I must tell you of my experience last Sabbath in the “House of Refuge.” At 3 P. M. I took a car up the long, beautiful, white shell-road—through “St. Patrick’s Cemetery”—to the Institute buildings, expecting there to meet our superintendent and teachers. For some reason they were detained, so I had to proceed, though trembling and alone. The position can be appreciated only by those acquainted with the history and training of these poor children. During the school hours, for our benefit, boys were screaming, dogs snarling just outside the doors, pupils called out, and once the whole school utterly refused to sing the hymns so pleasing to them. This made me afraid of what might occur to-day; but the service must not be given up, though the door was locked and the “key lost”—the bell overturned, and no official to be seen about the grounds. Trusting, however, for guidance, I followed one of the boys through the yard and work-house to the little chapel, where all had been to mass in the morning. Thirty or forty were awaiting our arrival, and I am sure the Lord helped me, for that wild, uproarious group, through the hour, remained quiet and gentle, while I had no difficulty in interesting them. My Sunday-school class in Central Church is a great joy and help in my work. Commencing with thirty little ones, the names have increased to one hundred and twenty. Through these, I find entrance to many homes otherwise closed to all religious influences. Nothing is so pleasing to the mother as interest taken in her children, and many interviews, following these friendly calls, will long be remembered. Only kindness and welcome do I receive everywhere among them. I have learned truly to pity these poor mothers, who tell me, with tears, how hard it is to bring up their children properly in the midst of all this abounding iniquity. All I can bring under the influence of the A. M. A. work I deem a great gain. During the last three days I have visited thirty-four families. Quite a good number were promised for church and Sunday-school. One Sabbath I was pleased to see in church three mothers and ten children whom I had visited during the week. There are many discouragements attending these efforts, but there are also many rewards—many bright, happy faces, and many happier homes; many children learning good, rather than all evil ways; and so the days go by, while we take courage in the growing work, hoping that the little seeds, as well as the greater, will take root and grow. * * * * * TENNESSEE. Better Prospects of Memphis—Effect upon School-Work—Value of Industrial Work—Hopeful Outlook. REV. A. J. STEELE, MEMPHIS. In October, 1879, few were hopeful of immediate prosperity for Memphis. All her interests seemed paralyzed, her best friends discouraged and even hopeless.