Being and Doing – 17 January – Happiness the Result of Duty

PROSPERITY, enjoyment, happiness, comfort, peace, whatever be the name by which we designate that state in which life is to our own selves pleasant and delightful, as long as they are sought or prized as things essential, so far they have a tendency to dis-ennoble our nature, and are a sign that we are still in servitude to selfishness.  Only when they lie outside us, as ornaments merely to be worn or laid aside as God pleases – only then may such things be possessed with impunity.

FROUDE.

O! righteous doom, that they who make
Pleasure their only end,
Ordering their whole life for its sake,
Miss that whereto they tend.

While they who bid stern duty lead,
Content to follow, they,
Of duty only taking heed,
Find pleasure by the way.

Archbishop TRENCH

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.