p. 16 | A Remarkable Woman

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 10, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 10.

A Remarkable Woman.

Frances E. Willard was a remarkable woman, with a rare combination of gifts and qualities which endeared her to thousands and qualified her for leadership. She had a wonderful power of attracting and holding friends, many of whom idolized her. Her broad sympathies, and boundless faith in the power of woman, doubtless affected more or less by the flattery of friends, resulted in broadening the departments of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union till its noble Christian temperance principles have been well-nigh swallowed up in the more exciting political objects sought. The burdens became so great that human nature could not endure it, and the wonderful woman succumbed. But we do not judge Miss Willard. She doubtless acted from conscientious motives, tho oftentimes in human wisdom, and this brought into the great organization of which she was the head, much of policy instead of principle. But she rests. We pay tribute to her ardent enthusiasm, devoted zeal, broad sympathy, and true womanly greatness. We sympathize with those who mourn; but we point them to God, who is greater than all. No one, however great, is necessary to Him. “He buries His workmen, but He carries on His work” in His own way.

(This note was by oversight omitted in a previous number.)