­­Being and Doing – 25 September – Friendship

BUT still higher in him was that intense sensibility to human feeling which made Him by instinct know, without the necessity of speech, the feelings of those He met.   This is the highest touch or beauty in a character.  What is it that most charms us in a friend?   It is that he can read the transient expression in our face, and modify himself to suit the feeling we are ourselves but half conscious of possessing;  it is that he knows when to be silent and when to speak;  it is that he never mistakes, but sees us true, when all the world is wrong about us;  it is that he can distinguish the cynicism of tenderness from that of malice, and believe our love though we try to mask our heart.   Such a friend has not only power of character, but beauty of character.

STOPFORD BROOKE

WE ARE over-hasty to speak – as if God did not manifest Himself by our silent feeling, and make His love felt through ours.

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.