Being and Doing – 4 September – Drudgery Divine
‘THERE is nothing in the drudgery of domestic duties to soften,’ You quote that. No, but a great deal to strengthen with the sense of duty done, self-control, and power. Besides, you cannot calculate how much corroding dust is kept off, how much of disconsolate dull despondency is hindered. Daily use is not the jeweller’s mercurial polish, but it will keep your little silver pencil from tarnishing.
STOPFORD BROOKE
TEACH me, my God and King,
In all things Thee to see,
And what. I do in anything
To do it as for Thee.
All may of Thee partake,
Nothing can be so mean
Which with this tincture, “for Thy sake,’
Will not grow bright and clean.
A servant with this clause
Makes drudgery divine;
Who sweeps a room as for Thy laws
Makes that and the action fine.
This is the famous stone
That turneth all to gold;
For that which God doth touch and own
Cannot for less be told.
GEORGE HERBERT
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 