in the work and sure of the ultimate success of the cause.  Of his sincerity and honesty in this matter we need not speak.  By common consent he takes place among those who in this world have been permitted to illustrate on an extended scale the power and beauty of the Christian life.  As a reformer of the abuses of society he is often cited as a model, uniting to a singular purity and sweetness of spirit an immovable firmness of will.  To these blended and diverse qualities was owing, in a great measure, the final success of the long-contested Abolition Bill.  Seldom, indeed, has the patience of an advocate been put to a severer test than during the protracted period that the bill for the suppression of the Slave-Trade was before the House.  To push it forward when there was an opening, and to withdraw when effort was useless or worse than useless, was the course pursued for a series of years.  The subject, meanwhile, was never lost sight of; when nothing more could be done, the House were reminded that it was still in reserve.

Early in the present century a favorable conjuncture of events led to vigorous efforts for the attainment of the long desired object.  The antagonistic policy was now rather to hinder the progress of the Abolition Bill than to oppose the ultimate extinction of the trade.  Of the supporters of this policy it was remarked by Mr. Pitt, that “they who wished to protract the season of conflict, whatever might be their professions, really wished to uphold the system.”

Notwithstanding certain covert efforts on the part of the opposition, the prospect gradually brightened.  Several new and influential members were added to the London Society,—­among them Henry Brougham.  The Irish members, who, in consequence of the completed union with England, took their seats in Parliament, were almost to a man in favor of Abolition.  In 1805 success seemed about to be obtained.  But before the final passage of the Abolition Bill came sorrow of heart to its friends.  Mr. Pitt, having run a political career whose unexampled brilliancy and usefulness had well fulfilled his early promise, died in the very prime of life.  A year had hardly passed, when his great political rival, Mr. Fox, was no more.  Both of these distinguished men had been, as we have seen, from the beginning of the contest, the friends of Abolition.  Said Mr. Fox, on his death-bed,—­“Two things I wish earnestly to see accomplished:  peace with Europe, and the abolition of the Slave-Trade; but of the two I wish the latter.”

Notwithstanding the death of its friends, the Abolition Bill was steadily making its way.  The “vexed question” of near twenty years was about to be set at rest.  Opposition had grown feeble, and in May, 1807, the bill which made the Slave-Trade a crime wherever the British rule extended passed both Houses and became a law.

It was a day of triumphant joy.  This was felt by the friends of Abolition at large, and especially by its advocates.  These received everywhere the warmest congratulations.  Mr. Wilberforce, on entering the House of Commons just before the passage of the bill, was greeted with rounds of applause.