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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.