public one. My business is in the world, and I must mix in the assemblies of men or quit the post which Providence seems to have assigned me."
"Selfishness is one of the principal fruits of the corruption of human nature; and it is obvious that selfishness disposes us to over-rate our good qualities, and to overlook or extenuate our defects."
Some quotes by Wilberforce-
"The first years in Parliament I did nothing - nothing to any purpose. My own distinction was my darling object."
"God Almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners."
"We are too young to realize that certain things are impossible... So we will do them anyway."
"My walk is a public one. My business is in the world, and I must mix in the assemblies of men or quit the post which Providence seems to have assigned me."
"Selfishness is one of the principal fruits of the corruption of human nature; and it is obvious that selfishness disposes us to over-rate our good qualities, and to overlook or extenuate our defects."
November 13, 2021
This was my second reading of this short book on Wilberforce’s life and it was just as encouraging as I remembered it to be. Wilberforce lived his life with indomitable joy as Piper puts it, which was likely one of the main reasons why he was able to endure so much in the causes he so deeply endured over the course of his life, mainly the abolition of the slave trade and slavery itself in the British Empire, which took his entire career in Parliament. I loved reading about his child-likeness and his commitment to doctrine, which was the root of all his good deeds. This is a very easy and quick read, one worth pursuing more than once over the course of one’s life.
December 19, 2022
An easy condensed read, even if you haven’t read anything else about Wilberforce. Piper doesn’t shy away from indicating troubled waters navigated by Wilberforce, but this is just an intro - so don’t expect a deep dive.
The great key to effectiveness? Clinging tight to Christ in childlike faith and joy in His redemptive presence. “If a man can rob you of your joy, he can rob you of your usefulness.”
Glad that it’s possible to be a Calvinist without wearing a ‘forbidding and gloomy air’. If the joy of the Lord is our strength, what a weak and useless people we’d be without a real affection for our Lord!
The great key to effectiveness? Clinging tight to Christ in childlike faith and joy in His redemptive presence. “If a man can rob you of your joy, he can rob you of your usefulness.”
Glad that it’s possible to be a Calvinist without wearing a ‘forbidding and gloomy air’. If the joy of the Lord is our strength, what a weak and useless people we’d be without a real affection for our Lord!
June 19, 2022
Piper presents a brief, but fascinating spiritual biography of "one of the greatest politicians of Britain and one of the most persevering public warriors for social justice." He does a magnificent job of showing how Wilberforce's Christian faith and practice spurred him on to be of service to his nation and world. As we live in a culture that is increasingly hostile to Christianity, I found this book to be of great encouragement for all Christians to persevere to make a difference in our environment today. I recommend a reading and digesting of this study without hesitation.
March 30, 2019
William Wilberforce is one of my heroes. What he accomplished (the end of the slave trade in England) against such astounding odds is absolutely incredible. His Christian character changed his country as much as his political work did. And he was so witty and brilliant that he’s without doubt on my “If I could have lunch with anyone dead or alive” list.
This short book is a nice into for anyone who is unfamiliar with Wilberforce.
This short book is a nice into for anyone who is unfamiliar with Wilberforce.
December 18, 2019
Great little book about Wilberforce. It shows his strength of character, his tenacity, joy, the struggles of his life and his faith in God.
Certainly, Wilberforce is one of those men who believed that to serve God honestly and diligently, one must also love and help one's brothers and sisters. The truth of the doctrine of repentance and salvation was accompanied by a concern about the well-being of the poor and marginalised in society.
Wilberforce is an example to us all.
Certainly, Wilberforce is one of those men who believed that to serve God honestly and diligently, one must also love and help one's brothers and sisters. The truth of the doctrine of repentance and salvation was accompanied by a concern about the well-being of the poor and marginalised in society.
Wilberforce is an example to us all.
August 24, 2020
This was an excellent (very) short booklet providing an introduction into the Christ centred life of William Wilberforce. I very much appreciated the focus provided by the authors, as they highlighted the spiritual growth and eventual foundation of the life of Wilberforce. Had the book been longer and more complete, I would have liked it even better.
May 5, 2021
John Piper fan
I tend to like biographies and autobiographies. (disclaimer) It is also encouraging to read “early” history and how "believers" had an impact on such things as civil or human rights, especially in times like these when we are generally called names like bigot, xeno/homophobe, and hater.
I tend to like biographies and autobiographies. (disclaimer) It is also encouraging to read “early” history and how "believers" had an impact on such things as civil or human rights, especially in times like these when we are generally called names like bigot, xeno/homophobe, and hater.
December 5, 2021
This short book isn’t the source of all William Wilberforce information someone might want. But.. it most likely touches on the heart of WW more than some other biographical works do. It’s encouraging to read of the endurance through all his trials but mostly of his joy in God. This book, I think, will encourage any reader to pursue joy and good works as the product of knowing Christ.
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