and the pseudo-sciences, like mesmerism and phrenology, had numerous followers.  The ferment has long since subsided, and much that was then seething has since gone off in vapor; but when all that was spurious has been rejected, we find that the general impulse was but a new baptism of the old Puritan spirit.  Transcendentalism appealed to the private consciousness as the sole standard of truth and right.  With kindred movements it served to quicken the ethical sense of a nation that was fast becoming materialistic and to nerve it for the conflict that sooner or later had to come.

[Footnote 1:  Henry A. Beers:  Initial Studies in American Letters, 95-98 passim.]

In his salutatory editorial Garrison said with reference to his position:  “In Park Street Church, on the Fourth of July, 1829, in an address on slavery, I unreflectingly assented to the popular but pernicious doctrine of gradual abolition.  I seize this opportunity to make a full and unequivocal recantation, and thus publicly to ask pardon of my God, of my country, and of my brethren, the poor slaves, for having uttered a sentiment so full of timidity, injustice, and absurdity....  I am aware that many object to the severity of my language; but is there not cause for severity?  I will be as harsh as truth, and as uncompromising as justice.  On this subject, I do not wish to think, or speak, or write, with moderation.  No! no!  Tell a man whose house is on fire, to give a moderate alarm; tell him to moderately rescue his wife from the hands of the ravisher; tell the mother to gradually extricate her babe from the fire into which it has fallen; but urge me not to use moderation in a cause like the present!  I am in earnest.  I will not equivocate—­I will not excuse—­I will not retreat a single inch—­AND I WILL BE HEARD.”  With something of the egotism that comes of courage in a holy cause, he said:  “On this question my influence, humble as it is, is felt at this moment to a considerable extent, and shall be felt in coming years—­not perniciously, but beneficially—­not as a curse, but as a blessing; and POSTERITY WILL BEAR TESTIMONY THAT I WAS RIGHT.”

All the while, in speaking to the Negro people themselves, Garrison endeavored to beckon them to the highest possible ground of personal and racial self-respect.  Especially did he advise them to seek the virtues of education and cooeperation.  Said he to them:[1] “Support each other....  When I say ‘support each other,’ I mean, sell to each other, and buy of each other, in preference to the whites.  This is a duty:  the whites do not trade with you; why should you give them your patronage?  If one of your number opens a little shop, do not pass it by to give your money to a white shopkeeper.  If any has a trade, employ him as often as possible.  If any is a good teacher, send your children to him, and be proud that he is one of your color....  Maintain your rights, in all cases, and at whatever expense....  Wherever you are allowed to vote,