But how shall we attain this humble frame of spirit?

(Letters of John Newton)

To be humble, and like a little child, afraid of taking a step alone, and so conscious of snares and dangers around us, as to cry to Him continually to hold us up that we may be safe — is the sure, the infallible, the only secret of walking closely with God.

But how shall we attain this humble frame of spirit? It must be from a real and sensible conviction of our weakness and vileness, which we cannot learn (at least I have not been able to learn it) merely from books or preachers.

"Hold me up — and I shall be safe!" Psalm 119:117