FREEDOM OF LONDON. 297 



societies and creed lines, was preparing the English people to 

 adopt as their honored and trusted agent the man who, under 

 all circumstances, avowed his absolute consecration to the con- 

 version of Africa to Christ, which was ripening the request in 

 the heart of the nation that the church would suffer their mis- 

 sionary explorer to become an explorer missionary. Such was 

 the interest which caused a hearty rivalry between city authori- 

 ties and commercial unions and scientific societies in bestowing 

 on this humble, earnest, consecrated man their highest honors. 

 Various cities presented him the freedom of their corporations. 

 The ceremony of this attention in London was peculiarly im- 

 posing. " On the 21st of May," says the Illustrated London 

 News, "the Court of Common Council presented an unusually 

 gay appearance in consequence of the attendance of a number 

 of ladies to witness the ceremony of presenting Dr. Livingstone 

 the 'freedom of the city,' as a testimonial of his zeal and per- 

 severing exertions in the important discoveries which he has 

 made in Africa. Dr. Livingstone was introduced amid great 

 applause by Mr. J. E. Saunders and Alderman Rose, the mover 

 and seconder of the resolution ; and, after the declaration of 

 freedom was read, was addressed by Sir John Key, Bart., the 

 Chamberlain, in a highly eulogistic speech, in which were fully 

 detailed the difficulties overcome, and the benefits to science and 

 art achieved by his indomitable zeal. Dr. Livingstone's address 

 in reply was vehemently cheered ; and, after receiving the con- 

 gratulations of the Lord Mayor and the principal members of 

 the corporation, and of the lady mayoress and several ladies, he 

 retired amid great applause." 



This testimonial of the city government was presented in a 

 beautifully-ornamented casket, designed and manufactured by 

 the best skill. The box itself was of African oak, with repre- 

 sentations of miniature palm trees in frosted silver at each 

 corner. On each of the four sides there was a silver plate. On 

 that in front was engraved the resolution of the court ; that at 

 the back represented an African scene, with the doctor exploring 

 a river, and at the ends were science and commerce in bold 

 relief — science surrounded by a globe, compass and telescope ; 

 'commerce by coal pits, shafts, etc. The lid was surmounted by 

 a group of figures — an European holding the hand of friendship 



