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NEWSBOYS.

Who and what is a Newsboy? All familiar with our large cities know him to be, as the name suggests, a vender of newspapers. With but few exceptions, his scanty apparel and pallid face tell of his acquaintance with want and suffering. Whatever the state of the weather, he goes his round, with his stock of merchandize under his arm, vociferously crying, "Second E-deshun," "Extree," "Arrival of the Amerikee," "Latest News," &c. He invests his money in the papers of the day, and hastens to the railway depots, steamboat landings, hotels, or at some thoroughfare of the city, to sell them at once, or else suffer a loss. The morning issue must give place to that of the afternoon, which has no market value the next morning. Despite his efforts to sell, he is not unfrequently left with a supply on hand, and the temptation to pass them off for those of the following day, is greater than some can resist. For quickness and shrewdness, newsboys as a class excel all others. A lad of mere ordinary capacity would starve at the business. The spirit of rivalry which exists among them calls forth every energy, and exposes them to much evil. On one occasion, when reading to a number of them, I pointed to a picture of a boy, and asked if he looked like a newsboy, when I was answered, "No! he's not a newsboy that fellow: he's too innocent."

Every calamity is so much capital to them, and the more awful or startling it may be, the better for their business. This they well understand, and no efforts are spared to magnify the comparatively unimportant news of the day into affairs of great consequence. A dearth of news is often supplied by their ingenuity. They can bring a "steamer from Europe" at any time -- accidents happen whenever they feel it necessary that they should, and while the House of Representatives is contesting for a Speaker, "Speaker elected!" is every now and then shouted in all directions.

"How is business now?" I once inquired of one of the lads.

"Very dull, sir; so few accidents."

It is no uncommon thing for a lower grade called "grubbers" to gamble away their last penny, and then apply to those to whom they had been in the habit of selling, for money to "set them up in business, as they were busted." Many of our citizens conscientiously refused to purchase their papers, and would, sometimes at considerable personal inconvenience, go to the office or newspaper store, rather than encourage an occupation which seemed to promise only evil to those engaged in it.

Let us follow these boys, when the business and excitement of the day are over, and learn where their homes are -- if homes they have. The more favored ones return to their parents -- in some cases to a widowed mother, for whom the little fellow, patiently toiling from early morning, brings home at the close of the day the few pennies he has earned for their joint support. This is the best phase of a newsboy's life, and were it oftener found, there would be less cause for commiseration. One lad -- the support of his mother -- has been a communicant in one of our city churches for eight years, and is actively engaged in distributing tracts, when not selling papers. In some instances, parents wait the return of their children, merely for the sake of the little money they are expected to bring with them, to be taken from them with abuse because it was not more, and spent in drunkenness and riot. It is not to be wondered at that the poor lads shun such unnatural homes, and seek more attractive associations at the low gambling and drinking saloons. The evenings spent in these places, or at the theatre, or other haunts with which all large cities abound, leaving them penniless, fitly closes with a chance lodging for the night upon the pavement, doorstep, or in the station-house.

This is no fancy sketch, but a true picture of the newsboy's life. And upon whom does the accountability rest for the neglect which abandoned these lads to the certain consequences of such a life? Some have entered the army and navy, and were in the Mexican war; a letter has recently been received from one, dated Utah, where his regiment is now stationed; but many have found their way to the House of Refuge or Penitentiary, and others were on their way there, without a friend to warn them of their danger, or speak to them one kind word of advice. Surely the plea of ignorance cannot be urged, for the very appearance of the lads told their sad story; and their shrill, piercing cry, proclaiming the papers they had for sale, arrested the attention of many who might otherwise have passed them unnoticed. Efforts had been made in isolated cases, but there had been no concert of action on their behalf as a class.

"What can be done for these poor newsboys?" I often asked myself, when my sympathy was first awakened by their neglected appearance, and the hopelessness with which all seemed to regard their present condition, and their future prospects. What can be done? Some answer, "They are past recovery, and the sooner they get into the House of Refuge or Penitentiary, the better for themselves and the community." But no. If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, then surely it is infinitely better to take them by the hand, affectionately lead them off in the opposite direction. However rough may be their exterior, an honest and true heart beats in many a breast, and if let alone by the evil and designing ones that prey upon them, their condition would be entirely different from what it now is.

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They do the poor newsboy gross injustice who pronounce his case hopeless. However it may be in other cities, there are in Philadelphia men who have worked their way up in this honourable and legitimate business, and who are now in comfortable circumstances, deservedly possessing the respect of the community. Many a youth has his eye fixed upon those who have passed successively through the several grades of the profession, and, struggling to overcome the many difficulties which beset his path, sighs for a helping hand and sympathetic heart, which must not be withheld.

CHAPTER II.

OPENING OF THE LODGINGROOM IN PEAR STREET.

In 1856 I was led to a serious consideration of my duty in reference to the newsboys; and the desire to know more of them, and to cheer and encourage them, increased as I became better acquainted with their circumstances and wants, but other engagements, and absence from the city, prevented a consummation of my long cherished plans till 1858.

In cooperation with others, a meeting was held at Jayne's Hall, on Sunday, January 31, 1858, which was attended by fifty-three newsboys. Several gentlemen were present, some of whom took part in the exercises. As one of them, a member of the press, made his appearance, he was greeted with hearty cheers and clapping of hands, so delighted were the boys to see him.

It is a matter of interest, worthy of record in the history of this first meeting, that great doubts were expressed by one of the gentlemen as to the propriety of opening the meeting with prayer, fearing interruption on the part of the boys. He, however, complied with my request, but before doing so, referred the matter to the boys for an expression of their wishes. All manifested their approval by holding up their hands, and, although told that they might retain their seats, they immediately arose and remained in respectful silence. Their behavior was excellent during the two hours the meeting lasted.

A second meeting was held at the same place on the following Sunday, February 7th, when I endeavoured to instruct the boys from the word of God, the only true and safe guide in the path of life. They conducted themselves admirably, except in the use of tobacco to an alarming extent. The smallest lads had not only adopted this vile habit, but some of them actually ate tobacco! A little friendly advice had the desired effect, and there was not only no further trouble upon this score during the remainder of the meeting, but their promise to abstain from the use of the nauseous weed the next Sunday was faithfully kept, as I felt assured it would be.

One of the gentlemen present at the first meeting, and who was well acquainted with most of the boys, having informed me that some of them had on that occasion heard the first kind words ever spoken to them, I was led to ask if this was really the case, when several of these poor, ill-used youth, touchingly answered in the affirmative.

A third meeting was held on Sunday, the 14th of February, but indisposition prevented my assembling the boys for several succeeding Sundays, after which few could be gathered, and it soon became evident that some other plan must be adopted to secure the desired object. Their great and pressing need was a home, and this I had encouraged them to expect at our first interview, being fully convinced that it was indispensible. The boys never lost sight of this prospect, but pressed the subject upon me whenever I met them in the street, with an earnestness that showed how keenly they felt the want of such a shelter. So eager was their expectation, that they watched with interest every furniture wagon, in the hope that it was on its way to their new quarters. Some of them made tours to the west end of the city, and brought back favourable reports of several of the costly mansions there, which exactly met their lofty ideas.

Arrangements were at last completed and "The Newsboys' Aid Society," formed for the purpose of "providing lodging and education for homeless and indigent boys, engaged in the occupation of vending newspapers and periodicals in the city of Philadelphia, and to encourage in them, by suitable means, habits of morality and economy," opened their plain, yet comfortable, lodging rooms in Pear street, on the 29th of May, 1858.

The boys were in high spirits on this occasion, and did ample justice to the "good things" provided for them, and which had been tastefully arranged upon the tables by an experienced public waiter. One of the lads, after watching his movements, and gazing upon the banquet he had prepared for them, hastened to a gentleman, and invited him to be present at the appointed hour, and "see him eat boned turkey, with a darkie waiting upon him." This first entertainment was quite a grand affair, and all seemed to enjoy themselves most heartily. The Rev. Dr. Newton opened the Home with prayer and reading the Scriptures. In addressing the boys, he related an interesting anecdote of a lad, who, in his endeavours to untie a knot, was met by a gentleman, who offered to cut it with a knife, when the little fellow exclaimed, "No, sir! I belong to the try company." The application of the story was excellent, and the boys were affectionately urged to form a "Newsboys' Try Company," and to try and be good, and avoid evil of every kind.

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The Rev. John Chambers was also present, and took part in the opening services. In rising to address the boys, he pointed to the well provided tables, and said, "Boys! I expect you would rather be eating those refreshments, than listening to any more speeches." Immediately a loud "Yes, sir," was heard in various directions, to the great amusement of all in the room, not one of whom enjoyed the joke more than the good man who caused it. His address was listened to with an attention which proved how completely he had drawn their thoughts from the direction to which he at first called them. All passed off pleasantly, and boys and visitors seemed equally pleased.

The lodging rooms were provided with twenty-five new iron bedsteads, with new bedding, arranged in a large and airy room. Each bedstead was labelled with the name of its occupant, the boys making their own selection. At nine o'clock that night, I read the twenty-third Psalm at family worship at the Home, and committed to the care of the Good Shepherd. The wandering ones he had graciously gathered into our fold, praying Him to lead them "in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

CHAPTER III.

JOHN ELLARD

MOST of the boys had nicknames, some of which were very odd. Among the most prominent of these were "Didley Dumps," "Oliver Twist," "Dick Turpin," "Splasher," "Butter bowls and hot cakes," "Butcher," "Soldier," "Poodle," "Canes," &c. On one occasion, while waiting for some of the boys, I asked where they were, and was answered, "Butcher ain't came -- Piggie ain't came -- Splasher's awful hard up, and goin' to enlist."

As new boys present themselves at the Home, they most generally are introduced to us by some nickname. The last is "Harper's Ferry," so called because he sold papers on the railroad train passing through Harper's Ferry, and was present at the capture of John Brown.

I soon found that this practice had a degrading tendency, and interfered not a little with the efforts made to elevate the boys. To lift them up, their low names must be abandoned, and I am happy to say that very few of them now remain. One was, however, too highly prized to be dropped, and the little fellow who bore it, was better known as "Didley Dumps" than as "John Ellard."

John Ellard was born in New York, on the 22d of February, 1843. When three years of age he fell from a woodshed, in Albany, where his parents then lived, and received an injury which resulted in a lump on his breast and back, and rendered him deformed for life.

It is said he had a decided aversion for school, and while there, that he was more fond of play than study. A favourite amusement was to get under the benches, unknown to the teacher, and "play tricks on the boys." He was whipped one day for being late at school, and finding it was not "better late than never," resolved not to venture there again. As a child, he had a fondness for peddling, and sold songs and matches when only eight years of age.

In 1856 he came to Philadelphia, and commenced business as a Newsboy at the time of the fearful Burdell tragedy, which created quite a demand for newspapers, and proved a harvest to the boys engaged in selling them.

His malformation affected his breathing so as to render it impossible for him to walk any great distance without resting. He paid the boys a cent a ride for carrying him to and from the Home upon their back. It was grand sport to them to have "Didley" on their back, to say nothing of the pay. A ride was stolen as chances occurred, and the passing of an omnibus afforded too good an opportunity to be lost. In jumping from one, opposite the Girard House, he was run over by a carriage, and taken into the hotel, where he was attended by a medical gentleman, who pronounced him not seriously injured. A quarter of a dollar was handed to him, and off he started to sell his papers.

Previous to the appearance of Master Ellard in Philadelphia, there had been a hump-backed newsboy, known as "Didley Dumps," and the boys thought that Ellard, being similarly shaped, should bear the same name as "Old Did," but he thought otherwise, and indignantly refused to answer to it. At last some ten or twelve of his companions accompanied him to the theatre one night, and there obtained his consent to the soubriquet by which he became so generally and favourably known.

Sometimes his bed for the night was a doorstep, at other times, a box on the pavement, or some vacated cellar or garret. Once he secreted himself under a bushel basket in the Post-office, and spent the night there. A newspaper bag would afford him shelter at other times. It was rare sport to him to get into one of these bags at a printing office, and roll himself about. On winter nights he would find his way between the iron bars of a window leading to the boiler room of a printing office, and there seek shelter from the cold and storm. One of these bars was bent, so that when the curve was downwards, he could manage to crawl through, but unhappily the bar once turned as he was half way in, and held him fast, till rescued by some of his comrades, who heard his cries for relief.

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Ellard was a dear lover of fencing. A sword was presented to him by one of his customers, and he made free use of it among the boys. One day while thus engaged in front of an office on Third street, an elderly gentleman, disturbed by their noise attempted to drive them away, but Ellard thought himself too well armed to beat a retreat, and commenced flourishing his sword in a manner that soon convinced the gentleman of the propriety of self-defence. Master Dumps was arrested and marched off a la militaire to the police station. One of his companions sought him out, soon after he was taken prisoner, and carried a cent's worth of tobacco to comfort him. After a hearing before an Alderman, he was released the same evening.

As might be expected in a boy thus deprived of the benefits of any proper moral training, Ellard, when incensed would frequently give way to such violent passion, as rendered him dangerous to those who had offended him; and at other times, under a sense of real or fancied injuries, he would indulge in sullen obstinacy, from which was not easy to arouse him. Experience proved that it was best to leave him in reflection, which soon brought him to his senses.

He was a great favourite with the boys, though he sometimes handled them rather more roughly than they liked, and beyond what any other than a cripple would have dared to do. They were often entertained by him with remarkable stories of fairies, kings, &c. How many of these tales originated in his imaginative brain I know not, but he used to get well "posted up" in conversation with some old huckster women, who would tell wonderful things of great men, beginning very properly with George Washington, and descending the scale to lesser lights -- as a matter of course dealing extensively in the marvellous.

One of his favourite amusements was to stand on the table, wrapped in a sheet, and repeat portions of Macbeth and other plays. Thus clad, he would also repeat the following favourite passage:

"Were I so tall to reach the pole
Or grasp the ocean with my span,
I must be measured by my soul:
The mind's the standard of the man."

Though not a member of the Numismatic Society, he had quite a passion for old coins, of which he was said to be a good judge, and turned many a penny in this lucrative trade.

The most prominent trait in his character was his generosity. He had a sympathizing heart, and would give liberally to those in need, though he valued his money too highly to spend it foolishly. Many of the boys received pecuniary assistance from him. Seeing one of the boarders, who was dismissed from the Home because he was too lazy to work for a living, lounging about the door one day, he said to the Superintendent: "I pity poor ----. If you will take him in again, I will go security for his board." In speaking to the lad about his sad want of energy, and of the noble and generous offer of Ellard, I urged him to prove his appreciation of the kindness, and not to allow his benefactor to suffer for it. His reply was, "That is not all that Ellard has done for me; many a three and five cent piece he has given me to buy bread with."

Ellard had a number of regular customers to whom he carried papers. A poor blind man was sure to be at the door of one of these customers every day, in time to receive a penny. Sometimes he would ask the little girl that led him, who gave the money, and, upon being told that it was "the little newsboy," he would say, "God bless you, my son, and may you sell all the papers you have;" "and," added Ellard, in telling this, "it comes true, for I sell double the papers that any other boy does."

A poor lame man also received a daily allowance of a penny from him; and if Ellard missed him on his way home in the evening, he gave two cents the next evening.

It was his custom to buy a box of matches of a poor blind man whom he passed every morning on his way to business. After lighting his cigar with one, he returned the box, as a present to the man, who was so blind to his own interest, as to quarrel with his little customer, and accused him of stealing his matches. Ellard was exceedingly indignant at this unjust accusation, and pronounced him an impostor, declaring that he could see, and was only pretending to be blind.

While selling papers at the Girard House one day, a beggar entered the hall, and solicited alms of one of the boarders, who asked Ellard if he would give the man anything. "Whatever you give, I will give double," was the reply. The gentleman gave a cent, and Ellard handed him a quarter of a dollar. Feeling this silent but severe rebuke of a poor deformed lad, the gentleman tendered Ellard half a dollar, saying "You are an honourable little fellow." The offer was refused by Ellard, who, turning away with an air of independence, replied: "I make my money by selling papers."

This generous lad not only took pleasure in doing for others, but was grateful for every act of kindness extended to him. Several times I have heard my name called in the street, and, upon looking round, found him running after me, to give me a paper; and I was obliged to avoid passing his stand, as he was sure to press upon me the most expensive paper he had.

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CHAPTER IV.

NOVEL SCENES.

I was naturally desirous to know the result of the first night at the Home, and on making inquiry the next morning, was not a little amused to find that the eleven boys who lodged there had occupied the whole twenty-five beds. Unused to such a luxury, they thought they would make the most of it by going from bed to bed. Much to the discomfort of the Superintendent, who occupied a room below, a portion of the night was spent in testing the rolling qualities of the bedsteads, which were mounted on castors. There was, as a matter of course, a battle with the pillows, but they were new, and of good material, and stood the storm well. Ellard had the first choice of a bed, and retained it all the time he was with us.

Religious services were held at the Home the day after it was opened, Sunday. In the midst of a prayer, I had to separate two boys who were fighting under one of the tables.

Bath tubs had been provided for the boys, who made good use of them. On going to the Home early one Sunday afternoon, I found a lad had formed such an attachment for them, that he had been "in four times," and would, doubtless, have doubled the number before the close of the day, had I not prevented it. The water was dripping from him while he pleaded for permission to take another "to get clean." Deprived of this luxury, he tendered six cents for a bed, to which he then wanted to retire, but the regulations forbade the use of beds at such an hour, except in cases of sickness.

One of the managers visited the Home on the evening of the 27th of September, 1858, and saw a little fellow who had just made his appearance, and who was in a most filthy condition. To allow him to retire in that state was quite out of the question. The youngster had evidently not been trained in the art of washing, and as no one seemed willing to undertake so arduous a task, my brother manager took off his coat, rolled up his sleeves, and scrubbed him from head to foot. The supply of soap was exhausted before the work was fully accomplished. Ellard, and some of the other boys, I am told, looked on in perfect amazement, and contributed two cents each for his breakfast the following morning. The poor child had given all his earnings to his mother, who would get what she could from him, to spend in liquor.

In more than one instance, intemperate mothers have followed their children to the Home, where they sought shelter, and given them much trouble and sorrow. The honest and tenderhearted lads have wept at the mortification thus brought upon them. One of them was forced away from the Home by his unnatural mother, in the hope that she would thereby secure more of his earnings, but he ran away from her, and slept in the street, rather than under her roof. The Superintendent was once obliged to awake a child, nine years of age, and send him to the room where his mother was waiting for him. She took all his money, and then allowed him to return to his bed, and to get his breakfast the following morning as he best could. Measures were taken to prevent a recurrence of these sad abuses, and no little difficulty was experienced in making the poor follows feel that they were secure under our protection.

Swearing was at first very common among the boys, but an oath is scarcely ever heard now. Soon after the Home was opened, the Superintendent heard a disturbance in the sleeping room one night, and hastened to see what was the matter. One of the boys had been chastised by Ellard, whose excuse was, "He swore three times, and I was giving him his nine punches." The boys had agreed among themselves, that three punches should be given for every oath, but I very much doubt whether Master Ellard, in imposing this penalty, paid proper attention to the multiplication table. It is much more than likely that three times three made fifteen or twenty in that instance.

On the 20th of October, 1858, the Rev. Mr. Bringhurst exhibited his Magic Lantern at the Home. Eighty boys were present, and enjoyed it exceedingly. Several exclamations, such as "That's del-atious!" were heard during the evening, and at the close, "three cheers for Bringhurst" were shouted for the reverend gentleman, much to his amusement. Since then there have been two similar exhibitions, and no boys, in any class of society, could have behaved better. There was, of course, many a hearty laugh at the pictures calculated to amuse, while, at other times, "That's serious," would be heard in a faint whisper, expressive of reverence.

Much of the good accomplished at the lodging rooms in Pear street was counterbalanced by the evil influences under which the boys were brought at some of the places frequented by them during the day for their meals, and it was found indispensably necessary that a building should be provided where they could have their meals as well as lodging, and thus be more under our care. All seemed highly pleased at the prospect of having a residence of their own, and for this purpose a building was engaged in Spruce street. A day or two after, I met Ellard, and, supposing he knew which house had been selected, I asked him how he liked the idea of moving, when he replied, "I like the idea, but don't like the house," meaning the magnificent structure in Chestnut street, erected by the Pennsylvania Bank, at that time for sale, and which some of the boys had chosen for their home.

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A bright and handsome youth came up to me the evening on which the removal to Spruce street took place, and said, "It is no longer Rue de Pear, but Rue de Spruce." All the furniture, including book-case, and other heavy articles, was carried by the boys, who marched in procession, bearing their respective burdens. It was grand sport to them, and saved the Society much expense.

CHAPTER V.

THE HOME IN SPRUCE STREET.

ON the evening of the 16th of November, 1858, I had the pleasure of uniting with the boys in their first meal at the Home. The Superintendent had, as he supposed, provided enough both for tea and for breakfast the next morning; but his calculations were sadly at fault, as many articles, and considerable quantities of them, had to be obtained from neighbouring stores to satisfy the demands of the tea-table. It did one good to see with what perfect enjoyment they ate; their hearty appetites were a decided benefit to the provision men who furnished the supplies. The Superintendent's record of this meal is as follows: "The boys pitched into it right and left, and soon put everything like eatables out of sight."

The comforts of a Home, such as they now had, were before unknown to many of the boys, and their expressions of gratitude and delight were very touching. A moderate price is charged for board, the payment of which gives them a feeling of self-respect.

They now began to pay some attention to their personal appearance, which they had never done before, and some provided themselves with new and comfortable clothing at their own expense. It was almost impossible to recognise some of them, especially on Sundays. Their clean faces and new apparel presented a strange contrast to their former slovenly habits.

One youth, doubtless prompted by a consciousness of his improved condition, cast a prophetic glance into the future, and built himself, not exactly a castle in the air, but a residence in Camden, New Jersey. A copy of this future home of a Philadelphia newsboy to be erected on the opposite side of the Delaware river, in 1863, is given, that the reader may see to what a height his ambition carried him. It may be well to state that the object to the right of the house is a pump, and I am glad to say that the expectant possessor of the premises is a cold water boy -- a strict teetotaller.

Another lad made a spasmodic effort to turn over a new leaf, and having arrayed himself in an unusually clean shirt and an entire suit of clothing, stood before the looking-glass and, leisurely surveying himself, exclaimed, in a tone of great exultation, "Can this be Scott!"

Ellard also made his appearance in an entire new suit of clothes, and seemed quite proud of them. He also made a desperate effort to learn to read, and thus make up for his folly in running away from school; but the task was too severe, and after studying an hour or so for a few evenings, during which he could be heard in almost every part of the house, he gave up in despair.

About this time a gentleman when purchasing a paper of one of the boys, told him not to cheat in making the change. "I belong to the Newsboys' Home," was the reply, deeming that a sufficient guarantee for his honesty, but the gentleman had not heard of any such establishment, and asked for an explanation, which the boy was delighted to give. This was followed by an invitation to visit the Home, which was accepted, and the lad had the satisfaction of escorting him there, and introducing him to the Superintendent.

The Sunday services were now attended with much greater regularity than before. The Lord's day had been appropriated by them to amusement and dissipation, and was their day for gambling and other kindred vices. It had long been their custom to repair early every pleasant Sunday morning during the summer, to their favourite resorts on the banks of the river, and spend the day in card playing, drinking, &c. When prevented from visiting these places, many oyster cellars and other similar places were open to them in different parts of the city.

To relinquish this sad and sinful life, for instruction in the word of God, was a change too great to be wrought at once and it is not surprising that while many were persuaded to refrain from thus desecrating the Sabbath, few were willing to listen to the teachings of the Scriptures, a book looked upon by them, in common with very many others, as dull and gloomy, suited only for old age, or the deathbed -- "the book," not to guide them through life, but rather to be shunned.

At first some of the boys that were present at our Sunday afternoon gatherings, would come well supplied with candy and fruit. These were generously handed from one to the other, and disappeared rapidly. Nothing of this kind is now seen, unless introduced by a new comer, who very soon yields to the influences exerted by the others, and becomes an attentive and respectful listener.

Poor Ellard found it more difficult to be still on Sunday than on any other day. I well remember his restlessness at the third meeting he attended, February 14, 1858. It was late when he entered the room, and soon after his arrival he stretched himself at full length, face downwards, and poising upon the hump on his breast, used it as a pivot on which to whirl himself around, in a most mysterious manner. The sight was quite a novel one to me, but did not appear to be so to the boys. Finding it did not draw their attention from the subject before us, I took no notice of it, beyond an occasional curious glance. I believe these revolutions were not made through mischief. Poor deformed lad! he looked pale and wearied, and remaining long in a sitting posture was painful to him. I subsequently discovered that, although to a careless observer he might appear to be heedless of what was said, he was an attentive listener. There was an occasional expression of interest in the glance of his quick eye, which could not be mistaken as indicative of strong inward feeling, which, however, with characteristic affectation of indifference, he endeavoured to conceal. Upon one occasion, when a gentleman had ended an address to the boys upon "conscience," as the voice of God speaking in the soul, he expressed his hope that they would remember what had been said, and be able to repeat it at some future time. "I have forgotten it already," said Ellard, throwing himself upon the bench. So far from this being the case, I found upon questioning him, some weeks after, that he recollected the greater part of what had been told him.

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The boys had their own summary way of settling disputes, which they were loth to give up. One, however, mindful of the advice given by a friend, strove to act the more noble part, and set his comrades a good example. He was struck by another boy in a printing office, and, instead of returning the blow as had been his custom, he appealed to the gentleman in the office, whom he knew to be interested in the society, and received the assurance that he should not be abused. The assault being repeated, and finding his newborn patience beginning to fail, he exclaimed, "Mr . . . . .If you don't interfere at once, I shall have to take the matter into my own hands."

Some of the boys made such strenuous efforts to do right, that it seemed as though they had formed a "Newsboys' Try Company," as had been suggested to them. I happened to think of this suggestion on one occasion, while urging them to persevere in their endeavours to be good, and asked if they remembered what had been told them at the opening of the Home. "Yes!" exclaimed Ellard, "and that fellow nearly cost me my life." Supposing that he referred to something else, I explained myself more fully, but be persisted in his charge, and added, "Didn't he tell us to try, and I nearly broke my neck the other day by trying as he said."

"How was that?"

"Some of the boys were seeing who could jump down the most steps of the Custom House, and I nearly broke my neck trying" -- an application which greatly amused the Reverend gentleman, on hearing of this novel mode of testing the soundness of his teachings.

It would have been well had this poor lad attempted to practise other instructive lessons which had been given him, as his waywardness at times caused great trouble. He was the admitted leader of the boys, and upon one occasion exerted this influence in an organized effort to break up the establishment. Having taken offence at an imaginary grievance, he left the Home, and proceeded to draw the rest of the boarders into an agreement to leave in a body. His plans being matured he went to the Home on the stipulated evening, and upon the arrival of the hour fixed upon, triumphantly called out, "NOW BOYS!" and arose, as he supposed, to head the procession; but his comrades had reflected upon their folly, and would not accompany him, though for some time he continued to upbraid them for their cowardice. He at length left alone, greatly mortified at his failure, and passionately exclaiming, "I will get you away, if I have to buy you off!" A day or two afterwards he confessed that he had done wrong, and asked to be forgiven, promising to behave well if allowed to return. It is needless to add that he was heartily welcomed back.

It was a merciful Providence that thus frustrated the purpose of this poor lad, and preserved for him a home in which we humbly trust he was, by the grace of God, prepared for a home in heaven.

The results of our efforts were such as to encourage us to persevere, notwithstanding the many and serious objections urged by some at the outset of the undertaking. Great as was the advance in changing from the lodging-rooms in Pear street to the dwelling in Spruce street, it was felt that yet another step could be taken. A room for lectures and other meetings was necessary, and arrangements were accordingly made to secure a house affording such accommodation.

CHAPTER XI.

ENCOURAGEMENT.

AT the commencement of our efforts in behalf of the Newsboys, we were met by various objections. One went so far as to say, that "all attempts at the reformation of society were hopeless, and that the only way was to let it get so bad that it would right itself." It is sufficient to say, that this doctrine is at variance with the teachings of Scripture, and the results of our labours abundantly prove how wise and kind these teachings are.

In one respect the hopes of the Managers of the Society have been fulfilled in a manner different from their expectations. A number of the boys who first sought shelter under our roof, have been so far reclaimed as to return to their parents or friends, whom they had deserted; and, in some instances, are giving promise of useful lives. While this lessens the number of our boarders, it strengthens our faith, and encourages us to persevere in the work we have undertaken. New boys occasionally present themselves, and the Home is ever open to those who may unhappily yield to temptation, and again seek shelter under our roof. Some of the boys have no other home than the one furnished them by the Society. The following letter is from one of the inmates.

Philadelphia, December 21,1859.

Mr.....

I can remember the first night I stopped at the Home. I think I was drunk. I know I always liked to drink, for every night I could be found in the theatre, or in a drinking saloon. I kept on in this way, spending what money I could earn, until I got under the good advice of the Managers and Mr. Sloan: this checked my wild way of living. The first time the Managers came to read, it gave me great pleasure to find myself in the Home, instead of being in the theatre, and so through the Managers and Superintendent, especially Mr..... and .... ., me and several others were led from a life of wickedness and sin. I am sure I owe everything I got to the Home, for I can see now what it would have led me to; for the boys who were then my companions are now, I must say with regret, notorious drunkards, and I know if I had kept with them, I would be the same as them. I know that I learnt one thing, and that is more precious to me than all the rum in the world, and that is about God, which I know he has been watching over me ever since I was first taught to love him at the Newsboys' Home. I could not express half what it has done for me.

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Yours very truly.

Not long since a nicely dressed young man seated himself next to me in a city passenger car, and entered into an intelligent conversation. He was one of those who had returned to live with his relatives, and who had borne one of the objectionable names mentioned in Chapter III. He informed me, among other things, with evident satisfaction, of the improvement in his writing, and the pleasure he took in striving to advance himself. Another lad named in Chapter III, who has likewise returned to his relatives, recently showed me a pair of spectacles, the first he had made for the manufacturer whose establishment he has entered. The workmanship was excellent, and evinced great mechanical skill.

A few of the boys have left the newspaper business, and entered stores and offices; others have become proprietors of "stands," which is regarded as a decided advance in the profession. Ellard was the first of our boys to reach this promotion, and his success in the business was perhaps not less owing to his being deformed, than to his civility to his customers. An incident which he related as having occurred the first day he opened his stand, greatly encouraged him. "I made up my mind to say "thank you" to everybody that bought of me, and they all looked surprised and pleased. One gentleman bought a penny "Ledger," and as I folded it up, and gave it to him, said, "Thank you, sir," and he soon came back, and bought twelve cents worth of papers."

There is a manifest improvement in the behaviour of the boys at the Home, and in the character of their conversation. I was struck with this upon entering the room one evening, as they were seated around the tea-table, looking bright and happy, and discussing with great interest that passage of Scripture, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." One asked my opinion of its meaning which was given after learning what they had to say on the subject. Some thought it shut out all rich men, because a camel could not get through the eye of a needle; others thought that rich men have so much to do, looking after their property, that it was difficult for them to give their attention to religion.

The softening influences of the Home -- I should rather say, of the gospel of Christ -- under whose benign teachings the inmates are daily brought, were in no case more distinctly marked than in John Ellard. It was evident that a change had come over his rough and stubborn nature, and that a gentleness which we were fain to ascribe to the strivings of the Holy Spirit, was manifesting itself in the heart of this poor boy. This change was noticed by several, who spoke of it as something remarkable. A short time since I was informed of the illness of a lad who had been a companion of some of the newsboys, and had occasionally sold papers, but who was not acknowledged as properly belonging to the profession. The Superintendent and I went immediately to see him, and offered to receive him into the Home, and do what we could for him; but the lady who had kindly taken him into her house, and nursed him with a mother's care, though a stranger to her, had made him too comfortable to wish to leave. He was the child of respectable parents, whose loss of property and subsequent death, left their children unprovided for; and this poor lad, thrown upon the world, rapidly sank into vice, which brought him to a premature grave.

At first he refused to see us, and declared that we should not speak to him upon the subject of religion; but I was informed that he was the child of a pious mother, who had often prayed with and for him; and I could not doubt that the promise, "ask, and ye SHALL receive," was now being fulfilled. For several weeks before his death he manifested an earnest desire for religious instruction, and for prayer; and often spoke touchingly of his requests to God "to take away his wicked heart, and give him a good heart."

Two of our boys were in the habit of visiting him, and I shall long remember with what feelings I listened to one of them reading the ninth Psalm to him. Verily "the Lord is a refuge in times of trouble," and "the needy shall not always be forgotten," nor "the expectation of the poor perish for ever."

The following letter is from one of these boys:

To Mr....

Dear Sir --

After leaving your house last evening, rejoicing over our good fortune of having an apple and an orange to eat, we hastened on our errand with the jelly to where poor P. . . . is living -- knocked at the door -- lady came -- told her Mr. . . . . sent this to the sick boy. She asked us if we would like to see him; we answered, "Yes, ma'am." She told us to sit in the parlour; she called him from below, and the three of us were left alone in the parlour. We conversed for a long time about old times; he said he was getting weaker every day, and wouldn't live long. He talked about Ellard, and was very anxious to know if he died religious. We told him yes, and told how he spent his last hours. He told us how he got acquainted with the lady he was living with, and how kind she was to him. After a long pause, for he was out of breath, H .... asked him if he ever prayed; he said he never did until Mr. . . . . came to see him; he said he couldn't get his mind steady on one thing: he thinks of the Saviour one moment, and of something else another ; and it troubles him greatly, for he wants to be saved. He said he tried to say a long prayer the other night, and he thought of the devil before he was done, instead of God; so he says a short one now, so he can't think of nothing but God. We told him all about his soul we could, to make him happy. We were about to retire, when he requested us to sing a hymn for him, which we were very glad to do, but we could not find any hymnbooks. There was a large Bible on the table, and some tracts. I would have read the Bible if I knew what chapter; so I read two tracts -- I don't think of their names; one was about faith in God. He said he would like to be listening to Mr. . . . . . all the time. The tracts gave him a great deal of pleasure, and we bade him goodnight, promising him to return in a few evenings, and went on our way home.

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Your most humble servant.

The day after the death of this lad, the soul of one of the inmates of our Home entered its eternal rest. The deceased was one of the oldest newspaper carriers in the city, and had passed through a chequered life, but it is unnecessary to say more than that his character had been undergoing a marked change for several months before he was taken ill. It had been his custom to spend Sunday afternoon in lecturing upon temperance in the market houses, and upon the wharves, but he relinquished this for "instruction in righteousness" at our Sabbath gatherings, at which he became a most regular attendant.

In the early stage of his disease, he was strongly advised to enter the hospital, to which he reluctantly consented, but, after remaining there a short time, he longed so for the companionship of the boys, that he returned, and was most faithfully attended by a medical gentleman, for whose unremitting care the Managers are under deep obligations.

In one of our conversations he alluded with much feeling to the account given of our blessed Saviour, in Isaiah Iiii., and frequently spoke of Christ as his only hope.

Two days before his death, as I was about to engage in prayer, I asked him what he would most like me to pray forwhat, above everything else, he most desired. "Pray that I may have a fuller assurance in Christ," was his reply. At our last prayer his request was, that God would take him to himself.

After taking leave of him, I turned when near the door for a parting look at my dying friend. As I stood sorrowing over his sufferings, his eye caught mine, and I raised my arm and pointed upwards, but said nothing. Immediately his face was radiant with a heavenly smile, and in a full, clear voice, he exclaimed, "I'M BEFORE YOU!"

This once poor, now rich, man has left a letter addressed to the Managers of the Society, expressive of his gratitude, and we feel more than ever encouraged to labour on in our Master's work, praying that "it may please HIM to bring into the way of truth all such as have erred and are deceived."

CHAPTER XII.

ELLARD'S ILLNESS AND DEATH.

On Sunday, the 6th of November, 1859, I noticed that Ellard was suffering from a severe cold. On Tuesday, the 8th, he complained of a pain in his breast, and sore throat. A medical gentleman, one of the Managers of the Society, called to see him, and kindly and faithfully attended him. On the 10th he was better, and on the 12th obtained the physician's consent to leave his bed, and return to his stand. Towards the close of the month, he was attacked with coughing spells morning and night, which continued to increase.

On the evening of 7th December, he entered the Home while I was there, and finding him so much worse, I took him to the physician, who prescribed for him. His cough was very troublesome the next day, and he complained of pains in his body. On the 9th, the physician having informed me of his dangerous state, I felt it my duty to acquaint him with it at once. The poor lad revolted at the thought of death, and irritably denounced the physician, and declared that he would go out the next day. But this was not to be. The hand that now held him, was the relentless hand of the angel of death. I felt most sensibly that much was to be done for his undying soul, and that there was but a brief and uncertain period in which to do it. When I first proposed to pray at his bedside, he assented in a manner that told of a severe struggle of mind. It was my blessed privilege to kneel at his side morning and evening, and he manifested an increased interest each time. On the 10th and 11th he seemed better, but was very ill on the 13th. I taught him a prayer, which he committed to memory, and repeated after me, as I presented it on his behalf at the throne of grace.

The Superintendent was kneeling at the other side of the dying lad, and when I had closed my prayer, he threw himself on the bed, and implored him to give his heart to the Saviour. Poor Ellard looked upon Mr. Sloan as his father, and was loved by him as an own child. The tears fell from the man of God as he pleaded, "O! John, will you not look to the Saviour? He loves you, and will forgive you all your sins, if you will only give your heart to him. Say John! will you not now look to Him ? Do, do! give yourself to Him." This is a most imperfect record of words; the emotions and the sacredness of that hallowed scene cannot be described.

Wednesday, 14th. At six o'clock this morning he was very low. Throughout the day he complained of inward pain, and had increased difficulty in breathing. The Superintendent, who spent the greater part of the time with him, carried him about the room in his arms. When not thus holding him, he was seated at his bedside, with the eyes of the poor sufferer fixed upon him. The dear boy thought that he was dying, and calling one of his companions present, to whom he had loaned money, he said, "I forgive you all you owe me, and tell .... and .... that I forgive them all they owe me." Shortly after, he said to Mr. Sloan, "O! how I would like to see all the boys; but if I cannot, just give them my respects." He also said, "I forgive all who owe me anything."

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A Christian gentleman, who had manifested great interest in him, called at noon and spoke of the Saviour's love. Addressing a lad who was present, the gentleman expressed a hope that he prayed, and asked him to remember his dying companion in his prayers. Ellard looked up and said, "That boy says his prayers every night and morning."

In the evening he repeated the prayer I had taught him.

One of his companions had a dispute with him shortly before he was taken ill, and I was anxious that it should be settled, and friendship restored, before it was too late, as I well knew it would cast a gloom over the subsequent life of the survivor, and perhaps prove his ruin, were there not a reconciliation. After leaving Ellard, I waited some time for this lad's return to the Home, and, calling him aside, explained my anxiety on his behalf. The sympathetic chord was touched, and he wept aloud. When sufficiently composed, he went to Ellard's room, and falling upon his knees at his bedside, the tears flowing down his checks, he asked Ellard to forgive him. "O," said Ellard, "I forgave you long ago." This was too much for the penitent youth. Clasping his hands, and lifting his eyes to heaven, he prayed for his suffering companion. The scene was an exceedingly touching one, and the Superintendent and boys present were affected to tears; indeed, the former was so much overcome as to be obliged to retire for a few moments. Twice during the night Ellard requested the boys who were sitting up with him, to hold him in the posture of prayer on his bed, as he was too weak to leave it; and thus sustained, he prayed audibly. Who can doubt that that prayer was heard and answered by Him who inspired it? If not recorded before, surely the name of John Ellard was then written in the Book of Life. "Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out." John vi. 37.

Thursday, 15th. He was evidently much weaker today, and early in the morning suffered severe pain. He was more then ever anxious that Mr. Sloan should remain with him, and repeatedly asked him not to leave the room. Faithful to his charge, this Christian Superintendent was not absent from him five minutes during the day, but spent much of it on the bed, with the dying lad's arm around his neck, or resting his head upon his lap.

Awaking from a doze, he again said, "I would like to see all the boys; but if I cannot, just give them my respects." When I saw him at nine o'clock in the morning, he was free from pain, and evinced more interest in prayer than he had done before.

About eleven o'clock the pain returned, and rendered him very restless. He said, "I am going -- I am dying. O that I could see my father, and sister, and brother! but it is too late -- too late -- I am dying!"

Mr. Sloan asked if there was anything he would like to say before his death, when he replied, "Nothing, but send my best respects to . . . ." Shortly after, he cried, and said, "O, I am dying -- Mr. Sloan, what time is it?" Upon being informed that it wanted twentyfive minutes of twelve o'clock, he said, "Well, if any one wishes to see me, they must see me soon, for I will die by twelve." A Christian lady spoke to him of the Saviour, and not being able to speak, he nodded assent to what she said. Through her kindness, a softer bed was provided for him, for which he felt grateful. Quite a number of his companions visited him frequently, and he spoke to them when able do so.

Having expressed a wish for an orange, one was at once obtained. He urged those present to share it with him, and was not satisfied till he induced a child of the Superintendent's to take part of it. In the afternoon the pain left him, but he continued to grow weaker. A little after midnight be told Mr. Sloan that he was dying; and when asked if he was going to heaven, he answered, "Yes." "Do you feel that Jesus loves you?" "Yes." Can I see Mr. . . . ?" he then asked. The Superintendent replied in the affirmative, and said he would send for me. "Do, for I am dying." Two of the boys were sent for me. They hastened to my residence, but did not succeed in awakening me by ringing the bell. Fearing they might be arrested by the police if they knocked or remained long at the door at such an hour of the night, they returned to the Home. Soon after Ellard sent for me, and before I could have got to him, his glazed eye fixed in death, he said, "That aint Mr. . . . .," the last words spoken by him. At a quarter before three o'clock, his spirit returned to God who gave it. It gently passed away, while Mr. Sloan and three of the boys were praying at his bedside.

It was the opinion of the three medical gentlemen who visited him in his illness, that he might linger longer than he did, otherwise I should have been present at the departure of one in whom I had become so deeply interested.

"Unto whomsoever much is given of him shall much be required." The advantages and opportunities of each of us will be the weight by which we shall be tested when "weighed in the balances." Let us then charitably reflect upon the case of the forgiving, and I believe, forgiven, John Ellard, the Newsboy, whose advantages were small indeed, compared with those we have enjoyed.

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However reckless his life had been, "to the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him." He died at the "mercy-seat," and "none can perish there."

Soon after it pleased God in His infinite mercy and goodness to bring me to a saving knowledge of Himself, I was informed of the sudden death of one whom I knew to be of very intemperate habits, and I was greatly surprised to learn that he had died a happy death, exclaiming, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!"

"The more I reflected upon it, the greater difficulty I had in comprehending how such an one, hurried into eternity,. could enter the door over which is written, "WITHOUT HOLINESS NO MAN SHALL SEE THE LORD."

Upon inquiry of those present at his death, I found that the poor creature had died of delirium tremens, and that the words quoted had been uttered in his ravings. Since then I have ever looked with distrust upon what is commonly called a "death-bed repentance," and, although in the case of poor Ellard there was indicated the clearest evidence of undisturbed reason, and an appreciation, not only of his danger, but of the momentous issues of the great change about to take place, yet I should have felt far less confidence in his safety had there been no evidence of the previous work of the Holy Spirit in his soul. In the language of one of the boys, Ellard had been "growing more sorry. "

Notwithstanding my dread of putting off repentance till the eleventh hour, I know that God "of His great mercy hath promised forgiveness of Sins to ALL those who, with hearty repentance and true faith, turn unto Him," whether at the first or eleventh hour.

"I BELIEVE IN THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS."

"E'er since, by faith, I saw the stream,
Thy flowing wounds supply,
REDEEMING LOVE has been my theme,
And shall be till I die."

The decease of this poor lad was noticed with much feeling by the newspapers of the city; the following are extracts from two of them, the latter of which gives an account of the funeral.

"DEATH OF A NEWSBOY.

"But a few weeks have elapsed since we gave a notice of a visit to the Newsboys' Aid Society, at No. 273 South Third street. At the time we visited the Institution, little John Ellard opened the door and welcomed us into the building. He seemed to be in a very happy mood that evening, and talked and joked with us about the weather, the Home for the Newsboys, and other subjects. In writing the article we did, we were feelingly impressed with the beneficial results that had already been attained by the opening of this building, for it provided a comfortable shelter and home for little Ellard, the deformed newsboy.

"In passing Sixth and Chestnut streets yesterday morning, we were shocked at seeing crape drawn around the paper stand that rests against the County building. A few pieces of white ribbon were attached to the crape, indicating that the testimonial was for one of tender years. The profuse decorations that we have seen attached to many a wealthy man's palace, never made so deep an impression on us as did this signal of woe about the Newsboy's stand. Anxiously seeking some one who could enlighten us, our worst fears were realized, when we learned that Master Ellard, the proprietor of the stand, had deceased.

"Poor little Ellard! how we shall miss his cheerful face in our walks, and what a blank he will leave in the Newsboy's Home. Where shall another boy be found, who was the pet of those rough, but kind-hearted newsboys. But a few evenings ago we saw one of the boys carrying him home on his shoulder, and this was not an unusual occurrence, for there was a strong competition for the privilege of carrying the little fellow home after his daily labours had ceased. In short, nothing was considered a hardship by the boys, if it tended to please their little friend.

"Master Ellard had many warm friends among the business community, and some of the most respectable of them patronized his stand every morning. It is a consolation to the friends of humanity to know that woman's hand ministered to the wants of the little merchant during his illness, and all that kind hearts could desire was done to alleviate his condition. His funeral will be attended by his late companions and others, and many will drop a tear, on that occasion, to the memory of poor little Ellard.

"The clergy will perform the last sad rites over our little friend, and if they succeed in getting their hearers to emulate the example of the deceased, they will have accomplished much.

"Thank God, we have a Newsboys' Home, where in life every want and comfort is supplied, in sickness woman's soothing attention is ever present, and in death a Christian burial is vouchsafed."

"THE NEWSBOYS' HOME.

"We mentioned, a few days since, the death of a well-known newsboy. On Monday morning his funeral was attended by fifty-six newsboys, six of whom carried the body from the Home to the church, and thence to the grave in St. Joseph's church-yard. Others would gladly have attended, but were prevented by their morning engagements. From their rough exteriors, society has always thought that these lads were only fit for a career of wickedness and an end of shame; and so the poor fellows have, till very recently, been treated as Pariahs and moral lepers. The case of John Ellard shows that the few true-hearted Christian gentlemen were right, who believed that they could be saved in spite of their surroundings, and so transformed that their lives should be useful and honourable, and their deaths not without hope.

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"All the good impulses of this boy were carefully encouraged by the kind friends who had taken him up, and he had become noted for his economy, industry, and generosity. He was always ready to help his comrades who were in want, and a short time before his death he sent word to those who had borrowed of him that he "forgave them all they owed him." His last request was to see one of the Managers who had frequently prayed with him during his illness, and throughout all his sickness he manifested a gentle, forgiving, and patient disposition, and his whole deportment was such as those interested in his future could have wished.

"Now that this one boy should have been furnished with a cheerful Christian home, and cared for, when in pain and suffering, by skilful physicians and kind and watchful attendants, is enough to reward all who have laboured for this neglected class, and we commend the fact to the benevolent, and ask them to give a little attention to a charity which is doing so much good."

Copy of a letter received from one of the Aldermen of the city.

Mr. Sloan, Superintendent of the Newsboys' Home:

Dear Sir -- I am indebted seventy-five cents to "Didley Dumps," for papers, please inform me to whom I can pay the money.

Poor Didley Dumps! may we, when the cold hand of death beckons us away, leave behind us as many friends, and as few enemies as he has.

Extract from a letter dated Memphis, Tennessee, from a newsboy, formerly an inmate of the Home.

"I have heard from.......about the death of John Ellard, and it made the tears come out, and I could not stop for half an hour. I have received a paper, it was the.... and in it was the death of Ellard, and it was .... that sent it to me. Mr. Sloan, I have got a Baltimore paper, and it had the death of John Ellard, and I gave it to a Philadelphia boy, and he knew John, and this boy used to stand at the corner of Sixth and Chestnut."

There are, in all large cities, hundreds of persons who have no place they can call their own, and who would be truly thankful for a bright, happy home, conducted upon Christian principles, where, for a moderate sum, which they would cheerfully pay, and which would amply support such an establishment, they could have the protection and comfort they so much need.

A Home of this kind, for each sex, is very much wanted in Philadelphia, and would be attended with blessed results.

Several applications were made to our Society for the admission of persons not engaged in vending newspapers or books, and some were at first received; but the boys felt that their Home should be for their exclusive benefit, and it has been found necessary to make it so, although there is room for many more boarders.

Clean and attractive tea and coffee saloons, to take the place of the wretched "pauper-making dens" which disgrace our cities, and which are increasing with fearful rapidity, are also much needed, and many honest and generous-hearted men would gladly avail themselves of them, were they established.

Were half the zeal expended in denunciation of intemperance and other vices, exerted in well-directed efforts to provide such places of resort for those whose sad condition calls so loudly for sympathy, their reformation would no longer wear an aspect so hopeless.

Are there none in this city, noted for its Christian liberality, who will act upon these suggestions? The undertaking is full of promise, and its faithful performance would ensure a rich reward.

"HE THAT CONVERTETH A SINNER FROM THE ERROR OF HIS WAY SHALL SAVE A SOUL FROM DEATH, AND SHALL HIDE A MULTITUDE OF SINS."

THE END.