A softly moderate pace will never win the prize
Thomas Watson, Heaven Taken by Storm
If any shall ask us why we are so violent, tell them, it is for a Kingdom. If they shall ask us why we make such haste in the ways of religion, tell them, we are running an heavenly race, and a softly moderate pace will never win the prize.
Thomas Watson, Heaven Taken by Storm (1669)
Thomas Watson (c. 1620–1686) was an English Puritan preacher. Heaven Taken by Storm was first published in 1669. Spelling here is modernised; the words are his.
"Holy violence" is Watson's phrase for all-out, wholehearted effort toward God (Matthew 11:12).
More words from the saints who fought before us are in the Library.