Character and Conduct – 7 January – Patience with Ourselves

TO be honest, to be kind – to earn a little and to spend a little less, to make upon the whole a family happier for his presence, to renounce when that shall be necessary and not be embittered, to keep a few friends but these without capitulation – above all, on the same grim condition, to keep friends with himself here is a task for all that a man has of fortitude and delicacy.

Across the Plains, R. L. STEVENSON

PEOPLE who love themselves aright, even as they ought to love their neighbour, bear charitably, though without flattery, with self as with another.   They know what needs correction at home as well as elsewhere;  they strive heartily and vigorously to correct it, but they deal with self as they would deal with some one else they wished to bring to God.   They set to work patiently, not exacting more than is practicable under present circumstances from themselves any more than from others, and not being disheartened because perfection is not attainable in a day.

FÉNÉLON

ONE is so apt to think that what works smoothest works to the highest ends, having no patience for the results of friction.

Mrs. EWING

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These quotes are from ‘Character and Conduct’ A selection of helpful thoughts from various authors arranged for daily reading.

Collected by Constance M Whishaw and first published in 1905 as a follow up to her volume of Daily Readings for members of the Being and Doing Guild who asked for an additional volume

In her preface Whishaw writes:

‘This collection of noble thoughts expressed by men and women of past and present ages who have endeavoured to leave the world a little better than they found it.’

It is my hope in publishing the her readers may be inspired to imitate the example of the authors.