every grade, and who know of no restraint, except the fear of the strong police, who hover continually about these precincts. And boys are there by scores, so fearfully mature in all that is vicious and degrading, that soon, O how soon, they will be fit only for the prison and the gallows.

This fearful spot-this concentration of moral evil-this heathendom without the full excuse of ignorance so entire as creates a hope for foreign lands-why do we portray it? Why dwell for a moment upon scenes at which even a casual glance causes the warm blood to mantle to the cheek, and sends it rushing through the heart, until it quivers and aches with intensest sorrow? Why? Because we believe the time for action, the most wise, the most earnest, the most vigorously sustained, is fully come. The voice of benevolence has sounded there, and has been echoed, not faintly, not equivocally, but by a cry deep, agonized, impassioned. The wail of infancy, the moan of neglected childhood, the groan of mature years sick of sin, yet almost despairing of rescue, have united, and the cry has reached the ear of Christian kindness, and Christian hearts have responded to that call, and are now united to prove, as far as they may be enabled, the utmost power of redeeming grace to raise the fallen and to save the lost.

For several years the New-York Ladies' Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church had been anxious to include this point within the sphere of their operations. Their report of 1848 contains this language:-"We intend to make a new point in Centre or Elm-streets, in the vicinity of the Tombs. The deepest interest was manifested by the Board respecting this effort. Several ladies pledged their personal labors to the Sunday school, and all feel that this is emphatically 'mission ground.' We plead for the children -for we commence with the Sabbath school-the children, because through them we hope to reach the parentsthe children, because ere long they will hold the destiny of our city with-. in their hands. We expect to employ a missionary there, who will avail himself of every providential opening for usefulness." Urged by such feelings, the Board selected a committee of intelligent and judi

cious gentlemen, to survey the field and select a place for action. After a careful survey, the committee reported that a suitable room could not be found, and therefore the ladies must defer their hopes and plans. The point was sadly yielded, but never for a moment forgotten; and, before the Annual Conference of 1850, it was resolved "to apply for a missionary, in full faith that a way would be made plain for him to act efficiently and profitably." It was done, and most cheerfully responded to by the Bishops, and the Rev. L. M. Pease was appointed.

The ladies, feeling the difficulties that beset them in a field like this, and encouraged by the expressed interest of husbands, brothers, and friends, selected a number of gentlemen of the highest respectability and standing, who were formed into an "Advisory Committee" to the Board, and were empowered, in conjunction with the missionary, to find a suitable place and make all necessary arrangements for the opening of the Sabbath school. Obstacles seemed to vanish before them. A room was found, the corner of Little-Water and Cross-streets, some twenty by forty feet, thoroughly cleaned and seated, and thus

MISSION ROOM.

made capable of accommodating about two hundred persons. The first Sabbath it was filled. By whom? By what? A friend described it as "a more vivid representation of hell than she had ever imagined." Neglected childhood, hardened, reckless maturity, encased in filth and rags. But, through the power of grace, there were those there who had moral and physical nerve to bear the sight—the sound. They sang, and prayed, and exhorted, explained their motives and designs, and urged the importance of cleanliness upon their wretched listeners. The school opened with seventy scholars. The first few Sabbaths the children were rather unruly. The boys would throw somersets, and knock each other down, or follow any other inclination which arose. Indeed, the entire want of self-restraint was one of the most painful features of the scene, for who could repress the anxious question, "To what will all this lead?" But soon the school was perfectly organized, and each succeeding Sabbath witnessed its increase and improvement.

Immediately upon the establishment of the mission, the necessity of a day-school became apparent; it was found that weekly impressions were too evanescent to be of much benefit to children who, during the other six days, were exposed to influences which ever rest upon those residing there. Preparations were made for its organization; donations of books, maps, and slates were received, a teacher selected with the approval of the entire Board, and the ladies were rejoicing in the prospect of the fulfillment of their most cherished plan, when, in its initiatory stage, adverse influences intervened, which, by placing the school in other hands, removed it entirely from the control of the society, and, of course, in a degree from the direct influences of the mission.

Intemperance prevailed so fearfully in this region that all immediately realized that nothing could be effected until this tide could be stayed. Preaching fell on besotted ears in vain; all moral truth was wasted; it was 66 casting pearls before swine." Temperance-meetings were instituted, and held almost weekly in the mission-room. The friends of the cause rallied there, sang temperance-songs, and made earnest speeches. In the first year one thousand had signed the pledge, including some of the very worst of the in

habitants. Since then there has been a steady increase, and the closest scrutiny reports that in the large majority of cases the pledge has been fully kept.

Next to intemperance, the missionary found the greatest hinderance to consist in the want of steady employment for the surrounding poor. The majority were vicious, and unused to work; many were anxious for employment, but could not get it, because the large establishments which give slop-work to the poor would not trust their material in the Five Points; and yet they were obliged to remain there because of the cheapness of the rents. The missionary, by becoming responsible, found one house willing to coöperate in his design. After many experiments and many difficulties a regular establishment was formed in which fifty or sixty men and women found constant employment, and boarded in the house of the missionary. The inmates generally attended the religious services of the mission, the children came to the Sabbath school, and the Society regarded it as a valuable adjunct to their undertaking. At the end of the first year the same adverse influence which had already removed the dayschool from the control of the Board also operated here; and although they have been successful in obtaining employment for numbers, yet the want of sufficient room has prevented their efforts in this line from being apparent to casual visitors.

The second conference year opened with the appointment of the Rev. Mr. Luckey (late chaplain to the Sing-Sing State-prison) to that field of labor. His influence among the convicts of Sing-Sing was a good preparation for the work which now devolved upon him. He and his devoted wife have penetrated its dark alleys, and have explored every avenue of Cow-Bay and the Old Brewery. The wretched inhabitants of cellars and garrets have had their word of counsel and their cheering aid; their utmost influence has been exerted to induce the children to attend a day-school supported by various benevolent individuals; they have visited the sick, and directed the dying to Him who could save to the uttermost; and through them, aided by ladies and gentlemen connected with the mission, a moral influence has been exerted which is felt throughout that entire community. Nor

have they rested here; scores of men and women have through them been supplied with work; children have been placed in the "Home of the Friendless," or in responsible families; and they have spared neither time nor trouble to effect these objects.

During the year the mission-room became so crowded with children and adult listeners, who also flocked to the weekly means of grace, that the necessity of a larger place was painfully felt. While somewhat anxiously debating about ways and means to accomplish this, a path entirely unexpected opened before the Board. Mr. Harding, lessee of Metropolitan Hall, (the largest and most beautiful place in the city for a public meeting,) offered it to the Society for one evening free of expense. The Hutchinsons and Alleghanians, being apprized of this, volunteered to sing gratuitously, and the Rev. Messrs. Beecher and Wakely consented to speak on the occasion. This association of circumstances induced the Board, with the approval of their Advisory Committee, to hold a public meeting, and call upon all interested in the object to aid in the reno

The drawings of this article have been made under the care, and, so far as accuracy and general execution are concerned, on the responsibility of the ladies of the Home Missionary Society.

vation of a spot which for years had been a by-word for all that was degraded in human character and extreme in human misery. The house was filled to overflowing; the interest manifested was great; and $4,000 were contributed toward that mission. Thus encouraged, the ladies called upon their Advisory Committee to redeem a former promise, viz. that if, after two years' trial, the success should warrant the outlay, they would aid them in obtaining a more commodious place. After a thorough survey they concluded that the "Old Brewery" was the most eligible point. This place, celebrated for years as the stronghold for crime in that dark region, whose avenues were familiarly known as "Murderer's Alley" and the "Den of Thieves," was inhabited at the time by at least three hundred wretched immortal beings. No language can exaggerate its filth or the degradation of its inmates; and the cleansing of this alone we deem missionary work. Believing that the renovation of a place like this, in the very heart of our great city, would prove a general benefit, the Society called upon the public to aid them still further in the arduous work. Promptly and nobly was that call responded to; ere six months had passed $13,000 were subscribed; and, although $3,000 of the

required sum was yet needed, the committee felt emboldened to make the purchase, and thus enabled the ladies' achievement to realize their warmest hopes. This unexpected feat aroused the public interest to a great degree, and the remaining sum was soon raised by contributions from every quarter. We must reserve to another number the history of the “Old Brewery" and many circumstances connected with its purchase and demolition, and in this connection close by saying that the Ladies' Home Missionary Society have had the privilege of demonstrating to the city that the "Five Points" are perfectly accessible to moral influences. lieved that,

They be

"However deep may be the shade of sin,
There is in every human heart a way

By which the light of truth may enter in.
What though the spirit seem to shun the ray,
And cling to evil?-faith and patience may
The dark suggestions of despair refute :
Night seemeth deepest ere the dawn of day;
The wither'd plant may quicken at the root;
How many sow the seed who may not see the
fruit?"

And in accordance with these sentiments they have contended with difficulties, met opposition, and patiently and prayerfully pursued their onward course. In view of the wasted intellect, the perverted feelings, the deadened sensibilities, and the fearful retribution of the adults by whom they were surrounded; in view of the redemption purchased for and proffered to them; in view of the hundreds of children exposed to every evil influence, who yet might be snatched from the mäelstrom on whose verge they were standing, the ladies acted. In view of this fearful desolation, which year after year had deterred both the philanthropic and the Christian from strong, systematic effort there, they said:

"These are the thoughts that make us watch

and weep

Over the children of depravity,
And feel it is a glorious work to keep
One falling mind from ruin."

Even though the results should prove small, the effort would be accepted; how far they exceeded their most sanguine hopes will be portrayed in another chapter.

Donations should be directed to the Ladies' Home Missionary Society, care of

THE SPINNING-MAIDEN'S CROSS.

BY REV. PROFESSOR WHEWELL.

BENEATH Vienna's ancient wall
Lie level plains of sand,
And there the pathway runs of all
That seek the Holy Land.

And from the wall a little space,
And by the trodden line,
Stands, seen from many a distant place,
A tall and slender shrine.

It seems, so standing there alone,
To those who come and go,
No pile of dull unconscious stone,
But touch'd with joy or woe;
Seems to the stranger on his way,
A friend that forth hath set,
The parting moment to delay,
And stands and lingers yet.

While to the long-gone traveler
Returning to his home,

It seems with doubtful greeting there
Of joy and sorrow come.

Smiles have been there of beaming joy,
And tears of bitter loss,

As friends have met and parted, by
The Spinning-Maiden's Cross.
Young Margaret had the gentlest heart
Of all the maidens there,

Nor ever fail'd her constant part

Of daily toil and prayer.

But when the festal morn had smiled,
And early prayer was o'er,
Then Margaret, gentle, still, and mild,
Had happiness in store.

For then with Wenzel side by side
In calm delight she stray'd,
Amid the Prater's flowery pride,
Or in the Augarten's shade.
"Gretchen beloved! Gretchen dear!
Bright days we soon shall see;
My master, lord of Löwethier,
Will link my lot with thee.
"And there, upon the Kahlen's swell,
Where distant Donau shines,

He gives a cot where we shall dwell,
And tend his spreading vines."

Though joy through Margaret sent a thrill,
And at her eyes ran o'er,

Few words she spoke for good or ill,

Nor Wenzel needed more.

But when again the festal bell
Had struck on Wenzel's ear,

A sadder tale had he to tell,
And Margaret to hear.
"Gretchen beloved! Gretchen dear!
Joy yet;-but patience now;
My master, lord of Löwethier,
Has bound him with a vow;

A Gothic cross of the architecture of the thir

street.

city of Vienna, and is commonly called "Die Spinnerinn am Kreuz."

"And he must to the Holy Land,
Our Saviour's tomb to free;

And I and all his faithful band
Must with him o'er the sea."

A swelling heart did Margaret press,
But calm was she to view;
Meekly she bore her happiness,
Her sorrow meekly too.

Her solitary Sabbaths brought
A prayer, a patient sigh,

As on the Holy Land she thought,
Where saints did live and die.

But from the Holy Land soon came,
Returning pilgrims there,

And heavy tidings brought with them
For Margaret's anxious ear.
For Wenzel is a captive made

In Paynim dungeon cold,

And there must lie till ransom paid
A hundred coins of gold.
Alas for Margaret! should she spin,
And all her store be sold,

In one long year she scarce could win
A single piece of gold.

Yet love can hope through good and ill,
When other hope is gone;

Shall she who loves so well be still,
And he in prison groan?

She felt within her inmost heart
A strange bewilder'd swell,

Too soft to break with sudden start,

Too gentle to rebel.

And what she hoped or thought to earn
Poor Margaret never knew,

But on her distaff oft she'd turn
A thoughtful, hopeful view.

And by the stone where last they met,
Each day she took her stand;

And twirl'd the thread till daylight set,
With unremitting hand.

Her little store upon the stone

She spread to passers-by;

And oft they paused and gazed upon

Her meek and mournful eye.

And e'en from those who had but few,

Full oft a coin she won,

And faster far her treasure grew

Than e'er her hopes had done.

But all in vain it grew, alas!

Her destined ransom store;

For from the Holy Land there pass
The travelers once more.

And when to her their news they said,
All cheer and hope were gone;

For Wenzel is in prison dead,

His captive sorrows done.

Then on her face what woe was set;
Yet still she spun and spun,

As if her hands could not forget
The work they had begun.

Through shine and rain, through heat and

Her daily task she plied;

[snow,

And wrought for two long twelvemonths so, And then she gently died.

They took the treasure she had won,

Full many a varied coin,

And o'er the stone where she had spun
They raised that shapely shrine.

And still Vienna's maids recall
Her meekly suffer'd loss,

And point the fane beneath the wall

THE SPINNING-MAIDEN'S CROSS.