trusted. Probably the matter could be
more wisely settled by self-interest.

This instance makes evident the un-
certain character of giving. However su-
perior in altruistic fulness gifts are to
manners, they are unfit, unless supple-
mented by some other principle, to form a
practical rule of life. Let us examine them
in detail and see wherein they fail to em-
body complete altruism. In their very
nature I find them to be exceptional, ir-
rational, and condescending; and I will
briefly explain each of these points.

Giving is occasional and fragmentary. It
cannot occupy a life. The great body of
our time and attention must be directed
upon individual interests. I rise in the
morning after eight hours of sleep, go down-
stairs to breakfast, take my walk for the
needed morning exercise, on returning look
over my mail and the morning paper, turn
to my studies, to my meals, to calling on a
friend. It is all egoistic. No doubt during
the day I am repeatedly summoned to at-
tend to other people's affairs. Begging
letters, interruptions, engagements of a
public and business nature are not absent.
They intervene and stand out isolated in

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