Found in a 16th Century Church

Once I sat in the entryway of an old English Church. On the bulletin board was placed the following which, as I understand, was originally discovered in another 16th Century church:

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

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As the Happy Moments Roll,

Pastor Andrew

When I was a teenager, this was very popular on the radio. It was called "Desiderata," and was recorded as a reading with instrumental and vocal musical background. Shortly after I became SDA, Insight magazine published an article examining it point by point and showing why it was very bad theology. Some of it is good advice, but it doesn't point to a savior, or any need of one. Rather, it is a feel good, "I'm OK, you're OK" message. And it ends by telling us to strive to be happy, which is not truly compatible with the Christian message. I tend to agree with their assessment.

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The Lord is the strength of my life and my portion forever.

[This message has been edited by Cathy Sears (edited October 26, 2000).]

Pastor A.

Thanks for posting it, @ my request. Cathy's correct it is a panthistic sentiment.

However I'll do an SDA rewrite & see how it changes with Christian SDA rewrites. Gotta go timeclock calling. The job awaits.

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Edward F. Sutton

I think that the version I used was a re-write because it uses gender inclusive language.

I appreciate this selection because there is a phrase or two that stand out and are "well put"--even though much of the rest of it lead to humanistic answers.

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As the Happy Moments Roll,

Pastor Andrew

“Biblical Desiderata”

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, at God’s call ; and remember what peace there is in Righteous contemplation. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak His truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Compare your self and achievements with Him and His written plans. Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise inspirations cautions in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Imitate Him ,it brings out His best in you. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of His Spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with vain imaginings, memorize Scripture to replace them.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond the Creator’s wholesome discipline, be gentle with others. You are a child of the Creator and God of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Contemplate and follow Heaven, sharing that fragrance with the world Therefore be at peace with God, as the Bible reveals Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations as you follow Him , in the noisy confusion of life and He will keep His peace with and in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful to please God. Strive to be happy in His teachings. The lives you beautify and protect will be more than your own.

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Edward F. Sutton