Being and Doing – 27 October – Love
ABOU BEN ADHEM (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a great dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight of his room,
Making it rich and like a lily in bloom,
An Angel, writing in a book of gold.
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
So to the Presence in the room he said:
What writest thou?’ The Vision raised his head,
And in a voice made of all sweet accord,
Answered: ” The names of those who love the Lord!
‘And is mine one?’ said Abou. ‘Nay, not So,’
Replied the Angel. Abou spake more low
But cheerily still, and said, ‘I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow-men.’
The Angel wrote and vanished. The next night
He came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the souls whom love of God had blest,
And lo! – Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest!”
LEIGH HUNT
BELOVED, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is Love.
1 John iv. 7, 8
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 