Character and Conduct – 21 February – Work

THERE is some particular work which lies to every one’s hand which he can do better than any other person.   What we ought to be concerned about is not whether it be on a large scale or a small – about which we can never be quite certain – nor whether it is going to bring us fame or leave us in obscurity – an issue which is in the hands of God – but that we do it, and that we do it with all our might.   Having done that, there is no cause to fret ourselves or ask questions which cannot be answered.   We may rest with a quiet conscience and a contented heart, for we have filled our place and done what we could.   The battle of life extends over a vast area, and it is vain for us to inquire about the other wings of the army;  it is enough that we have received our orders, and that we have held the few feet of ground committed to our charge.   There let us fight and there let us die, and so fighting and so dying in the place of duty we cannot be condemned, we must be justified.   Brilliant qualities may never be ours, but the homely virtues are within our reach, and character is built up not out of great intellectual gifts and splendid public achievements, but out of honesty, industry, thrift, kindness, courtesy, and gratitude, resting upon faith in God and love towards man.   And the inheritance of the soul which ranks highest and lasts for ever is character.

The Homely Virtues, Dr. JOHN WATSON

oooOOOooo

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.