Being and Doing – 4 December – Temper

IF YOU wish not to be of an angry temper, do not feed the habit, throw nothing on it which will increase it;  at first, keep quiet, and count the days on which you have not been angry.   I used to be in a passion every day;  now every second day;  then every third;  then every fourth.   But if you have intermitted thirty days, make a sacrifice to God.   For the habit at first begins to be weakened, and then is completely destroyed.   When you can say, ‘I have not been vexed today, nor the day before, nor yet on any succeeding day during two or three months;  but I took care when some exciting things happened’ be assured that you are in a good way.

EPICTETUS

THE difficult part of good temper consists in forbearance, and accommodation to the ill-humour of others.

EMPSON

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Proverbs xvi. 32

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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.