"And when we do our best, and most strenuously follow 

the duties and responsibilities of our calling (faith or life work), We must not allow a flutter or trace of self-congratulation to hinder the quiet meekness of our heart. 

For when we look up to that which we dare to hope for,

Our mightiest achievements appear dwarfed. 

Mere clumsy attempts to spell out the alphabet of eternal wisdom, but they are signs of a willing pupil, like the upturned look of Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus. 

And these symbols of faith and service God will be graciously pleased to accept them from us, because He sees in them the early efforts of a soul destined one day to grow into more divine dimensions." James Martineau, abridged.  

Original - 

“And when we best and most strenuously follow the obligations of our career, we can permit no flutter of self-gratulation to disturb the quiet meekness of the heart. 

For only look up on that which we dare to hope, 

and how are our mightiest achievements dwarfed. 

All insufficient in themselves, — poor spellings-out of the mere alphabet of eternal wisdom, — they are but signs of willing pupilage, — the upturned look of a disciple sitting at the feet. 

As symbols of faith and service, God will be graciously pleased to accept them from us; and discern in them the early essays of a soul that shall assume at length dimensions more divine."