Blinded by the Light- Kol Hator's explanation why the Redemption Has Come Slowly

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Although if I had the time and the will, I believe I could give a better translation of Kol Hator, and a good commentary how the book fits what we see in reality; I will use the one online for the following quotation from the disciple of the Vilna Gaon
source of translation http://www.yedidnefesh.com/kaballah/kol-hator/1.htm

[c].  little by little.  We must know beforehand that the beginning of the Redemption will come gradually, a little at a time.  According to our Sages of blessed memory (Yerushalmi: Brachot, ch.  1), the redemption of Israel will come about little by little, like the first rays of light before dawn, [Micah 7:8] “though I sit in darkness, the Lord is a light to me, ” and [Prov.  4:18] “a light that increases more and more until the day is established.” Therefore, one should start any deed connected with the beginning of the Redemption, even to a small extent, as is written: [Jer.  3:14] “one from a city, and two from a family.”

         The Gaon states that there is an important rule that anything that will occur when the Redemption is complete, will begin gradually at its beginning.  This is also true of rebuilding Jerusalem.  One should begin, even with one stone.  According to what is written, [Isa.  28:16] “behold I lay in Zion a foundation stone, a tried stone, ” for this stone will test the will to rebuild Jerusalem and to enlarge the site of its tent, and God will help us do this. 

         We also asked the Gaon about what is revealed by the words, [Gen.  33:14] “I will direct it at my slow pace, ” that is, why must the beginning of the Redemption occur slowly? If it comes when it is a time of favor on the part of God in connection with gathering in the exiles of Israel, is the hand of God short [is it too difficult for God] to accomplish this task on a large scale all at once? The Gaon then explained to us that the period of the beginning of the Redemption will come into being if the Jews do not have the merit, which means when it does not come because of our righteousness.  In that case, if the Redemption comes suddenly, then on the one hand it will be impossible to bear the suffering that will come with the quality of Din, as explained above.  On the other hand, it will be impossible to accept the great light that will come all at once from the side of Lovingkindness.  We must understand all this beforehand in connection with the practical work involved in gathering in the exiles.