Being and Doing – 4 June – Harsh Judgments

IT IS not the effect of one particular act of injustice that should impress us with so much regret, it is the habit of too great suddenness or harshness in judging.   How difficult it is for us to estimate the many ways in which we may be mistaken.   When shall we learn to keep the knowledge always present with us that often kindness is our best uprightness, and our truest justice is mercy?

Jean INGELOW

TURN thine eyes unto thyself, and beware thou judge not the deeds of other men.   In judging of others a man laboureth in vain, often erreth, and easily sinneth;  but in judging and examining himself, he always laboureth fruitfully.

THOMAS À KEMPIS

WHILE we are coldly discussing a man’s career, sneering at his mistakes, blaming his rashness, and labelling his opinions – ‘Evangelical and Narrow’; or, ‘Latitudinarian and Pantheistic’; or, ‘Anglican and Supercilious’ – that man, in his solitude, is, perhaps, shedding hot tears because his sacrifice is a hard one, because strength and patience are failing him to speak the difficult word, and do the difficult deed.

GEORGE ELIOT

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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.