r means. God in his providence will command a blessing on
exertions of this character. It is too common a mistake, and one fatal
to the progress of improvement, that great means should be in actual
possession before great objects should be attempted. Ah, were our
dependence simply on apparent instruments, how small must be our hopes
of success. There is a mystery, yet a certainty, in the manner by
which God is pleased in his providence to conduct feeble means to a
happy conclusion. Has he not preserved, cherished, and blessed his
church through many ages, amidst overwhelming persecutions, and that
often by means apparently inadequate to this end? We must work for, as
well as pray for the blessing which God has promised to bestow on our
sinful race. We must put our shoulder to the wheel, while we look up
to heaven for assistance, and God will bless those who are found in
the path of duty.

In this asylum, the ladies have set no limits to the number to be
received; and it has pleased God also not to set limits to the means
necessary for their support. The institution is a great favorite with
the public, and is frequently visited by strangers, who are delighted
with the cleanliness, health, and cheerful countenances of the
orphans.

The Society have received a charter of incorporation from the
legislature; they have a handsome seal, with this inscription:
"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have
done it unto me."

For several years it was customary with Mrs. Graham to visit the
New York hospital; and before the admirable provision since made for
the separate care of those mentally deranged, she paid a particular
attention to patients of this description.

To the apartments appropriated to sick female convicts in the
state prison, she also made many visits; she met with some affecting
circumstances among this class.

In the winter of 1807-8, when the suspension of commerce by the
embargo rendered the situation of the poor more destitute than ever,
Mrs. Graham adopted a plan best calculated in her view to detect the
idle applicant for charity, and at the same time to furnish employment
for the more worthy among the female poor. She purchased flax, and
lent wheels where applicants had none. Such as were industrious, took
the work with thankfulness and were paid for it; those who were
beggars by profession never kept their word by returning for the flax
or the wheel.