He exerted his influence in her behalf, and procured a situation for her as head-nurse at the alms-house.  She was well contented there, and behaved with great propriety.  Seventeen years afterward, when Friend Hopper had not seen her for a long time, he called to inquire about her, and was informed that during all those years, she had been an honest, sober, and useful woman.  She was rejoiced to see him again, and expressed lively gratitude, for the quiet and comfortable life she enjoyed through his agency.

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, 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.”

THE UNCOMPLIMENTARY INVITATION.

A preacher of the Society of Friends felt impressed with the duty of calling a meeting for vicious people; and Isaac T. Hopper was appointed to collect an audience.  In the course of this mission, he knocked at the door of a very infamous house.  A gentleman who was acquainted with him was passing by, and he stopped to say, “Friend Hopper, you have mistaken the house.”

“No, I have not,” he replied.

“But that is a house of notorious ill fame,” said the gentleman.

“I know it,” rejoined he; “but nevertheless I have business here.”

His acquaintance looked surprised, but passed on without further query.  A colored girl came to the door.  To the inquiry whether her mistress was within, she answered in the affirmative.  “Tell her I wish to see her,” said Friend Hopper.  The girl was evidently astonished at a visitor in Quaker costume, and of such grave demeanor; but she went and did the errand.  A message was returned that her mistress was engaged and could not see any one.  “Where is she?” he inquired.  The girl replied that she was up-stairs.  “I will go to her,” said the importunate messenger.