St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1897-07-09

But Sne STOOD tneH, us net lHeiHoiy
stands now, the peerless model, the
woman to whom every one may render
homage and from whom the wisest may
learn She had the highest education,
and every life she touched carried away
a blessing greater than books can give
or university diplomas bestow. She
lived in Christ, she was taught by Him,
the lessons she received she impaired to
others. That alone was the secret Of
Mary Brigham's power"
III had unlimited time at my disposal
| could not better characterize Miss
Brighams religious life or tell you more
clearly OF the atmosphere which sur
rounded her - an atmosphere in which
no cloud ofcant ever cast a shadow-than
to tell you that count it not impiety to
say that there was in her the same mind
which was also in Christ Jesus our Lord.
"Who could come near the shrine of such
saint and not offer up few grains
of glory on it?" Her piety had stiff
breeze Of common sense blowing through
it. Miss Phelps might well say of her
that she had no neuralgia ofthe emotions
that she never mistook her tastes for her
principles. She was entirely free from
moral hysteria.
Miss Brigham was too much Of
woman ever TO be thought of as mere
scholar. She held her attainments
lightly, but among scholarly people she
was recognized leader. Her knowledge
was broad, accurate and well assorted.
Her modesty no longer forbids me to say
that every leading educational position
in America which is open to woman
was offered to her.
The crown of her character was her
unselhshness. Devotion to duty marked
everything she did. Everywhere she was
the same natural, genial high minded
woman. No woman ever had more
devoted or numerous friends, or took
them more warmly to her heart. Few
souls have risen so brightly and serenely,
far above the meanness of selfish aims
and petty jealousies. So long as faith
hope and love take their place among the
things that cannot be shaken, her immor-
tally is assured.
When the daughters of Mount Hol-
yoke living in and near New York or
gained an association, Miss Brigham
was chosen president. When she decided
to 60 many, many leagues away from us
and spoke of her resignation, with one
voice it was forbidden. Had it pleased
God to spare her she would be our presi-
dent today and our cottage here would
be her home instead Of her memorial.
She was model presiding officer. She
never lost point and never her temper.
l say never, and yet had her word for
it that she did. | recall meeting which
was somewhat stormy. Women's meet
ings, like mems, sometimes are. Itrattled
and hailed. The winds blew and storms
beat. She had point to carry. 1t was
opposed. We discovered that under the
velvet there was bar of Steel Over
and over again she asked for opinions
and decisions only to be met by opposi-
ton or vaccilation. She was the only
calm woman in the room. 1t is waste
of words to tell you that the point was
carried. AS we came out | said, "Miss
Brigham, l don't see how you kept your
temper" Putting her hand on my arm
with that caressing gesture which one
never forgot, she replied, my dear,
did not keep my temper"
recall a time when received a com
munication which kinded fire in my
veins. 1t was, felt, reflection on Mis-.
Brigham as well as upon the society
which she represented. Holding tn
paper i'll my hand, FASTENED to lay i
before her saying: Miss Brigham, Thu
is an insult, it is not to be borne. | shall
do so and So" | hear again the quie
tone, You are right. 1t is an insult
Last night intended to do just wha
you intend now, but we are not going t,
do it." Nettles always withered whel
brought near Miss Brigham.
may not linger over the path Mis-
Brigham chose to tread There wer
gifts within her reach which were dea
to every womans heart There wer
paths of ease and luxury which woul
have welcomed her step. Like the minis
try, teaching has a three.fold calling
that OF nature, grace and education. TIL
triple call tell on her ear, and at once sh
she chose the life work for which she wa
eminently endowed. The secret of he
success was not any system, howeve
excellent, nor any skill, however thor
ough; it was in the rare and happ,
qualities of the presiding mind. Blessed
thrice blessed the girls that had such
teacher! and fragrant is her memory t,
every one that ever sat as a learner a
her feet. Her life was eminentlv one O
conquest. She completely made the con
quest of self. Everybody loved her
Those who were not capable of lovin,
her much loved her little. have com