The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-03-13

were four women dHSO1ittN -
with Him and his His work. Foremost
was the mother of His humanity, the
Virgin Mary. With her was her sister,
the same whose character may be dis
cerned in the steadfastness and lOveable-
ness OF her sons, the Apostles James and
John. Related to Him by no earthly
ties of kinship, but bound by cords or
deepest gratitude for special blessings,
were Mary Magdalene, rejoicing IN
her deliverance from the seyen-'oIu
shackles of madness. and lastly Mary
of Bethany. whose only brother, weep
ing in tenderest pity he had released
from the thrice seyen-fold cnalns OF
death.
These four Marys were among HIS
earliest disciples They listened to and
obeyed His teachings, cheered ms
wearied humanity by their loving MN
istrations as He journeyed over the
hills and valleys of Palestine. watched
with fearful sympathy His sufferings
on the cross. and, not at first realizing
His divine nature. sought 10 render 10
his mangled body the last offices OF
reverential love.
Among the numberless words OF wis
dom heard by these sanity women from
che lips of their Master was the doc
srine. in that age new and startling, yet
of far-reaching import, that the true
credentials OF citizenship in the Heaven
ly Kingdom are not loud professions OF
sanctity. nor ostentatiouS prayers AMI
aims. nor selfish segregations from the
world. but the taking His words into
the heart, and that divine Love thus r.,
sultfng which leads TO outward works
OF active benehcence.
That Master no longer in bodily form
walks upon the earth. but in spirir He
n with us still. And His glorious teach
inge recorded by the Evangelists. arc
with everything potency. sounding
through the world. ready 10 incite 10
deeds Of charity all in the realms Of
Christendom who win TO their true mean
ing open the doors OF their hearts and
minds.
These words were heard and needed by
the four Marys Of the University. ! am
perhaps the only person IN tAe world
who had the privilege OF personal ac-
quaintance with all these excellent la
dies Mary Ruffn Smith, Of Orange,
was for years a frequent inmate OF my
fathers home and then of my own.
Mary Ann Smith, OF Raleigh, was =
member of my church, and / was thrown
with her IN the conduct OF its charities.
From boyhood / was filed with ad-
miration of the graceful and gracious
manners OF the lovely Mary Shepherd
Bryan, afterwards Mrs. Speight, one
of the bright ornaments of the capital
city, for many years my home. For
the last ten years of her life / was a
frequent visitor at the dwelling Of Mary
Elizabeth Mason and her husband Nv
testimony as to the virtues Of all has no
element Of hearsay.
It would be a pleasing task to detail
separately the traits of character of
these good women. but the space is not
at my command. They were, according
TO their lights. faithful followers of the
four Marys, glimpses of whom are shown
us by the Evangelists. They too were
humble worshippers of their Di-
vine Master. They too had
the right aim to attain citizenship in
His Kingdom. They were always ready
TO give the cup of cold water to the
least of Gods creatures. In fine they
were Christian women. possessed album
dainty OF the Christian graces.
Each had in full measure, in greater
or less degree, the Affections which in
evitably await all who attain in this
world their three score and ten years.
Mary Smith, Of Orange, a woman of rare
intellectual power and scientific train
ing, of tenderest heart and modest vir-
tues, followed to the grave her mother
and her father. Then her favorite
brother, whom she was nursing in her
own bed chamber. died suddenly in the
depths of night while she was sleeping
Then her earliest teacher, another Mary.
Maria Spear, her dearest friend for halt
century, TO whom in her declining
years she had given a home, the sharel
of her room, babe her good night" and
when the morning light came, it was
found that her spirit had left its earthly
tenement. Her only other near relative
brother, died in her house a ravins
maniac, leaving her with only distant
kinsmen on her mothers side and no
one in all the world of the blood Of hel
father.
Mary Mason, daughter OF grandson
of Mark Morgan, one of the donors Of
the University's site, saw her only sur
viving children, two cherished daugh
tiers, Martha and Varina, qualified by
liberal education to become ornaments
OF their social circle, fade away viii
the autumn leaves, leaving her and he
years OF severe suffering relieved as fa1
as was practicable by her tender aurs
ing, the father joined the daughter
in the Gods Acre on the bank OF TIL
winding creek, and, grievously weak
ened by the rapidly terminating seeds d
q fatal disease. the mother was alone il
hdr downward journey TO the Darl
River.
Mary Smith, OF Wake, an ouly child
g. strong-minded, true-hearted woman
but without tastes for social enjoyments
modest, retiring, satisfied for years witt
the companionship of her aged mother
after that mothers death lost her rt,.i
son. and ended her days in distan
home for the insane. Mary Speight
for years a widow and chldless, hat
favorite brother killed in battle, i!
the service of the Confederacy and thel
excessively lost father and mother
whom she loved with deepest devotion
Under these terrible Affections no an
CRY resentments against Gods dealing
entered the breasts OF those whose rea
son remained, no rebellious revolt a
gainst their Savior. On the contrar,
Al