
Being and Doing – 20 August – Quiet Work
ONE lesson, Nature, let me learn of thee,
One lesson which in every wind is blown,
One lesson of two duties kept at one,
Though the loud world proclaim their enmity –
Of toil unsever’d from tranquility!
Of labour, that in lasting fruit outgrows
Far noisier schemes, accomplish’d in repose,
Too great for haste, too high for rivalry!
Yes, while on earth a thousand discords ring.
Man’s fitful uproar mingling with his toil,
Still do thy quiet ministers move on,
Their glorious tasks in silence perfecting;
Still working, blaming still our vain turmoil,
Labours that shall not fail, when man is gone.
MATTHEW ARNOLD
AND work all silently
And simply….. as God does it all,
Distort our nature never for our work,
Nor count our right hands stronger for being hoofs,
The man most man with tend’rest human hands
Works best for man – as God in Nazareth.”
E. B. BROWNING
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.