Being and Doing – 19 August – Quiet, Steady Work

IN YOUR occupations try to possess your soul in peace.   It is not a good plan to be in haste to perform any action that it may be the sooner over.   On the contrary, you should accustom yourself to do whatever you have to do with tranquillity, in order that you may retain the possession of yourself and of settled peace.

Madame GUYON

BY putting of things beyond their proper times, one duty treads upon the heels of another, and all duties are felt as irksome obligations, a yoke beneath which we fret and lose our peace.   In most cases the consequence of this is, that we have no time to do the work as it ought to be done.  It is therefore done precipitately, with eagerness, with a greater desire simply to get it done than to do it well, and with very little thought of God throughout.

F. W. FABER

A PURE single, stable spirit is not distracted though it may be employed in many works: for that it doeth all to the honour of God, and being at rest within, seeketh not itself in anything it doth.

THOMAS À KEMPIS

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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.