will have results even when our emotions seem dead. We can at least
direct our thought life. We can set ourselves towards Him by the
deliberate direction of attention. We can think the true and right
thoughts. And in that way a religion begins to come into life
that is tenfold more abiding and sustaining than any religion that is a
mere matter of feeling. It may need rigid self-discipline and really
hard work thus to direct attention and attain to a regulated thought
life. But then, I am not suggesting that there is an easy way through
this problem. There is a way, and a way that leads to real victory; but
it is no more easy than any other path that leads to a great goal.

I should like further to draw on the experience of women themselves to
add some additional suggestions born of common sense and experiment. A
very wise woman once supplied through me some hints to one who was
going through this difficult period, and I am sure her hints are worth
passing on to others. She insisted that no woman at this stage should
attempt to live alone. Healthy friendship with other women is one of
the greatest possible helps to success. As I have noted in a previous
chapter, there is a danger that lurks not far away in this connection.
But too much cannot be said of the helpful and bracing influence of
friendships that are kept really healthy. Then, it is a mistake for
women to live in institutions when that can be avoided. It really
helps to have some room or rooms in the care of which the home-making
instinct can find expression, and which may thus become a means to
self-expression. More important still, my friend insisted that it is
better at this period to work with people than with things. Other
people always tend to draw us out of ourselves, if we will allow that
to happen. They make demands on our affections. They keep us in touch
with real life and its vast variety of emotions and interests. They
make self-forgetfulness possible. Further, it is important for such