I found this letter in the early 1980's. I find it incredibly beautiful. I was assured that it is authentic.
Dear Child:
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 layed aside when the soul is to enter into real life. It is rather an embryo state, a preparation for living. A man is not completely born until he is dead. Why then should we grieve that a new child is born then among the immortals, a new member added to their happy society.
That bodies should be lent 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 incumberance 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 prudently choose a partial death. In some cases a mangled painful limb which can not 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 pains and possibility of pains and diseases it was liable to our capable of making him suffer.
Our friend and we are invited abroad on a party of pleasure that is to last forever. He has gone before us. We could not all conveniently start together. And why should you and I be grieved at this since we are soon to follow and we know where to find him.
Adieu,
Benjamin Franklin
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