Character and Conduct – 17 November – Magnifying Troubles

ANOTHER weight is the cares of life.   We keep so many which we might shake off, that it is more than pitiful.   We encourage fears for our life, our future, our wealth, till all our days are harassed out of peace, till the very notion of trust in God is an absurdity.   We waste life away in petty details, spending infinite trouble on transient things, magnifying the gnats of life into elephants, tormenting ourselves and others over household disturbances, children, servants, little losses, foolish presentiments, our state of health, our finances, – till every one around us is infected with our disease of fret and worry.   This is indeed to weight our soul.   Our life with God, our work for man, are dragged to earth.

The Gospel of Joy, STOPFORD BROOKE

I PACK my troubles in as little compass as I can for myself, and never let them annoy others

SOUTHEY

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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.