Being and Doing – 21 February – Forgiving and Forgetting

WHEN once the moment and the expression o righteous indignation was over, he had a wonderful power of putting attacks, and the individuals who made them, out of his mind, and going on his way.  ‘Life is too hard work in itself,’  he would say, ‘to let one stop to hate and suspect people.’

From Life of Charles Kingsley.

NEVER let your thoughts dwell on a matter in which another has made you sore.  If you do, a hundred aggravating circumstances will spring up in your mind, which will make the slightest offence swell up to the most formidable dimensions.  Try to realise God’s Presence: the realising it ever so little has a wonderfully soothing and calming influence.  ‘My Presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.’

GOULBURN.

WHEN thou art annoyed and offended by others, do not let thy mind dwell upon them, or on such thoughts as these:  ‘That they ought not so to have treated thee:’ ‘Who are they, or who do they think themselves to be?’ and the like; for all this is fuel and a kindling of anger, wrath, and hatred.

SCUPOLI.

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.