The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-03-25
IN AlEsroRIAM.
Mary l.. Estes.

Entered upon Immortal tie March II, 1855
Mary L. Estes was an inspiration from God Her
lie was revelation, and her death corona
uon." Fine and exquisite us the most delcatcly
tinted sea-shcll or a rare bit Of porcelain her
character was, withal, so strong and vigorous that
all ambitious nights seemed within easy reach Of
her attainment. Her character had It's root and
HE IN reason, IN the sense OF justice, the highest
principles oil Christian faith aud profound rcyer>
ence Tor human nature and Tor the rights OF every
human being. While yet school girl she rcog.
nixed the Importance OF broad aud generous
culture and in those carly years formed the habits
OF systematic study that aiterward became u part
OF her daily life, Her intellect was prominently
strong, clear and luminous, and an intense
freedom and vigor of thought Illuminated
every subject she touched The loftiest questions
OF lite and death, the most abtruse speculations,
ansCenden'al philosophy logic and political econ
spcnser and Emerson were cnsy and pleasant read.
ing, George Eliot was 10 her source of pure en-
loyment and IN the last months OF her life she
found rare intellectual pleasure In Browning. For
several seasons she the central light of the Nc
lectic club before whom all other members paled
in un oosc ,n When Il was known In the com
dience was too large for the assembly room. The
papers on George Eliots Philosophy" and "Bul-
wer marked an era In the history OF the club. and
critics In the best ceniers OF thought noted them as
literary gems. She was equally nj home In the
later club-the Fortnightly--and questions OF his
tory aud art were handled with the skill of master
and the touch Of lover.
With all this fine endowment OF mental gifts
there was aswect, simple unconsciousness Of great
powers, and she was never more unstudcd or spon-
ianeous than In the utteanre of noble thoughts.
iicr Woius noweu clear strong and pure as n mount
ain stream and the charm OF a beautiful voice lent
nn added grnce TO her eloquent and elegant cxprs-
sion. Her convictions were based upon reason, but
win oil her hrmness OF opinion she never offended
by positive declaration, never challenged arsli.
ment, never asserted with unbecoming warmth,
and never passed the limit Of the most delicate
courtesy.
A singular sweetness and benlgnity character.
lied her general Intercourse and an Intimate &c.
quaintance revealed a nature crystalclear in Its
purity, loving tender. gracious aud yet No strong
ana helpiul that no burdened life ever came to her
Without receiving help, sympathy and inspiration
Her feelings were strong and her judgment calm.
Her views OF tho true excellence OF human life
were large ana generous. She had wide. throb-
bing sympathy with human weakness and misery.
q tender aud trusting love OF human nature, earn
est zeal Tor human virtue. n sweet hope In the
growing good Of the world" enemy Of moral
principle, fcrvor Of religious feeling aud calm,
steady trust In Gods purpose Her heart heat ia
unison with the mighty heart OF humanity" In.
the last and most thoughtful yean Of her life,
much OF her attention was given 10 the cousdcu
iion OF social questions looking toward the well
boing OF the masses. The love OF freedom elowcd
IN her soul as central iirc aud her large nature
tional bondage.
Over all her thought and study shone the light OF
q sweet sunny optimism which mnde her love to
sin. To her mind, this beautiful earth ought 90
have been 'the best OF all possible worlds and
=" most Intense thought was In the direction of
Studies and plans for making u so. Large rs was
the world OF thought In which she lyc,l and leopcd
as y was with posts philosophers and sages, therc
was room In her life for every simple, homcly act
aud she put M much Of hersclf into the hushing OF
a babys cry as into the reading Of Plato. As
teacher, her immense research aud great power Of
stimulating thought were not more remarkable
than delicate tact and gracious charm which won
,he love Of her pupils and nspircd them TO high
the circumference OF her life without feeling the
influence OF her sweet strong presence
Her nature was deeply religious. This world
would have been blank and barren without her
Fathers care In life and In death there was n deep,
living all-peryading sense Of Gods love More Than
a year ago when broken health made il necessary
TO rclnqush hersclfappolnted insks, her cheerful.
ness under the dispcusntion was m marked a. her
activities had been energetic. Questioned ~ 10 the
cause oil her sweet resignation. "ls II religion or
philosophy her answer came full aud clear. III
Il the belief In the loving care al Fatheri" Flth
was The Hight by which she walked. But her rcllg.
ious belief though strong and earnest. was like
herself. calm, inquisitlvc aud rational She formed
her views with delibcmtiun, aud was always oi.en
10 conviction. 'shc rose above theological mists
aud, Ike the morning lark, sang at heavens own
gate"
We think 81 our beloved today M conscious tor
me INT time OF her magnificent capacities. aud We
long Tor a vision Of her new happiness The Sc
cr'ts Of the universe are unlocked the scroll 4 nm
rolled for her reading. truth opens before her In 10
Beautiful spirit freed from the fcttcr of ncsh III
hath not entered Into the hcan Of man 10 con
cciNo' the beauty and wonder aud gory of thy
new home. Christ Il In your life today, dearly be
loved 10 quicken thought 10 hiThien aspiration,
70 deepcn .he spiritual vision, aud TO he thine
- "a