On DEATH. 57 
fmpoflible the god of truth can lie. And what has he told 
ns ? If we will not read, or do not comprehend, can we for- 
give ourfelves for fuch neglect or ignorance ? From thefe 
books we fhall learn that, upon the comparifon of the present 
with the future life, we only begin to live, when we die. 
And whilft we enjoy the ufe of reafon, for reafon flill muff be 
our guide, fhall we not prefer a better flate, to a worse, and 
boldly try the experiment which we must make ? Religion 
teaches us to abforb our fears in hope • it teaches us to part with 
the body as one would part with an intimate friend. If we de- 
rive no fupport from religion, I am fpeaking as a believer in 
'Christ, all is dark and intricate ! I think, madam, if you tell 
your flories often, to your own heart, they will not be dull, like 
a twice-told-tale, but prove of the greatefl confequence in 
teaching you how to die well. The example of one of our 
own level, excites our shame, or raifes our emulation. If 
<£ the thought of death is the directing helm of life,” fleer by 
it : heaven will open to your view : you will reach the port, 
without danger of being wreck’d on the fhoals and rocks with 
which life abounds. This is not fafhionable advice : but it is 
not therefore the left worthy your acceptance. 
The events of my life teach me what is to be expelled ; and 
I hold life and death, in a great meafure, indifferent. I hope 
to become a better man, and therefore I wifh to live; I may be 
a worfe, and therefore I confent to die. A man’s true ambi- 
tion fhould be to live a life of reafon. In ficknefs, or in health ; 
with applaufe, or contempt ; let the world treat me well, 
or ill, whilfl I live, I ought to dc f all the fervice I can to my 
friends, my country, and mankind. I expedt no return 
here, but what I have learnt to fubmit to be difappointed in : 
I but 
