Frederick Douglass, the Orator - Monroe County Library System

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection
LIFE OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS. 31
ceived and hospitably entertained by eminent
men in England, Scotland, and Ireland. On the
7th of August, 1846, the World's Temperance
Convention was held in Covent Garden Theater,
London. To Mr. Douglass was extended an
invitation to speak, with which he complied, his
remarks having special reference to the condition
of the colored people in the United States.
A question of importance was being discussed
in Scotland whither he now went. The Free
Church there received contributions from slaveholders,
and, by so doing, gave its sanction to
slavery. This system was condemned by many
of the leading men of Glasgow. Some undertook
to defend in the name of the Bible not only this
system but the holding of fellowship with slaveholders.
Scotland was roused with excitement
over the question. Much good resulted from the
agitation which followed. Slavery was thoroughly
discussed, and its pernicious practices exposed.
To Mr. Douglass more than to any other at the
time was given the credit of awakening the moral
and religious sentiment of the people against the
holding of human beings in bondage. Before his
return to America, which soon after followed,
some friends raised the money and purchased his
freedom from his owner, Captain Auld of Maryland,
the amount charged being one hundred and
fifty pounds $terling.