“However the Lord may be pleased to indulge us with comforts and mercies here, still this is not, and cannot be, our rest.
In-dwelling sin, the temptations of Satan, changing dispensations, and the vanity which is inseparably entwined with every earthly connexion, will more or less disturb our peace.
But there is a brighter world, where sin and sorrow can never enter. Every moment brings us nearer to it.
Then every imperfection shall cease, and our best desires shall be satisfied beyond our present conceptions.
Then we shall see Him whom having not seen we love: we shall see Him in all His glory, not as now, through the medium of ordinances, but face to face, without a veil.
We shall see Him, so as to be completely transformed into His perfect image.
Then likewise we shall see all His redeemed, and join with an innumerable multitude of all nations, people, and languages, in singing the triumphant song of Moses and the Lamb forever!
Then we shall look back with wonder on all the way the Lord led us through this wilderness, and shall say, ‘He hath done all things well.’
May this blessed hope comfort our hearts, strengthen, our hands, and make us account nothing dear or hard, so that we may finish our course with joy.
Pray for us and believe me to be your affectionate friend and servant,
John Newton”
–John Newton, The Works of John Newton, Vol. 6 (London: Hamilton, Adams & Co., 1824), 6: 47–48.
