Page:Heroines of freethought (IA cu31924031228699).pdf/207



AS pure-hearted and true a philanthropist as any whose name has ever adorned the pages of history, or glorified humanity, was Frances Wright, a woman who independently stepped forth from the quiet of a peaceful, happy life to dare the sneers, reproaches, and calumnies of those for whose advancement and enlightenment she sacrificed wealth, friends, and reputation. Her name should shine on that bright scroll where we have placed the names of a Howard, a Dix, a Fry, and a Nightingale. They gave up everything to minister to the physical needs of their fellow-beings; she sacrificed all to the needs of the mind and heart of humanity.