There are three classes of men: (1) The man of desires, (2) The beginner who is just turning back. (3) The advanced Knower of God.
The first does not recollect death; or if he ever does so, he does it in a spirit of sorrow for the loss of worldly objects, and begins to murmur at it. Recollection of death throws him the further from God.
The second is given to the practice of recollecting death, so that he may live fear-stricken, and accomplish his Turning the more successfully …
The third never forgets death, as it is the guarantee of his union with the Beloved.
But the highest stage of development is shewn in the soul that completely surrenders itself to the Lord, and foregoes all choice of life or death …
The frequent recollection of death is recommended, as it is calculated to disturb physical enjoyment, and thereby lead to salvation …
Death is welcome to the faithful, as it sets him free from the prison of earth-life and its tortures …
As remarked by an esteemed friend, earth-life is a state of slumber, the after-death life is a state of waking, and death is an intermediate state. . . .
Death (to an ordinary mortal) is more painful than a cut with the sword or the axe, or the extraction of flesh from his body …
A calm look, and the repetition of the Holy Formula, these are becoming on the part of the dying man.—Letter 97.