Being and Doing – 3 August – Visiting the Poor

VISIT whom, when, and where you will, but let your visits be those of women to women.  Consider to whom you go, to poor souls whose life, compared with yours, is a long malaise of body, soul, and spirit, and do as you would be done by; instead of reproving and fault-finding, encourage…..

Do not interrupt and vex her with remedies which she does not understand, for troubles which you do not understand.  But speak comfortably to her, and say,  ‘I cannot feel with you, but I do feel for you.’…..   I am convinced that the only way to help these poor women, humanly and really, is to begin by confessing to them that you do not know how to help them……    You must regulate your conduct to them and in their houses, even to the most minute particulars, by the very same rules that apply to persons of your own class…..   Approach, then, these poor women as sisters…..   learn lovingly and patiently, aye, and reverently…..   to understand their troubles, and by that time they will have learnt to understand your remedies.

C. KINGSLEY, from Practical Lectures to Ladies.

WE should treat the poor with the same delicacy of thoughtful respect as if they belonged to a higher class.

Bishop WALSHAM HOW

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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.