THE EARNEST PHILANTHROPIST. or stolen." But none knew better than Elizabeth Fry how the word IMPOSSIBLE is treated in the only two places where it is mentioned in that great Book she had studied so well ; and she simply redoubled her energetic labourings. The Sheriffs, though they entertained no confi- dence in the success of the Quixotic scheme which was to expel dragons and fiends from their stronghold, were polite enough to afford all the assistance in their power to the ladies. They met the Committee one Sunday afternoon at Newgate ; and the women being assembled, Mrs. Fry asked the poor creatures " whether they were willing to abide by the rules which it would be indispensable to establish among them, for the accomplishment of the object so much desired by all ?" Unanimously and gratefully the women assured her of their concurrence in all she thought proper to do. The Sheriffs also addressed them ; and then one gentleman, turning to Mrs. Fry and her companions, said, " Well, ladies, you see your materials !" In nowise disheartened, they began their labour of love. Rules were made, a matron was introduced, the prisoners classified; begging, swearing, drinking, and card -playing prohibited ; and the ladies now gave themselves no leisure -" they literally lived in the prison." Every morning a chapter was read from the Bible by the matron or by one of the ladies, and on one morning in the week Mrs. Fry would attend and read. The earnest servant of GOD was 29
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