Standing in the Way

George Watson once wrote:
There are a number of things which are not sinful, nevertheless our attachment to them prevents our greatest fulness of the Holy Spirit and our amplest cooperation with God. Infinite wisdom takes us in hand, and arranges to lead us through deep, interior crucifixion to our fine parts, our lofty reason, our brightest hopes, our cherished affections, our religious views, our dearest friendship, our pious zeal, our spiritual impetuosity, our spiritual arrogance, our narrow culture, our creed and churchism, our success, our religious experiences, our spiritual comforts; the crucifixion goes on till we are dead and detached from all creatures, all saints, all thoughts, all hopes, all plans, all tender heart yearnings, all preferences; dead to all troubles, comforts or annoyances; dead to all climates and nationalities; dead to all desire but for Himself.