Being and Doing – 2 November – Doubts
MEN are for ever seeking after demonstrations of the truth of Christianity, and there shall no demonstration be given. Many stand outside the pale and ask for a reasoned philosophy and irrefragable proofs that Christianity is true, and say that when this has been vouchsafed they will enter the sacred precinct, and take the yoke upon them, but not till then. Such persons ask for that which neither our Lord nor His apostles, nor any of the old prophets, ever promised – for that which, according to their teaching, was, in the nature of things, impossible. ‘If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine,’ – this was their language… One touch of sympathy with the mind of the Divine Teacher makes many things plain which before seemed hard sayings and unbelievable.
Principal J. C. SHAIRP
THEREFORE be strong, be strong,
Ye that remain, nor fruitlessly revolve,
Darkling, the riddles which ye cannot solve,
But do the works that unto you belong;
Believing that for every mystery,
For all the death, the darkness, and the curse
Of this dim universe,
Needs a solution full of love must be:
And that the way whereby ye may attain
Nearest to this, is not thro’ broodings vain,
And half-rebellious questionings of God,
But by a patient seeking to fulfil
The purpose of His everlasting Will;
Treading the path which lowly men have trod.
TRENCH
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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.
Suffolk Vicar 