­­Being and Doing – 22 September – Friendship

THERE is as yet, no culture, no method of progress known to men, that is so rich and complete as that which is ministered by a truly great friendship.

No natural appetite, no artificial taste, no rivalry of competition, no contagion of social activity, calls out such a large, healthy, symmetrical working of a human nature, as the constant half unconscious power of a friend’s presence whom we thoroughly respect and love.   In a true friendship there is emulation without its jealousy; there is imitation without its servility.   When one friend teaches another by his present life, there is none of that divorce of truth from feeling, and of feeling from truth, which in so many of the world’s teachings makes truth hard, and feeling weak;  but truth is taught, and feeling is inspired, by the same action of one nature on the other, and they keep each other true and warm.   Surely there is no more beautiful sight to see in all this world, full as it is of beautiful adjustments and mutual ministrations, than the growth of two friends’ natures who, as they grow old together, are always fathoming, with newer needs, deeper depths of each other’s life, and opening richer views of one another’s helpfulness.   And this best culture of personal friendship is taken up and made, in its infinite completion, the gospel method of the progressive saving of the soul by Christ.

PHILLIPS BROOKS

A TRUE friend is one who makes us do what we can.

PHELPS

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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.