WILBERFOKCE. 355 



the contents of the essay were true, it was time that 

 some person should see these calamities to their end." 



On ariving in London he heard for the first time of 

 the labours of Granville Sharp and others. He de- 

 termined to give up his intention of entering the 

 Church, and to devote himself entirely to the de- 

 struction of the slave-trade. At this time a Com- 

 mittee was formed for the purpose of preparing the 

 public mind for abolition. Granville Sharp, to whom 

 more than to any other individual the abolition of the 

 "slave-trade is due, became the president, and Clark- 

 son was deputed to collect evidence. He called on 

 the leading men of the day, and endeavoured to 

 engage their sympathies in the cause. His modest, 

 subdued demeanour, the sad, almost tearful expression 

 of his face, which the painter of his portrait has 

 fortunately seized, the earnestness and passion with 

 which he depicted the atrocities of the slave-hunt in 

 Africa and the miseries of the slave-hold at sea r secured 

 him attention and respect from all ; and among those 

 with whom he spoke was one whose fame is the purest 

 and the best that parliamentary history records. 



William Wilberforce was the son of a rich merchant 

 at Hull, and inherited a large fortune. He went to 

 Cambridge, and was afterwards elected member for 

 his native city, an henour which cost him £8000. 

 He became a member of the fashionable clubs, and 

 chiefly frequented Brookes', where he became a votary 

 of faro till his winnings cured him of his taste for 

 play. He soon obtained a reputation in the House 

 and the salon. He had an easy flow of language, and 

 a voice which was melody itself. He was a clever 

 mimic and an accomplished musician. He possessed 

 the rare arts of polished raillery and courteous repartee. 



