WILBERFORCE had two great aims: the abolition of the slave trade and the "reformation of manners". On 16 June 1824, he was one of the founders of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). The Society was set up to help enforce a new law to prevent cruelty to cattle, sheep and horses. But it had a much broader mission - "to alter the moral feelings of the country".

His other good works included prison reform, fair care for prisoners of war, improving hospitals and the lot of the poor, and reforms around the world.

"Faith without works is dead," says the Bible - but it also says that works without faith are "dead" too. You can't chalk up credit with God through trying hard - none of us are up to such an awesome standard of goodness. But when we put our faith in Jesus Christ, God gives us His Spirit - who changes us and helps us live different lives - lives that please Him.

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