Page:Women of distinction.djvu/217

Rh Although there have been some of His followers, in all ages of the world's history, who have laid their lives upon His altar as hearty sacrifices to the great cause of the propagation of His gospel, there have been many who coveted the "honors" but faltered under the "sacrifices."

But He has not been unmindful of the good deeds of His faithful servants, and has so ordained that their memory shall be perpetuated as living examples of faithfulness for the benefit of posterity.

So we well remember the deeds and are impressed with the character of this devoted young woman, Hattie E. Presley, who was born in Buckingham county, Va., in 1862, of humble parents.

When quite young she was taken by an aunt to Richmond, Va., and adopted. She was well cared for and reared with most beautiful manners and a lovable disposition—not only "pretty" in person, but in manners.

She was a pupil in the public schools of Richmond for many years, standing well in classes and in the favor of teachers and school-mates. When quite young she became a Christian and united by baptism with the First Baptist Church, of which Rev. J. H. Holmes, the model Christian, was pastor. Some time after becoming a Christian she entered the Richmond Institute (now Richmond Theological Seminary), and was for awhile in the classes taught by the writer, who was then a "student-teacher." She was a consistent Christian, and was always engaged in some good work, either among the poor and wretched, or in the Sabbath-school or in the church. She seemed