[b]Progress in the divine life
(Octavius Winslow, "Help Heavenward")
Many sincere Christians deem that they make no
progress in the divine life, because they do not
attain all that they desire.
But one real view of Jesus,
one corruption subdued,
one temptation vanquished,
one worldly fetter broken,
one sunbeam of holy joy shining upon the soul--
is a victory achieved, a spiritual blessing possessed,
more momentous that the taking of a city, and
more enriching that the conquest of a world.
It may be through deep trial, in the face of
powerful opposition and beset by great weakness
--that the advanced step has been made.
Nevertheless, it has brought the heart nearer
to God, has transcribed some lineament of
Jesus on the soul, and is so much actual gain
in the believer's progress towards, and in his
fitness for heaven.