It is not with a rush and a spring that we are to reach Christ's character, and attain to perfect saintship; but step by step, foot by foot, hand over hand, we are slowly and often painfully to mount the ladder that rests on earth, and rises to heaven.
Interpretation
Achieving a virtuous character requires patience and perseverance.
This quote emphasizes the gradual and often challenging process of spiritual growth and moral development. Rather than expecting instantaneous transformation, it suggests that we must patiently climb step by step, acknowledging that true change requires time, effort, and often struggle as we aspire towards higher ideals.
In practice
When discussing personal development in a seminar.
If you find yourself loving any pleasure more than your prayers, any book better than the Bible, any house better than the house of the Lord, any table better than the Lord's table, any persons better than Christ, or any indulgence better than the hope of heaven – be alarmed.
Often the people most concerned about others going to hell when they die seem less concerned with the hells on earth right now, while the people most concerned with the hells on earth right now seem the least concerned about hell after death.
While I've found many of the religious shows I've viewed over the years not to be to my liking, or in line with my own beliefs, I've never considered it my place to exert any greater type of censorship than changing the channel, or better yet - turning off the TV completely.
I am compelled to fear that science will be used to promote the power of dominant groups rather than to make men happy.
Death is an evil; the gods have so judged; had it been good, they would die.
Politeness of the mind is to have delicate thoughts
Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.
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