Every one, though born of God in an instant, yet undoubtedly grows by slow degrees.
Growth
Teresa of Avila
One who commences prayer should imagine that for the delight of his Lord, he is starting to plant a garden in some very unfruitful soil, full of weeds. His Majesty must be asked to pull up the bad plants, and put good ones in their place. But we will suppose this is already done, when a soul has not only determined, but is resolved to make use of mental prayer. And now, by God’s help, we must endeavor, like good gardeners, to make these plants grow. We should take care to water them, so they will not wither, but bring forth flowers of such sweet fragrance as may please our Lord. Then He may take pleasure in often coming into this garden, and delighting Himself with our virtues.
Frances de Sales
You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; and just so, you learn to love by loving. All those who think to learn in any other way deceive themselves.
Richard Sibbes
If believers decay in their first love, or in some other grace, yet another grace may grow and increase, such as humility, their brokenheartedness; they sometimes seem not to grow in the branches when they may grow at the root; upon a check grace breaks out more; as we say, after a hard winter there usually follows a glorious spring.