Domestic occupations also form in them a habit of decision, from the necessity of getting through things which will not wait.

For domestic duties do not allow of waiting for a moment of inspiration or delaying until a mood of depression or indifference has passed.

They have a quiet, imperious way of commanding, and an automatic system of punishing when they are neglected, which are more convincing that exhortations.

Perhaps in this particular point lies their saving influence against nerves and moodiness and the demoralization of "giving way." Those who have no obligations, whose work will wait for their convenience, and who can if they please let everything go for a time, are more easily broken down by trouble than those whose household duties still have to be done, in the midst of sorrow and trial.

There is something in homely material duties which heals and calms the mind and gives it power to come back to itself.