He enrolled at Cambridge University and became friends with William Pitt. At the age of 21, Wilberforce was elected to Parliament. He was well suited to politics as he was an extremely eloquent speaker and very witty. In 1783, he met James Ramsay and, for the first time, discussed slavery. Around 1884-6, he underwent a gradual but 'intense religious conversion' whilst travelling with a friend. He considered leaving Parliament but his friend and mentor, John Newton, advised him againt this, so, instead, he decided to serve God in public life.