Being and Doing – 18 July – An Errand aff Divine
NAY, best it is, indeed,
To spend ourselves upon the general good;
And, oft misunderstood,
To strive to lift the limbs and knees that bleed;
This is the best, the fullest meed.
Let ignorance assail or hatred sneer;
Who loves his race he shall not fear;
He suffers not for long
Who doth his soul possess in loving and grows strong.
Ay, labour, thou art blest,
From all the earth thy voice, a constant prayer,
Soars upward day and night:
A voice of aspiration after right;
A voice of effort yearning for its rest;
A voice of high hope conquering despair.”
LEWIS MORRIS
THE holiest task by Heaven decreed,
An errand all divine,
The burden of our common need
To render less, is thine.
The paths of pain are thine. Go forth
With patience, trust, and hope;
The sufferings of a sin-sick earth
Shall give thee ample scope.
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 