Character and Conduct – 19 July – Right Use of Speech

THERE is no better way, I believe, in which to test the reality of our culture than by the self-discipline it teaches us to use in talk;  and it may be that the chief service we can render, the chief outcome that God looks for from our higher education, is that in our homes, in the society around us, we should set a higher example of the right use of speech;  the right tone and temper and reticence in con-versation;  the abhorrence of idle words.   Neither let us think that this ever will be easy to us.   We must not be affected or pedantic, we must not be always setting other people right;  but we must be careful;  we must keep our wishes and passions from colouring our view of things;  we must take great pains to enter into the minds and feelings of others, to understand how things look to them, and we must remember that, whatever pains we take in that regard, the result is still sure to be imperfect;  we must rule our moods, our likes and dislikes, with a firm hand;  we must distrust our general impressions till we have frankly, faithfully examined them;  we must resist the desire to say clever or surprising things;  we must be resolute not to overstate our case;  we must let nothing pass our lips that charity would check;  we must be always ready to confess our ignorance, and to be silent.- Yes, it is a hard and long task;  but it is for a high end, and in a noble service.   It is that we may be able to help others;  to possess our souls in days of confusion and vehemence and controversy;  to grow in the rare grace of judgment;  to be such that people may trust us, whether they agree with us or not.   It is that we may somewhat detach ourselves from the stream of talk, and learn to listen for the voice of God, and to commit our ways to Him.

Studies in the Christian Character, Bishop PAGET

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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.