Character and Conduct – 1 November – The Evil of Brooding

THROUGHOUT the Gospel history we discern our Lord’s care to keep men in a fit condition to serve God by active work.   All that would impair their efficiency is to be shunned.   Now, to repine and brood over some past error cuts the sinews of action;  from this the Apostles therefore are always diverted, and they are to be watchful to prevent others from sinking into dejection and folding their hands in despair.   A man who is hopeless has no heart for work, but when he is so far encouraged as to be able to exert himself his despondency soon disappears.

Pastor Pastorum, HENRY LATHAM

DISAPPOINTMENT should always be taken as a stimulant, and never viewed as a discouragement.

C. B. NEWCOMB

I ALWAYS loved ‘At evening time it shall be light,’ and I am sure it comes true to many a young troubled soul, which in its youthful zeal and impatience cannot help eating its heart out over its own and other people’s failings and imperfections, and has not yet learnt the patience which comes from realising that in this world we see but the beginning of things.

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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.