John Newton
If I am redeemed from misery by the blood of Jesus, and if He is now preparing me a mansion near Himself that I may drink of the rivers of pleasure at His right hand for evermore, the question is not (at least it ought not to be), How may I pass through life with the least inconvenience? but, How may my little span of life be made most subservient to the praise and glory of Him who loved me and gave Himself for me?
Where the Lord gives this desire He will gratify it. And as afflictions afford, for the most part, the best opportunities of this kind, those whom He is pleased eminently to honour are therefore usually called, at one time or another, to the heaviest trials – not because He loves to grieve them, but because He hears their prayers and accepts their desires of doing Him service in the world.
The post of honour in war is so called because there are difficulties and dangers attached to it which only a few are supposed equal to; yet generals usually allot these hard services to their favourites and friends, who eagerly accept them as tokens of favour and marks of confidence. Should we therefore not count it an honour and a privilege when the Captain of our salvation assigns us a difficult post, since He can and does (which no earthly commander can) inspire His soldiers with wisdom, courage and strength suitable to their situation (2 Cor 12:9,10)? I am acquainted with a few who have been led thus to the forefront of the battle; they suffered much, but I have never heard them say they suffered too much, for the Lord stood by them and strengthened them. Go on, dear Madam; yet a little while and Jesus will wipe away all tears from your eyes. You will see your beloved friend again, and he and you will rejoice together for ever.
1Part of a letter written in April 1775 to a lady whose husband had died some weeks previously. It is taken, with editing, from Newton’s Works, vol 2.