Character and Conduct – 16 October – Morbid Introspectiveness

PLAINLY there is one danger in all self-discipline which has to be most carefully watched and guarded against, that, namely, of valuing the means at the expense of the end, and so falling into either self-righteousness or formalism, and very probably into uncharitableness also.   If we esteem our obedience to rule, and self-imposed restraints, for their own sake, we effectually destroy their power to train and elevate.   I suppose this is the real mistake of a false asceticism, which sees the merit rather in the amount of discipline undergone than in the character and self-conquest to be gained by it.

Bishop WALSHAM HOW

… IT IS a clear view of higher motives, which at once reveals and defeats our meaner impulses;  which assists the discipline of proper self-searching, by making it healthy and hopeful;  and resists any habit of morbid introspectiveness with its fatal tendency to paralyse activity of character.

Canon KNOX LITTLE

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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.