Page:Women of distinction.djvu/164

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WOMEN OF DISTINCTION.

which the fabric of Liberia's liberties shall rest to the remotest generations; among the noble-hearted women who labored assiduously and arduously, in suushine and in rain, to push forward the civilizing work among the heathen natives of Liberia and raise the bright and morning star of freedom and religion over this portion of Africa; good women who possessed great souls and breathed a sentiment which said:

"Give to the winds thy fears!
Hope, and be undismayed;
God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears,
God shall lift up thy head!"

women who, though dead, still live in the hearts of Liberians, are Mrs. Newport, the warrior; Mrs. Elijah Johnson, the far-sighted statesman; Mrs. Teage, the jurist; Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Yates, Mrs. Richardson, Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Payne and Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts.

Much of the prosperity which Liberians enjoy to-day is largely due to the ceaseless efforts of the good women whose names are mentioned above. But there are still some few remaining who have not yet gone on to join their mothers in that rest, sweet rest; who have caught hold where the pioneer sisters left off and have gone on steadily to work, building: and fostering the nation's institutions.

These women are now actively on the stage of responsible life in Liberia, giving inspiration, influencing the building of breastworks and stockades, not, however, like those which their mothers erected, of stocks and staves, but of earnest prayer, consecrated to God: Mrs.