The Hillsborough Recorder

PARTING WITH FRIENDS.

Letter from Dr Franklin to Miss Hubbard, on the death of his brother Mr. John Franklin.

I condole with you. We have lost a most dear and valuable relation. But it is the will of God and nature, that these mortal bodies be laid aside, when the soul is to enter into real life. This is rather an embryo state, a preparation for living. A man is not completely born, until he be dead. Why then should we grieve that a new child is born among the immortals--a new member added to their happy society? We are spirits: that bodies should be lent us, while they can afford us pleasure, assist us in acquiring knowledge, or doing good to our fellow creatures, is a kind of benevolent act of God. When they become unfit for these purposes, and afford us pain instead of pleasure--instead of aid become an incumbrance, and answer none of the intentions for which they were given, it is equally kind and benevolent that a way is provided by which we may get rid of them. Death is that way.

We ourselves, in some cases, prudently choose a partial death. A mangled, painful limb, which cannot be restored, we willingly cut off. He who plucks out a tooth, parts with it freely, since the pain goes with it; and he who quits the whole body, parts at once with all pain, and all possibilities of pains and disease it was liable to, or capable of making him suffer.

Our friend and we are invited abroad to a party of pleasure, which is to last for ever. His chaise was ready first, and he is gone before us. We could not conveniently start together; and why should you and I be grieved at this, since we are soon to follow, and know where to find him? Adieu.