Being and Doing – 20 June – NB! Wasteful Woman
Note: The language of some posts about women are very much of their age and may be seen as victim blaming and mansplaining – even when written by women. Please read them with care.
THERE is no sadder or uglier sight in this world than to see the women of a land grasping the ignoble honour, and rejecting the noble; leading the men, whom they should guide into high thought and active sacrifice, into petty slander of gossip, in conversation; and into discussion of dangerous and unhealthy feeling; becoming what men in their frivolous moments wish them to be, instead of making men what men should be; abdicating their true throne over the heart, to grasp at the kingdom over fashion, ceasing to protest against impurity and unbelief, and giving them an underhand encouragement; turning away from their mission to bless, to exhort, to console, that they may struggle through a thousand meannesses into a higher position.
STOPFORD BROOKE
AH, wasteful woman, she who may
On her sweet self set her own price,
Knowing he cannot choose but pay,
How has she cheapened Paradise;
Flow given for nought her priceless gift,
How spoil’d the bread and spill’d the wine,
Which, spent with due respective thrift,
Had made brutes men, and men divine!”
COVENTRY PATMORE
oooOOOooo
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.
Suffolk Vicar 