(Excerpt of a letter from Ben Franklin to the widow of his brother John Feb. 1756)
“That bodies should be lent to us is a kind and benevolent act of God. When they become unfit for these purposes and afford us pain instead of pleasure – instead of an 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 get rid of them.
Death is that way … Why should you and I be grieved at this, since we are soon to follow, and know where to find him.”