(Hannah More, "The Love of God")

The weakness and helplessness of the
Christian resemble that of an infant.

By attempting to walk alone we discover our
weakness. The experience of that weakness
humbles us, and every fall drives us back to
the sustaining hand whose assistance we
vainly flattered ourselves we no longer needed.

Our spiritual life does not become strong,
vigorous, and full grown at once, but through
a long and often painful course. This keeps
up a sense of dependence, and accustoms
us to lean on the hand which fosters us.