Being and Doing – 29 August – Training of Children

The tiniest bits of opinion sown in the minds of children in private life, afterwards issue forth to the world and become a public opinion;  for nations are gathered out of nurseries, and they who hold the leading strings of children may even exercise a greater power than those who hold the reins of government.”

HE made it a rule (from which he never departed), not to take a child suspected of a fault, at unawares, by sudden question or hasty accusation, the stronger thus taking an unfair advantage of the weaker and defenceless creature, who, in the mere confusion of the moment, might be tempted to deny or equivocate.

…He was careful, too, not to confuse or ‘confound’ his children by a multiplicity of small rules.   Certain broad, distinct laws of conduct were laid down.   ‘It is difficult enough to keep the Ten Commandments,’ he would say, ‘without making an eleventh in every direction.’   This, combined with his equable rule, gave them a sense of utter confidence and perfect freedom with him.   They knew what they were about, and where to find him, for he had no ‘ moods’ with them, while with their’s he could yet sympathise and be patient.

From Life of Charles Kingsley

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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.