John Newton, a former slaver redeemed by Christ and the author of Amazing Grace, continued to preach when he was more than 80. He could scarcely see his manuscript, but took a servant with him into the pulpit who stood behind and with a pointer traced out the lines. One Sunday morning, Newton came to the words, Jesus Christ is precious which he repeated. His servant thinking he was getting confused whispered, Go on. Go on. You said that before. Newton, looking round replied, sir, I said that twice and I'm going to say it again. Then with redoubled force, he sounded out the words, Jesus Christ is precious.

Christ died to bring us into favor with God. It is one thing for a traitor to be pardoned and another thing to be made a favorite. Christ's blood is not only called a sacrifice whereby God is appeased, but a propitiation whereby God becomes gracious and friendly to us. Christ is our mercy seat from which God gives answers of peace to us. Thomas Watson.