high in that temple of true glory, where the whispers of malevolence, and the clamours of faction, shall never be heard: where envy, the unfailing shadow of merit, shall never be permitted to enter; and where-when that melancholy hour is come, which no might nor greatness in mortality can delay-that hour in which you, my lord, shall be lost to your friends, to your country, to your king, your monument shall proclaim the glorious truth, that "You were a principal instrument in putting an end to a "war, uncommonly wide and extensive; and "of restoring peace to an exhausted and de"populated world." I am, my lord, with the most respectful acknowledgments for this indulgence, your lordship's most obliged and devoted humble servant, TVest Ham, Jan. 1, 1763. WILLIAM DODD. ADVERTISEMENT. THESE Reflections were first written with a design to be published in a small volume proper to be given away by well-disposed persons at funerals, or on any other solemn occasion. But the editors of the CHRISTIAN'S MAGAZINE, supposing they might be of some service to that useful and well-esteemed work, requested the author first to print them there, and afterward to pursue his original design. Accordingly, they were printed in separate chapters, and he hath reason to be satisfied with the reception they met with. His best prayers accompany them in their present form, that they may be found useful to mankind. REFLECTIONS ON DEATH. CHAPTER I. To die -to sleep No more: and by a sleep to say, we end For who would bear the whips and scorns of time, The insolence of office, and the spurns That patient merit of th' unwary takes- And makes us rather bear the ills we have, SHAKSPEARE. A FEW evenings ago I was called to perform the last sad office to the sacred remains of a departed friend and neighbour. B |