Being and Doing – 22 October – The Kingdom of Heaven is Within You

THE belief in a divine education, open to each man and to all men, takes up into itself all that is true in the end proposed by culture, supplements and perfects it.   It is right that we should have an aim of our own, with something peculiar in it, determined by our individuality and our surroundings;  but this may readily degenerate into exclusive narrowness, unless it has for a background the great thought, that there is a kingdom of God within us, around us, and above us, in which we with all our powers and aims are called to be conscious workers.   Towards the forwarding of this silent, ever-advancing kingdom, our little work whatever it be, if good and true, may contribute something.   And this thought lends to any calling, however lowly, a consecration which is wanting even to the loftiest self-chosen ideals.   But even if our aim should be frustrated and our work came to nought, yet the failure of our most cherished plans may be more than compensated.   In the thought that we are members of this kingdom, already begun, here and now, yet reaching forward through all time, we shall have a reserve of consolation better than any which success without this could give.

Principal J. C. SHAIRP

A POLITICAL victory, a rise of rents, the recovery of your sick, or the return of your absent friend, or some other favourable event, raises your spirits, and you think good days are preparing for you.   Do not believe it.   Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.   Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.

EMERSON

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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.