I've been an evangelical Christian for five years. When I was 9, my father died, and I went to live with my aunt and uncle, who were supporters of George Whitefield. There I was introduced to Real Christianity for the first time, but after I went back to live with my mother a few years later, I lost interest in religion. I attended Cambridge at 17, and when my grandfather passed away I inherited a large sum of money, and was able to stand for a seat in parliament at 21. A few years later, Doddridge's "Rise and Progress" had a great effect on my while I was on a vacation in Italy, and I was converted to Christianity in 1785. I considered quitting politics to pursue more spiritual things, but John Newton (a pastor friend of mine), encouraged me to remain and promote Christianity with my position. In 1787 I met Thomas Clarkson and his abolitionist friends, and since then the abolition of the slave trade has been one of my top priorities. So far, we make a good team: He gets me data and finds first-hand testimony, and I present bills and resolutions to parliament and argue as passionately as possible for their passage. In my spare time, I love to sing, spend time with friends, and occasionally rest at my home near London.