Being and Doing – 4 August – Visiting the Poor

THE  only true secret of assisting the poor is to make them agents in bettering their own condition.

GEORGE ELIOT

IT IS essential to remember that each man has his own view of his life, and must be free to fulfil it:  that in many ways he is a far better judge of it than we, as he has lived through and felt what we have only seen.   Our work is rather to bring him to the point of considering, and to the spirit of judging rightly, than to consider or judge for him…..

I am convinced that one of the evils of much that is done for the poor, springs from the want of delicacy felt and courtesy shown to them, and that we cannot beneficially help them in any spirit different to that in which we help those who are better off.

OCTAVIA HILL

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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.