A pound of grace

(Letters of John Newton)

Though the end we propose is simple and sincere — SELF, unless watched as narrowly as a cat watches a mouse, will interpose.

If an ounce of grace, so to speak — will suffice to uphold us on in public life; it may require a pound of grace — to keep us quiet and sweet in the home life!

We can only be happy and holy — provided we . . .
  give ourselves up to Him without reserve,
  depend upon Him, and
  lie low in the dust before Him.

The Lord abhors pride and self-importance. The seeds of these evils are in the hearts of His own children; but rather than allow that which He hates to remain in those He loves — He will in mercy, pound them as in a mortar, to beat it out of them, or to prevent its growth.