Being and Doing – 10 August – Subscription Charity
CHARITY too is a frightful evil – not real charity but subscription charity. Every human being has scope enough for all the money and all the effort he can spare in behalf of misfortunes which are known to himself personally, or to members of his home-circle. The gigantic subscription lists which are vaunted as signs of our benevolence, are monuments of our indifference…..
I am beginning seriously to believe that all bodily aid to the poor is a mistake, and that the real thing is to let things work themselves straight; whereas by giving alms you keep them permanently crooked. Build school-houses, pay teachers, give prizes, frame workmen’s clubs, help them to help themselves, lend them your brains; but give them no money, except what you sink in such undertakings as above.
Ed. DENISON
HE gives nothing but worthless gold
Who gives from a sense of duty.
The Holy Supper is kept indeed,
In whatso we share with another’s need
Not what we give; but what we share,
For the gift without the giver is bare;
Who gives himself with his alms feeds three,
Himself, his hungering neighbour, and Me.
LOWELL
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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.
Suffolk Vicar 