Last week we had a lion in town!

(Letters of John Newton)

July 7, 1778
My dear friend,
Last week we had a lion in town. I went to see him. He was astonishingly tame - as friendly with his keeper, and as docile and obedient as a pet dog. Yet the man told me he had his surly fits, when they dared not go near him.

No looking-glass could show my face more justly - than this lion shows my heart! I could trace every feature - as wild and fierce by nature; yes, much more so - but grace has in some measure tamed me. I know and love my Keeper, and sometimes watch His looks that I may learn His will. But, oh! I have my surly fits too! Seasons when I relapse into the savage again, as though I had forgotten all.