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EXTRACT FROM AN ADDRESS DELIVERED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE
AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION.

BY HON. FREDERICK DOUGLASS.


I esteem it an honor to have been invited to speak a word in this
presence upon this very interesting occasion. I am here, however, not
so much to deliver an address, or to make a speech, as to put myself
on record. I am here to pay a debt long due. I have wished, by my
presence here, to emphasize my gratitude to the members and friends of
this Association for the beneficent work which they have done, and
which they are still doing, for the people with whom I am identified.
I would not disparage the labors of any other organization in this
direction inside of the church. I am thankful to all such, but I know
of none to which the colored people of the Southern States are more
indebted for effective service than to this American Missionary
Association.

Long before the abolition of slavery, this organization bore a
consistent and faithful testimony against that stupendous wrong. When
it was abolished this Association did not disband nor discontinue its
work, but went forward as earnestly as ever to advance, enlighten and
elevate the colored people of the South.

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