Page:Heroines of freethought (IA cu31924031228699).pdf/254

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246
MARGARET R. CHAPPELLSMITH.

osity and smiling surprise at the hold which they had gained on her mind. But presently, as they found how strongly she had fortified herself with pertinent illustrations and arguments, how earnestly and convincingly she spoke, and began to reflect for themselves upon how much truth there was in what she said, they began to desire that others might hear this young apostle of reform, and so become also awakened to the welfare of themselves, and, through themselves, of the human race.

She at length determined to act upon these suggestions. Her heart being in her work, as soon as she could form her ideas into connected shape as a series of lectures, she started upon her mission of enlightenment and awakening; and these lectures she delivered for a number of years in various parts of England, under the auspices of Liberal and Freethinking societies.

Moncure D. Conway mentions that she was the first female lecturer of the English