Being and Doing – 3 April – Our Relation to Others
THE inner life reveals itself not in detail, but in its spirit… What is in us is found out, and it is this which most tells for good or evil on those who know us. We are, for the most part, wholly unconscious of it, but, for that very reason, how watchful we should be to make our inner life holy, harmless, undefiled, the friend of justice, pity and peace, aspiring, true and free, so that these things may stream from us unconsciously. For when we look it in the face, it is an awful thought that we cannot prevent our real character from doing its work among men, that what we are, not what we seem, is that which is really influencing others.
STOPFORD BROOKE
OTHERS are affected by what I am, and say, and do. And these others have also their sphere of influence. So that a single act of mine may spread in widening circles through a nation or humanity.
W. E. CHANNING
HEAVEN doth with us as we with torches do,
Not light them for themselves.
SHAKESPEARE
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.
Suffolk Vicar 