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Original Source Document
 * Frederick Douglass Diary - page 20 of 72**

made a pleasing feature of the Landscape. January 20. This day has been rich in accomplishment. It was our first morning in the Eternal City and had for us an interest which no words at my command can fitly describe. I stood where until recently I never expected to stand. Under the Dome of St. Peters, the largest Cathedral in the world. and around which clusters a larger interest perhaps than any other so called Christian edifice. In looking at its splendor, one could not help being deeply impressed by its gorgeousness and perfection despite of its utter contradiction to the life and lessons of Jesus. He was meek and lowly, but he was little else than pride and pomp. It is well for the world that the age that could rear this wonderful building so perfect in architectural grace has past. Yet in view of what it speaks of architectural skill of man and of his possibilities we may rejoice that this marvelous building was erected and that it will long stand to please the eye of man
 * Transcribed Text**