A matron was obtained to remain day and night in the prison, and the ordinary, governor, and sheriffs, though they had no confidence in the success of the experiment, manifested every favorable disposition towards it, and lent it all the aid in their power. At the next meeting, the comforts to be derived from industry, and sobriety, were dwelt upon; the pleasure and profit of doing right and obtaining knowledge; and the happiness of a life devoted to virtue and piety. The prisoners were assured that no regulation would be established among them without their entire concurrence, and that neither Mrs. Fry, nor the ladies with whom she consulted, and who formed a committee, assumed any authority over them, except by their own consent. Some rules were then proposed, and it was gratifying to see every hand held up in unqualified approval. A chapter in the Bible was read to them, and after a period of silent meditation, the monitors, who had been appointed, withdrew with their respective classes to the cells, in the most orderly manner.
The first steps towards taming the lion had succeeded beyond all expectation. Guilt had listened, and admitted the superiority of virtue, and been convinced that it was itself an object neither of indifference nor of hatred. It had seen those who were rich and increased in goods, "condescending to "light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently for the piece that was lost." It wondered, and was subdued.
