A Sweeping Argument.—“That is a sweeping argument,” remarked the husband, whose wife used a broom to convince him that he ought to have been home several hours previously.
The Great Art of Life.—It is the great art and philosophy of life to make the best of the present, whether it be good or bad; to bear the bad with resignation and patience, and to enjoy the good with thankfulness and moderation.
Beautiful Hands.—A white hand is a very desirable ornament, and a hand can never be white unless it be kept clean; nor is this all, for if a young lady excels her companions in this respect, she must keep her hands in constant motion, which will cause the blood to circulate freely and have a wonderful effect. The motion recommended is working at her needle, brightening her house and making herself as useful as possible in the performance of all domestic duties.—Mrs. Jamieson.
MORE ABOUT Y.W.C.A.; “GIRL’S OWN PAPER” BRANCH.
By the Hon. GERTRUDE KINNAIRD.
About three years ago a paper appeared in the pages of this magazine entitled “Y.W.C.A.” It will be interesting to trace the growth of the seed then sown, and to see whether it found any ground where it could take root and grow. That some soil was prepared to receive it appeared evident from the very first, for letters flowed in to the writer of that paper from many parts of the country.
Some of these letters were from girls living in the neighbourhoods where the Young Women’s Christian Association had established branches, but about which they knew nothing, although its benefits were just what they needed. They had not even heard of the existence of an association in which provision is made for the social, intellectual, moral, and spiritual welfare of young women. These girls were at once put into communication with the local secretary, who received them with a hearty welcome, and it is pleasant to record the eagerness displayed by our new members in availing themselves of the opportunity afforded to them by our Association to become allied with the great band of young women now encircling the globe who desire to live godly, righteous, and sober lives in this present evil world.
On the other hand, a large number of letters came from those who lived at a greater or less distance from any existing branch, and it became necessary to find some link by which these young people could be joined together. They were therefore formed into the “Girl’s Own Paper Branch,” a name which has since been abbreviated to “Girl’s Own Branch”; and a very efficient Secretary was found in Miss Violet Tweedy, who was somewhat unwilling to undertake this work, but now writes, “I love the work, and would not give up my girls for anything; it is one of my greatest pleasures writing and receiving letters from them.”
It is extremely important to observe the words “Scattered Members’ Branch,” and we will pause to consider this striking feature of the work of the Y.W.C.A., enabling it to extend its influence into places where no Institute or Home has found its way, and among those who cannot avail themselves of their special advantages.
Of such branches some of the most prominent are, the “Art Students’ Branch,” with this aim—to bring together in Christian, social intercourse, those who are studying art in our great centres of population, and the Secretary of this branch will be glad to receive the names of any students likely to be in London; the “Hospital Nurses’ Branch,” started for the purpose of uniting in sympathy those who are labouring to alleviate pain and suffering; the “Restaurant Girls’ Branch;” the “Rural Servants’ Branches,” etc., etc.