This is rather an embryo state, a preparation for living. A man is not completely born until he is dead. We are Spirits. That bodies should be lent us, while they can afford us pleasure, assist us in acquiring knowledge, or in doing good to our fellow creatures, is a kind and benevolent act of God. When they become unfit for these purposes, and afford us pain instead of pleasure, instead of aid become an encumbrance, 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 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. Our friend and we are invited abroad on a party of pleasure which is to last forever. His chair was ready first, and he is gone before us. Yet it is but a feeble reflection Of the honour and love we owe Him.