Altruism is Recommended 273 



able. For the sake of her training, if for no better 

 reason, she may be brought into close relation to the 

 Sunday school and the church. It will be good, in- 

 deed, if she find some congenial work in one or both 

 of these organizations. Let it be remembered that 

 the healthy-minded, well-matured woman is very 

 probably at her best and is most highly satisfied and 

 contented with life only when she has opportunities 

 to perform some kind of worthy social service. Farm 

 parents may well bring it about, therefore, that their 

 young daughter have some specific deeds of altruism 

 to perform. Let her carry a small gift or a word of 

 cheer to the door of the sick or the infirm. Let her 

 make with her own hands some simple, inexpensive 

 present to be carried to the one who needs it most and 

 whose heart will be made glad by it. 



Above all things else, it must be provided that some- 

 thing more than the mere grasping nature of the 

 young country girl be indulged and developed. Some 

 there are who still contend that life for men is, at its 

 best, a game of chance and contention. But such an 

 ideal, if held up to the growing girl, will tend to check 

 or destroy all that is best and most beautiful in the 

 feminine nature. Young women especially must 

 learn through practice that the best and most beauti- 

 ful character is altogether consistent with the per- 

 formance of deeds of service and altruism. 



Finally, educate into the daughter as much habitual 

 cheerfulness as possible, let her heart be made glad 



