The philosophic concept of Grace is different from, and not to be confounded with, the popular religio-theologic one. The latter carries arbitrariness, caprice, and favouritism within it. The former has nothing of the kind. Despite its mysteriousness, it often follows the fulfilment of certain conditions by the seeker; but even when it does not appear to do so, it is a legacy from causes set going in earlier lives on this earth. The notion that it is dispensed in an arbitrary manner by the Higher Power is to anthropomorphize that Power, to regard it as a glorified man. This is nonsense to anyone who can reflect correctly and think deeply on the Power's real nature. The notion of caprice is to make the manifestation of Grace an affair of mere whimsy, an emotion of the moment, a passing mood. This simply could not be, for grace descends from a plane which transcends such things. Lastly, the notion of favouritism is usually applied in connection with a guru, a holy man, or a godlike man. If such a man is really, fully, and profoundly illumined, he has goodwill to all other people, wishes that all shall come to the Light, not just those he favours or who favour him. His grace is always there, but men must be able to recognize him and accept it. He is always ready to share his experience of the divine ever-presence with everyone, but not everyone is ready to receive it. In short, grace is what comes to you from an inspired book, or a blessed letter, or a few moments of relaxation.
-- Notebooks Category 18: The Reverential Life > Chapter 5 : Grace > # 46
