Character and Conduct – 18 June – Temperance

(OF TRAINING…) its aim must be to bring into human character more of that unity, consistency, harmony, proportion, upon which the Greek philosophers were never weary of insisting as the essence of virtue.

The Making of Character, Professor MAcCUNN

Temperance. – The original term describes that sovereign self-mastery, that perfect self-control, in which the mysterious will of man holds in harmonious subjection all the passions and faculties of his nature.

Self-will is to mind what self-indulgence is to sense, the usurpation by a part of that which belongs to the whole.

In Knowledge temperance. – The Apostle counsels temperance, the just and proportionate use of every faculty and gift, and not the abolition or abandonment of any.

It is easier in many cases to pluck out the right eye or to cut off the right hand than to discipline and employ them.

Bishop WESTCOTT

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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 them here readers may be inspired to imitate the example of the authors.