Being and Doing – 4 July – Self-Sacrifice

THE growth of higher feeling within us is like the growth of the faculty, bringing with it a sense of added strength.  Constancy and faithfulness mean something else besides doing what is easiest and pleasantest to ourselves.  They mean renouncing whatever is opposed to the reliance others have in us whatever would cause misery to those whom the course of our lives has made dependent on us…   The acceptance of a wider duty gives meaning and purpose to a life that has missed its private good…   Her sympathies went out more readily towards enthusiasm for the discharge of duties than for the assertion of rights.

From a Review on George Eliot.

IT is this power of perishing to give rise to something beyond and greater than itself, or being worn out in the act of producing something nobler than itself, that constitutes the worth of any created thing, and not its capacity of its own enjoyment, however useful this enjoyment may be in keeping it in healthful working order.

JAMES RAM

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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.