God never blames us for our slow progress and small attainments
in holiness, but for our sluggish coldhearted submitting to evil,
and allowing it dominion over us.
Even our purposes to do right are made much of by our gracious
and pitiful God: therefore let us not despise the desires of
our hearts to please Him.
If we watch against pride; if we struggle and pray against it;
if we are pained at its inward workings—then that which we
feel to be only a struggle after humility, God accounts humility
true and deep. He accepts us in His dear Son He accepts our offerings
also; and the sighs of the contrite He calls incense.