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2007·08·21 · 4 Comments
“It is a great thing to die”

Jonathan Moorhead recently asked (although I have searched in vain to find it on his blog, I’m sure it was he*) what epitaph we would like on our grave. I think I’ve found mine.

John Newton died on December 21, 1807, at the age of eighty- two. A month previously he wrote:

It is a great thing to die; and, when flesh and a heart fail, to have God for the strength of our hearts, and our portion forever. I know whom I have believed, and he is able to keep that which I have committed against that great day. Hence forth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the lord, the righteous judge, shall give me that day.

—Quoted in The Roots of Endurance by John Piper, 52.

*Update: it's here.

by David
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4 Comments:

1. 07·08·21··07:54
Susan

That is indeed excellent.
I suspect a typo, however, so I hope thou hast not yet engraved this in stone... :-)
"I know whom I gave believed,"
Shouldest that not perhaps be "have" believed?
Indeed, 'tis a most excellent epitaph.
And yes, it was at the Moor. I remember the photo of the church sign whereupon "comment at the Moor" was written.

2. 07·08·21··08:15
David

Thanks for catching that, Susan. I'll have to speak with my secretary. He's getting sloppy.

3. 07·08·23··08:39
Jonathan Moorhead

David, that is a lot better than your last one:

"Tears cannot restore him; Therefore, I weep." - Mylo Hazenbuhler

BTW, you may find the Moor epitaph post here.

4. 07·08·23··12:25
David

Thanks, Jonathan. Yeah, I think it's better, too. We'll see what my survivors think is more appropriate.


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