Francis Jackson Garrison, William Lloyd Garrison, 1805-1879; the story of his life told by his children: volume 3

The best-considered and most effective speech of Mr. Garrison's during the year was that delivered at the New¹ England Convention in Boston on May 26. It expounded the constitution and philosophy of the anti-slavery movement, proved its catholicity, and vindicated the criticism meted out on its platform to all who took their stand on it. In form, scope, and strictness of reasoning it was a classical production. But we must pass it by, for the Bible Convention is only a week off.

In the Liberator of April 22, 1853, appeared a call to² the friends of free discussion, ‘without distinction of sex, color, sect, or party,’ to meet at Hartford, Conn., on Thursday, June 2, to Sunday, June 5, ‘for the purpose of freely and fully canvassing the origin, authority, and influence of the Jewish and Christian Scriptures.’ It was signed by Andrew Jackson Davis, William Green, Jr., and William P. Donaldson. Mr. Green we have already met at the founding of the American Anti-Slavery³ Society. Mr. Davis was definable in a single word as a ‘seer,’ or prophet, possessed of clairvoyant powers,⁴ and sometimes styled the ‘Great Harmonian,’ in allusion to⁵ the principal work embodying his philosophy. He was commonly classed among Spiritualists, though not strictly in line with them, and his admirers were Spiritualists for the most part. He had risen from a very humble origin⁶ without education, and manifested considerable gifts of style as a writer. His manners were amiable, gentle, and attractive. Henry C. Wright accounted him “a Jesus of this day.” Lib. 23.64.

Mr. Garrison gave his open approval to the call not⁷ long after its appearance, lent his signature to it, and consented to take part in the proceedings. He shared