Character and Conduct – 25 September – Fasting

IT MAKES me half afraid, half angry, to see the formal, mechanical way in which people do, what they call, their ‘Lenten Penances,’ and then rush of only with increased ardour, to their Easter festivities.   Literal fasting does not suit me – it makes me irritable and uncomfortable, and certainly does not spiritualise me;  so I have always tried to keep my Lents in the nobler and more healthful spirit of Isaiah Ivili.   I have kept them but poorly, after all;  still, I am sure that is the true way of keeping them.

Letters from Bishop Fraser’s Lancashire Life, Archdeacon DIGGLE

GOD does not call us to give up some sin or some harmful self-indulgence in Lent that we may resume it at Easter.

The Guided Life, Canon BODY

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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.