Being and Doing – 7 February – Home Duties

I HAVE but done that which it was my duty to do!  These words bring to us another element of heroism-its simplicity.  Whatsoever is not simple, whatsoever is affected, boastful, and wilful – covetous – tarnishes, even destroys, the heroic character of a deed; because all these faults spring out of self.  On the other hand, wherever you find a perfectly simple, frank, unconscious character, there you have the possibility at least of heroic action.  For it is nobler far to do the most commonplace duty in the household or behind the counter, with a single eye to duty, simply because it must be done, – nobler far, I say, than to go out of your way to attempt a brilliant deed with a double mind.

…Do your duty first; it will be time after that to talk of being heroic.  And, therefore, we must seriously warn the young, lest they mistake for heroism and self. sacrifice what is merely pride and self-will, discontent with the relations by which God has bound them, and the circumstances which God has appointed for them.

I have known girls think they were doing a fine thing by leaving uncongenial parents, or disagreeable sisters, and cutting out for themselves, as they fancied, a more useful and elevated line of life than mere home duties, while, after all, poor things, they were only, in the name of God, neglecting the command of God to honour their father and mother.

C. KINGSLEY, from Health and Education.

EACH hour has its lesson, and each life;
And if we miss our life we shall not find
Its lesson in another.

E. H. KING.

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These quotes are from ‘Being and Doing’ A selection of helpful thoughts from various authors arranged for daily reading.

Collected by Constance M Whishaw and first published in 1908 for members of the Being and Doing Guild whose object is to do all they can for the relief of suffering and misery.

Most of the writers are 19th Century Christians from Britain and Europe who were committed to living their faith through deeds as well as words – Being AND Doing.

For many years these words have kept me company and encouraged me on the journey of faith.  I hope they will encourage others also.