ones. Now noble
men in distant lands plan homes and shelter for little children, and
the work of the obscure woman is a part of the history of reform.

Humble also is the origin of the anti-slavery movement that won its
final victory at Appomattox. A century and more ago a young Moravian
made his way to Jamaica as a Herald of Christ and his message of
good-will. The horrors of slavery in that far-off time cannot be
understood by our age. Then each week some African slaver landed with
its cargo of naked creatures. Slaves were so cheap that it was simpler
to kill them with rapid work and purchase new ones than to care for the
wants of captives weakened by several summers. What horrors under
overseers in the field! What outrages in slave-market and pen! So
grievous were the wrongs negroes suffered at white men's hands that
they would not listen to this young teacher. At last, despairing of
their confidence, the brave youth had himself sold as a slave and
wrought in the fields under the overseer's lash. Fellowship with their
sufferings won their confidence and love. When the day's task was done
the poor creatures crowded about him to receive Christ's cup of cold
water. Long years after the young hero had fallen upon the sugar
plantation his story came to the ears of young Wilberforce and armed
him with courage invincible against England's traffic in flesh and
blood. Soon Parliament freed the West India slaves and Lincoln
emancipated our freedmen. But side by side with the heroes of liberty
famed through monument and solemn oration, let us mention the young
Moravian hero who loved Christ's little ones, and in giving "two mites
and a cup of cold water," lost his life, indeed, but found immortal
fame.

This modest deed that bought renown also tells us that enduring
remembrance is possible for all. Great deeds the majority cannot do.
Two-talent men march in millions, but the ten-talent men are few and
far between. Many scientists--one Newton. Thousands of poets--but the
Elizabethan eras are separated by centuries. Great is the company of
the orators--but to each generation only one Webster and one Clay. As
each continent hath but one mountain range, so the elect minds stand
isolated in the ages. All greatness is mysterious, and like God's
throne, genius is girt about with clouds and darkness. If great men
are infrequent, the world's need of great men is as occasional.
Society advances in happiness and cul