John Calvin, in dedicating his Commentary on John (1553) to the Syndics and Council of Geneva:
Farther, as I freely acknowledge before the world that I am very far from possessing the careful diligence and the other virtues which the greatness and excellence of the office requires in a good Pastor, and as I continually bewail before God the numerous sins which obstruct my progress, so I venture to declare that I am not without an honest and sincere desire to perform my duty.
There’s a sentence most pastors feel much of the time, especially with Sunday coming. Lord, help us, we’re trying.
