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[187] down. As to where I have stood and what I have done, by the help of God, for the extinction of slavery in this land, the fury of the oppressor in the past is a more sure certificate than any that can now be given me by the friends of freedom. Yet, without co-workers from the greatest to the least, and in every position in society, my labors had been almost in vain, and peradventure the year of jubilee indefinitely postponed.

Of this testimonial I may be permitted to say, that none was ever more unsought or more unexpected; none more spontaneous or more honorable was ever proffered. Under the guise of self-abnegation, I might decline it; but I have labored in vain if I have now to prove my disinterestedness by refusing to accept this mark ‘of the good — will and grateful respect of friends and countrymen.’ He who insists upon always giving, but never receiving, may possibly discover that he is actuated by a false pride and a selfish exclusiveness. Perceiving the spirit and object which have prompted this testimonial, and the complete justification of a once hated but now gloriously triumphant cause embodied in it, I accept it in no dependent sense, nor as a pecuniary reward for any sacrifices made or labors performed, but with becoming self-respect, and with untrammelled freedom of thought, speech, and action. I accept it, moreover, not as relating to any other question than that of slavery, not as an approval of all my methods of action or modes of expression (for some of these I should be quite sure to alter on a critical revision, now that the heat and smoke of the conflict are ended), but exactly for what it is intended to sanction and commend, to wit—the cause of universal freedom, and an unswerving advocacy of that cause, at whatever cost or peril. By the abolition of slavery, notwithstanding the pangs and dangers of our present transitional state, we may ultimately hope for all crowning mercies upon our beloved country. For brass there shall be brought forth gold, and for iron silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron. Every man shall sit under his own vine, and there shall be none to molest or make afraid.

My pleasure, gentlemen of the committee, is saddened in this connection, as well as your own, in view of the sudden demise of your lamented chairman, ex-Governor Andrew, who honored me with his friendship and confidence when friends and supporters were ‘few and far between,’ and who took a more than friendly interest in the inception and completion of this testimonial, himself writing the appeal to the people, and exerting his influence to get it responded to, to the full extent therein


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John A. Andrew (1)
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