The Magdalen.
upon one occasion, Friend
Hopper entered a complaint against an old woman, who had presided over an infamous house for many years.
She was tried, and sentenced to several months imprisonment.
He went to see her several times, and talked very seriously with her concerning the errors of her life.
Finding that his expostulations made some impression,
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he asked if she felt willing to amend her ways.
‘Oh, I should be thankful to do it!’
she exclaimed.
‘But who would trust me?
What can I do to earn an honest living?
Everybody curses me, or makes game of me. How
can I be a better woman, if I try ever so hard?’
‘I will give thee a chance to amend thy life,’ he replied; ‘and if thou dost not, it shall be thy own fault.’
He went round among the wealthy
Quakers, and by dint of great persuasion he induced one to let her a small tenement at very low rent.
A few others agreed to purchase some humble furniture, and a quantity of thread, needles, tape, and buttons, to furnish a small shop.
The poor old creature's heart overflowed with gratitude, and it was her pride to keep everything very neat and orderly.
There she lived contented and comfortable the remainder of her days, and became much respected in the neighborhood.
The tears often came to her eyes when she saw Friend
Hopper.
‘God bless that good man!’
she would say. ‘He has been the salvation of me.’