New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1846-02-26
speec,, of Frederick Douglass.

4 abstinence! VIII you llIth ~ I!I!s uSSCotNH'
speech Of Frederick Douglass.
i, Belfast, Ireland, on The 9Th OF January last
Public Breakfast was given to FREDERICK DoUe-
Lass whose name is already quite familiar 10 our
readers Among those who were foremost III con-
ferring this honor upon a SelfEmancipated Slave
we're Members OF Parliament. distinguished Clergy
men of various denominations. and large number
o the most eminent citizens Belfast and its vicinity
VIZ: s CRAWFORD, NJ. P. occupied The chair blessing
was asked by Rev MrNELsoN and thanks were return
cd by Rev Mr. HoDGENs. After speech by the Chair
man Row Mr. Nelson read an address 10 Mr. Douglass,
and PRESENTED him with beautifully gilt bible, in rich
binding bearing appropriate inscription Il waa in
tended testimony OF admiration for his Lectures de-
vered il Belfast and also tribute Of espec; for his
personal character Mr.. Douglass responded FOL.
lows
II would be useless for me 10 attempt to conceal my
en- IN rising respond 10 the eloquent ADD
highly complimentary address. together "!th the golden
.ift with which have jus; been presented. am unequa.
the work my feelings too deep too strong tor easy
have often in the course oil my snort; though
not uneyen,ful life been called 10 respond ia accents
Of and heartfelt gratitude for noble deeds and
generous faYors conferred upon oy The magnani-
nous friends of my lolgeusiayed aud deepy-ouTased
fellow countrymrn but never have been more at loss
for language fa that duty than on the present tbr!
morning will form period in my humble hlstory-a Pc
Rod TO which, with all my hopes and aspirations never
locked forward; but 70 which waile memory holds
lie place shall ever lock back With the grateful
emotion. accept, thankfully, this Blbe and while II
shall have the best place in my house. trust also, 10
give It's precepis The best place IN my heart The happy
Incidents OF This morning have called INTO remembrance
Of early sirueglss Gistr AhOwItdSe ana tue
difficulties that then lay in the way OF It's attainment
Remember the first time heard the Bible and
tell you the truth. when tell you tnat trom that time
trace my first desire learn read. was over years
OLD my master had gone out one sunday night the ci
dren mad gone bed had crawled unde. the centre
table. and had fallen asleep when my mistress com
lnenced read the Bible loud that she walked me
she walked me sleep more learned that the
chapter which che then read was the LIST chapter Job
| remember my sympathy for the good old man and
my anxiety know more about him led me 10 ask
my ms;ress-who was, at his time. Kind Ildy-to
teach TO read She commenced, and would have, but
for the opposition OF her husband, taught me 10 read
She ceased 10 instruct me- but my desire TO read con-
rued and instead decreasing increased and by the
aid Of little boys obtained At dicren; times finally sue
ceeded in learning read After learning 10 read my
desire for books equal my early cesire 20 learn
how 70 read save frequently WIN my nn9ers from
mud and filth OF the gutter raked leaves OF me sacred
volume Theee have washed and dried, aud read the
words OF heavenly wisdom when they contained WIN
GLAD heart considering myself fortunate enjoy such
privilege rus sha not be deemed presume tuUus or
ecot!stcal when say that from my present position see
points my humble history marked by the hnger OF God
Twenty years ago, while lying not unlike pet dog, at
the feet my in her house in Phipotstrect
Folls Point, Baltimore, wab reused from Inc sweet
sleep Of childhood. hear the narrative OF job few
wears afrerard found searching for the Scriptures
in the muddy CUTTERS and rcscuiEg us pages from
the filth into which neglect and wasteuness had plunged
them. A few years later escaped from my chains,
gained partial freedom and became an advocate Tor the
emancipation OF my suspicion arose that was
what profess TO be 10 silence which, Ill necessary
write out my experience IN slavery ana give tue
names of my enslavers. This endanecrs my liberty
Prosecuted. hunted. and outraged in America. have
come 10 England and behold the change The chsttel
breaf he md | am free q
cullng the Scriptures from the mud they come 10 me
dressed polished gold as the free and unsolicited git
of devoted friends will take it, aud while live pre-
serve il; and long after have gone hence TO my
reward il my will is carried out II shall be pre-
served by my children, amt remain menento IN the
house Of Douglass I'LL time shall melt Il into dust. |
assure YOU gentlemen Of The Committee, you have
selected proper mode OF expressing your regard for
me. What could be better than the Bible 10 pe,
contcnding sganst oppression, fraud and wrong =
II full al wisdom and goodness-ith nope nd chhf'
" sparkle every page s OF which dea! death 10 Sn
very An attempt has been ade 10 press the Bible into
the service OF Slavery The Abolition p-rty IN America
find no determined opponents OF iAS cause when
they advocate than eXpounder- Of the Word OF God
That; this audience might appear stranse; but sucA
is the fact. thank Goo Ita change for the better Is
taking place purer aLG higher grade OF meu are hnd
ing their way the Ministry and brighter days are be-
ginning dawn upon my country. You could rot have
given token appropriate as this Bible 1t con-
aus all thati is right Gnd:s opposed 10 Ill thar wrong
IL knows one by The color OF MS SKIN II treats AL
alike and says all Whatsoever you would that men
should do you do you unto them II you claim
liberty for yourself then grant to your neighbor Is The
doctrine ii nculcates. feel much struck with the
change in my circumstances; only few days ago,
was in land where was hated and sbhorred-where
the blood hound might have been put my track, and
have been hunted down and carried back into Slavery
| left that land. and in eleven and half days |
set lny foot British soil and was free now
ind myself surrounded by kind friends the very
expression OF whose coHntenances beams with sym
pslhy such | never expected 70 meet with, and
which has quite overcome aud unulsnuud me-
could expose Slavery in the midst Of those who would
uphold i'll could contend for the principles Of
liberty the face OF the determined opposition,
but equal address those whose sympathy has
been excited for my race and who have showed
much kindness. will always remember the people OF
Belfast, and the kind friends around me- and
wherever else feel my self TO be stranger, will re-
member | have h home IN Belfast. ! Will LOOK forward
with pleasure 10 the day which will find you
agai-snd, il the meantime, you shall hear from me.
wherever my lot may be Let me thank you. with
my whole heart Tor the address aud beautiful present
YOU have made me. well for The deep interest you
have taken in the of the wronsed and oppressed
slaves OF America. You have discharged your duty
big anS Christians should do. When came
ge- among you, taken by the hand and. may
say my hand has been held throughout The Commit
tee have abOred in season and of give ef
feet my feeble efforts the emancipation Of my
Without the Committee could have done nothing; 10
them all the praise is due Once accept my thanks
for all the kindness have experienced AT your hands;
and hid all farewell until shall incest again