“Now, if Miss Barton were not a venerable soldier, patriot, philanthropist, moralist and stateswoman, I should shrink from much salient praise, but in consideration of all that Miss Barton really is, and knowing that she can bear the blame which may follow said description of her soul visit, I will say ‘Amen,’ so be it.”
On December 5, 1910, in her diary, Clara Barton writes: “This morning brings the sad news of the death of Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy.” In the diary the following day Miss Barton writes: “More particulars concerning the passing of Mrs. Eddy. All so quiet, correct—no form, no excitement, no mourning; all peaceful, thoughtful, proper. What a lesson she has taught the world, and what faithful, apt scholars she has taught and trained! The greatest woman of all; her life a signal triumph and her death the greatest of all.
“No criticisms now, no light comments. Her followers bow in meek submission and her foes stand rebuked. There is no such person left, no such mind, no such ability. Long ago I said she was our greatest living woman; I now say she is our greatest dead.”
LX
Clara Barton has given us a constant lesson in thrift. She lived so simply that at her desk, at work, a piece of bread and cheese and one apple was her dinner; a frugal supper and a most abstemious breakfast. Alice Hubbard.
Count Tolstoi gave up his whole time to mitigating the suffering caused by the Russian famine. Clara Barton.
The simple needs being the only true needs, their satisfaction alone is guaranteed. Tolstoi.
The satisfaction of all simple, normal wants is guaranteed to men as it is to the bird and the flower. Tolstoi.
The brave soul rates itself too high to value itself by the splendor of its table and draperies. Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Economy, prudence, and the simple life are the sure masters of need. Clara Barton.