Character and Conduct – 26 December – Mile-marks

But Christmas is not only the mile-mark of another year, moving us to thoughts of self-examination:  it is a season, from all its associations, whether domestic or religious, suggesting thoughts of joy.   A man dissatisfied with his endeavours is a man tempted to sadness.   And in the midst of the winter, when his life runs lowest and he is reminded of the empty chairs of his beloved, it is well he should be condemned to this fashion of the smiling face.   Noble disappointment, noble self-denial, are not to be admired, not even to be pardoned, if they bring bitterness.   It is one thing to enter the kingdom of heaven maimed;  another to maim yourself and stay without.   And the kingdom of heaven is of the childlike, of those who are easy to please, who love and who give pleasure.

Across the Plains, R. L. STEVENSON

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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 is that readers may be inspired to imitate the example of the authors.