Being and Doing – 20 July – Hero Worship

GREAT men, taken up in any way, are profitable company.   We cannot look, however imperfectly, upon a great man, without gaining something by Him.   He is the living light-fountain which it is good and pleasant to be near, the light which enlightens, which has enlightened, the darkness of the world, –  in whose radiance all souls feel that it is well with them.   No nobler feeling than this of admiration for one higher than himself dwells in the breast of man.  It is to this hour, and at all hours, the vivifying influence in man’s life.   Religion I find stands upon it; not Paganism only, but far higher and truer religions, all religions hitherto known.   Hero-worship, heartfelt, prostrate admiration, submission – burning, boundless, for a noblest Godlike form of man, is not that the germ of Christianity itself?   The greatest of all heroes is One whom we do not name here…   No sadder proof can be given by a man of his own littleness than disbelief in great men.

CARLYLE

A MAN conscious of enthusiasm for worthy aims is sustained under petty hostilities by the memory of great workers who had to fight their way, not without wounds, and who hover in his mind as patron saints, invisibly helping.

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.