Being and Doing – 7 November – Religious Toleration

IT IS true that the wickedness of persecuting people on account of their religious opinions is not now practised or defended in this country, but we have still amongst us some evils arising out of the same source – the mistaking of a false unity for the true one, a unity of form and opinion for the union of spirit and faith.

There are many persons, for instance, in our own Church, who dwell much more on the differences of form and opinion which exist between them and good dissenters, than on the unity of spirit between all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.   It is certainly natural and proper that one should feel more closely united towards those whose principles, and feelings, and opinions are quite like our own;  if, indeed, such a marvellous agreement is anywhere to be found;  and, therefore, one may feel more closely drawn towards a very good and enlightened dissenter.   But the evil is that many persons feel more friendly disposed, I do not say to absolutely wicked, but to careless and unspiritual Churchmen, than to zealous and holy dissenters;  and this is to undo Christ’s work, to put an earthly and unimportant bond of union in the place of that union of goodness and holiness which was to bind men to one another in Him and in His Father.

Dr. ARNOLD

WHEN a particular belief is fruitful in nobleness of character, we need trouble ourselves very little with scientific demonstrations that it is false.

FROUDE

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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.