"So we will," they cried.
"I don't think you will be successful at first. I know that I should break them many times; but if you ask God to help you, you may in time be able to overcome the continual temptation to break them."
Then we had a long friendly talk together; and I saw, here and there, a beautiful trait, or noble impulse, in these poor orphan boys. They were rude to each other, but they were not mean; and I felt sure that, rightly trained, they would become, in time, good boys and good men.
"Suppose, my dear boys," I said, "I get pen, ink, and paper, and write out these resolutions, for each of you to keep a copy in your pockets; they will help to remind you. I will only ask you to try to keep them. Will you promise me this much?"
They all said they would try as hard as they could.
"Will you promise me to pray to God to help you?"
They promised this with downcast eyes and serious faces.
Then I said: "Well, let us see how you can mind me to begin. I am going into the committee room for the pen, ink, and paper. I expect you to sit quite still, till I come back; will you promise me this?"
"Oh yes, ma'am; we won't speak or stir from our seats," they all cried.