ance. It was
therefore resolved to open a day-school, but to find a teacher with her
heart in such a work was a difficulty hard to be met; moreover, it was
thought by many unsafe for a lady to remain in this locality alone, even
though a suitable one should offer. But one brave and self-devoted
was found, and one Sunday it was announced to the children in the
Sabbath-school that a day school would be opened in the same building at
nine o'clock on Monday morning.

"About thirty neglected little ones from the lanes and alleys around
the mission were found at the schoolroom door at the appointed hour. But
when admitted, very few of them had any idea of the purpose for which
they were collected. The efforts of the teacher to seat them proved a
failure. The idea among them seemed to be that each should take some
part in amusing the company. One would jump from the back of a bench
upon which he had been seated, while others were creeping about the
floor; another, who deemed himself a proficient in turning somersaults,
would be trying his skill in this way, while his neighbor, equally
ambitious, would show the teacher how he could stand on his head.
Occasionally they would pause and listen to the singing of a hymn or the
reading of a little story; then all would be confusion again; and thus
the morning wore away. The first session having closed, the teacher
retired to her home, feeling that a repetition of the scenes through
which she had passed could scarcely be endured.

"Two o'clock found her again at the door, and the children soon gathered
around her. Upon entering the schoolroom, most of them were induced
to be seated, and a hymn was sung which they had learned in the
Sabbath-school. When it was finished, the question was asked, 'Shall we
pray?' With one accord they answered, 'Yes.' 'And will you be quiet?'
They replied in the affirmative. All were then requested to be silent
and cover their faces. In this posture they remained until the prayer
was closed; and after resuming their seats, for some minutes order was
preserved. This was the only encouraging circumstance of the day.

"For many weeks a stranger would scarcely have recognized a school in
this disorderly gathering which day after day met in the old gloomy
building. Very many difficulties which we may not name were met and
conquered. Fights were of common occurrence. A description of one may
give the reader an idea of what came frequently under our notice.