Being and Doing – 10 July – Responsibility
WE KNOW not what we do, some cry; but they ought to know. They ought to think that more evils are wrought by want of thought than by want of heart, and that thoughtlessness when encouraged or unchecked, or long protracted after warnings given, becomes want of heart. The impulse of pity is checked by selfishness, the desire of helping by vanity and love of show, by disinclination to break in upon an easy-going life; and the practice of love being troublesome, divine charity dies at last.
STOPFORD BROOKE
WHAT, my soul, was thy errand here?
Was it mirth or ease,
Or heaping up dust from year to year?
Nay, none of these.’
What hast thou wrought for Right and Truth,
For God and man,
From the golden hours of bright-eyed youth,
To life’s mid span?
WHITTIER
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 