Diligence in the duties of our calling, with a view to the glory of God, is not an evidence to be despised. Indeed, there is no surer standard of spiritual growth, than a habit of aiming at the glory of God in everything. That mind which is steady to the main end, gives as good evidence of being touched by Divine grace, as the tendency of the needle to the pole proves that it has been touched by the magnet. This love, when pure, is not confined within those limits which party spirit circumscribes, but overleaping all the barriers of sects and denominations, it embraces the disciples of Christ wherever it finds them. If we would enjoy spiritual comfort, we must be in a thriving condition.
None enjoy the pleasures of bodily health, but they who are in health.
If we would be useful to the church and the world we must be growing Christians. If we would live in daily preparation for our change, we must endeavour to grow in grace daily. Thus the aged, mature Christian, departs in peace. As growth in grace is gradual, and the progress from day to day imperceptible, we should aim to do something in this work every day. Sometimes the children of God grow faster when in the fiery furnace than elsewhere.