There are hundreds of such destitute places in our land, where a prudent, self-denying, and energetic woman might be instrumental in leading a whole community “out of darkness into marvellous light,” and there are hundreds of such women wishing to go to them. The writer, when returning to the East, has often been met by young friends with such representations as these: “I have nothing to employ my time which satisfies my conscience. I have education, leisure, and means; can you find me a sphere of usefulness which I can reach _with propriety_? I cannot go off alone; for, even if I thought it proper, my friends would not consent.” Again, another friend says, “Why cannot you find something for Miss G. to do? She is well educated, rich, benevolent, and really is suffering for want of something to do. She has thought of going on a foreign mission, but surely there is enough for her to do in her own country.” Yes, surely, there is enough to do in our own country. When will the wise, and the influential, and the benevolent awake to this subject, and devise the proper mode of meeting such wants? Those who are interested in the project presented in this work by no means assume that this is the _best way_. They only feel that _something_ ought to be attempted; and that, if this effort does no other good, it may put in train influences that will develop a better way. The writer of this volume also presents this enterprise, not as the plan of an individual, but as a project devised, by consultation, among many ladies of influence and benevolence, who are interested in securing its success. And if it is effected, it is hoped that it will be by such _simultaneous_ interest and efforts, that no one will be conspicuous, either as originator or leader in the enterprise. The views presented in this work are those held in common by a large number of intelligent ladies in all parts of our land; and, though one has been selected and requested to write this work, it should be regarded, not as the opinions of an individual, but as a wreath of benevolence, woven, indeed, by one hand, but gathered from many noble and benevolent minds. The following extracts from letters received from gentlemen of high standing in various parts of our nation, will serve to corroborate the views expressed in the preceding pages: _From the Hon. Thomas Burrowes, late Secretary of State in Pennsylvania._ I have long been of opinion that the _great deficiency_ of our age and country, in reference to the sound instruction of the coming generation, is the _want of teachers_.