lent members of this so justly famed
Society. But who are these children that idly ramble through the
streets, a prey to growing depravity and vicious example? hark, they
_quarrel_, they _swear_, and such no doubt will _lie_ and _steal_. And
that group of dear little creatures, running about in the most
imminent danger, apparently without protection, are they under the
care of this so justly famed society? They are; they are fed, they are
clothed, their mother's fireside is made warm for them; but no culture
is provided for their minds, nor protection from baneful example.
These will in time follow that of the older ones, and grow up the
slaves of idleness and vice, the certain road to ruin.

"Alas, alas, and is there no help--no preventive? Yes, there is.
Behold the angelic band; hail, ye virtuous daughters; worthy of your
virtuous mothers, come forward and tread in their steps. Snatch these
little ones from the whirling vortex; bring them to a place of safety;
teach them to know their Father, God: tell them of their Saviour's
love; lead them through the history of his life; mark to them the
example he set, the precepts he recorded for their observance, and the
promises for their comfort. And by teaching them to read, enable them
to retrace all your instructions when their eyes see you no more.

"My dear young ladies, the sacrifice you have made shall most
assuredly meet its reward: but like your mothers, you will experience
much painful banter, you will be styled school-madams. Let it pass;
suffer it quietly; when your scheme begins to ripen and the fruits
appear, who shall be able to withhold their praise? Only be steadfast,
draw not back and justify the prophecies of many.

"A great general, in ancient times, in search of glory, landed
his troops on the hostile coast, and then burnt all his ships: they
must conquer, or die. You have, ladies, already embarked in this
design; there is no remaining neuter now; your name and undertaking
are in every mouth; you must press forward and justify your cause: and
justified it shall be, if you persevere; it cannot be otherwise. The
benevolence you contemplate is as superior to that already in
operation, as the interest of the soul is to that of the body; and it
is your own--the very scheme originated in a young mind in this
company. The society were contemplating mercenary agents, schools for
pay, and one is already established.

"But this labor of love;