The commercial. (Union City, Tenn.) 190?-193?, 1911-02-17
Membership ~.

and was promoted to higher, noblei
service in Gods heavenly kingdom
Even yet to those Of US who wess priv
legged to know her and who have felt thl
wondrous inspiration of her presence ans
her spoken word, there comes such
longing for the touch Of her vanished
hand such hungering for the sounC
OF her voice, which for 50 long has beer
still that We cannot restrain the tears
which rise in our hearts and gather Il
our eyes as we think Of those days thai
are no more. Never was there woman
more truly loved. nor,was there ever a
human being more worthy Of the love
aud devotion she inspired.
Instead Of rearing to her memory a
costly monument ofstone or bronze, her
loyal followers thought Of a more beauti-
full way. and through the offerings given
on February II, her heavenly birthday,
they are building a living monument,
which shall exist in constantly increas-
ing glory and beauty through the ages.
As one has well expressed it: The
outer significance Of February II and
membership week is two-fold an outer
and inner" The outer significance
must be first of all commemorative A
great life is humanity's best heritage
No other such rich gift can ever be given
TO the world as that which inheres in
the lives and characters OF its heroes.
Francis E. Willard was such a soul. She
lived always upon the heights, because
she lived SO constantly ia the depths OF
body and soul conservation. All that
she had, all that she was, she gave with
a royal generosity, munihcent bounty
to her brothers and sisters everywhere
Her mind was stored with the wisdom OF
the ages; her heart was always on fire
with the love Of God as manifested to
man. Such souls come but rarely to
earth. When one is manifested it
marks an era in history. Therefore,
those who were privileged to know at
closest touch this marvellous life, owe it
as sacred duty to their fellowmen that
they should pass on its knowledge and
inspiration.
Ifduring membership week each COM
rade of the white ribbon army would
seek until she could find even one other
who would join hands with us in this
great and blessed work what marvellous
results in added power and influence
would grow out or this consecrated sea-
son.
But the inner significance OF member
ship week is far greater, more vital than
the outer. What is it to be brought in
to contact with forces which go to the
up Of a great life and character? I
What was it to come into close touch
with Francis Willard when she was,with
us in the hesh2 Did it not inevitably
mean quickening Of our spiritual ma
lures, renewed conservation to all that
was highest and best, a new impetus in
our work and new concept Of the great
/
heart of God, in which she SO constant
y and SO joyously dwelt? Is she then
less a real personality because we no
onger clasp her hand and look into her
yes? Would not personal contact with
Ter to-day mean infinitely more than it
meant even in those exalted moments,
then she seems to us to bring her mes
age straight from within the veil2 Why
hould we feel that such contact is not .
urs? She is not dead She is more
alive than we ever saw her. As
'e think of her, can we not feel certain
nat she thinks Of US. Surely she who
NeNL III BOb q vi ~ litGildo IllCCA
as not so soon become oblivious to the .
eeds Of her comrades in this great en-
eayor. No, she remembers, and in \
1me way beyond our understanding we
lust believe that it is possible for her to !:
each us in new help and inspiration
rem as we think Of her 4
Best OF all memorial week may have I.
n each of us a special significance in !.
ringing us nearer to the great source \
ON which all inspired souls have re-
lived their inspiration.
Before woman lies broad path Of !,
rogress and incalculable use; since q
hrist has done SO much for her, should Z
le not try to do all she can for him2 ;
here are little children she must lead Y
the mercy seat in prayer and teach c
Ich sweet songs Of Heaven, that all the 4
oise Of earth cannot hush them ia their :
uls. There are churches she may help Y
it'll her presence, her means and her .
4. Al