Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1881-05-11

MISS wILLARD's VISIT TO CHARLESTON.
For weeks we had been expecting this
distinguished guest. and again and again
been disappointed. First, the illness of
Miss Gordon, the private secretary, and
then a death in Mrs. McLeod's family
prevented but now they were here, the
entire party of four, and we delghtedly
welcomed them to heart and home.
A womans speaking in public, except
"on the stage" was new departure in
this old conservative city of ours. We
are strangely inconsistent, for the verv
persons who 60 into raptures over a wom-
ans acting, singing or dancing with head,
neck and arms uncovered and exposed,
under the blazing gaslight, to the public
gaze, will shudder at the indelicacy Of a
modest and refined Christian lady pleading
as only woman can plead, for the pro-
lection of her home and her dear ones. I
knew that Miss Willard's reputation
would command for her, in the land of the
Huguenot and Cavalier, all the attention
and respect that could be paid, but | was
hardly prepared for the immense audience
which filled to overtiowing Trinity, the
largest church in the city, or the number
of distinguished ministers, who to do
honor to the gifted stranger occupied the
chancel. Every denomination was repre-
sented by its best, and Miss Willard walk
ed in with and was introduced to the audi
ence by an Episcopal bishop, a native OF
the city.
A minister, who came in rather late.
said: 81 expected to find cropped haired.
masculine looking individual, with hands
in pocket and voice keyed US to high c,
and could scarcely believe my eyes when
| saw graceful beautiful woman, simply
and yet tastily dressed. standing modestly
in front of the pulpit, and in soft, sweet
tones pleading for those who could not
plead for themselves. had not listened
two minutes before | surrendered, and
could now no more doubt her call to the
work she is engaged in than I could
question my own call to the ministry"
The first utterances that fell from her
! lips enchained our attention, and made US
conscious that 4 mind of the very highest
order was claiming our consideration. She
was listened to, not only with respect, but
with reverence. And from the seaboard
to the old Palmetto state, there has vet to
be spoken or written the first word of
unfavorable criticism.
Miss Willard is an especial creation,
and | believe her work in this state has
been blessed of God to the good of very
many. She has won all hearts, and takes
with her our best wishes. Rev DR.. Ved-
der, of the Huguenot church. in speaking
lof the symbolistic letters, w. c. T. u,
interpreted them, in Miss Wizards case.
to mean, 4" We come to unite" " We come
to upturn."
We cannot close this letter without
thanking the Baltimore unions for sending
their gifted, gentle-spirited secretary to
us. She was not stranger, but by her
kindness had won place in the hearts of
many of our southern girls, who were in
debted to her for the education they would
otherwise have been unable to obtain
Immediately after the war.
Miss Anna Gordon is improved In
health, and | am sure no one made the
acquaintance Of the interesting invalid :"
who does not earnestly desire her speedy
restoration to health and the duties which
her devoted sister so faithfully and loving
ly performs for her now.
S. F. CHAPIN