Being and Doing – 27 November – Rules

ANY strictness which sours our temper, which makes us dislike our fellow-creatures, which shuts us up in ourselves;  or, again, any which interferes with our duties, and oppresses us with little fidgetty difficulties, instead of carrying us along in obeying the laws of our state of life, is almost certain to be a morbid strictness.   The object of all strictness is to fence duties round, so as to make their performance more sure, and to fence our hearts round, so as to make the feeling more human and so more heavenly;  and if our strictness do not give us these results, we must look to it that we are not making some great blunder.

Bishop TEMPLE

TAKE care not to lay upon yourselves unnecessary burdens.   Do not attempt more prayers than your time and strength allow.   Beware of a fidgetty, fussy kind of religion.   Do not be over anxious.   A great saint was once asked, ‘ How can I live the higher life?’ and he answered, ‘My child, go and live the lower life, and God will teach you the higher.’

Bishop WILKINSON

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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.