Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral · Chapter
On the Death of the Rev. Dr. Sewell. 1769 explained
The poem mourns the death of Reverend Dr.
What happens
The poem mourns the death of Reverend Dr. Sewell, celebrating his ascension to heaven and urging readers to follow his pious example. It reflects on his pastoral care, his role as a spiritual guide, and the hope of eternal life through Christ.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This poem serves as the narrative climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak where the sp…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Christian Redemption and Salvation
The poem emphasizes Sewell's redemption through Jesus' blood and his attainment of heavenly bliss.
- Death and the Afterlife
Sewell is depicted as ascending to the immortal shore and joining the happy dead in eternal day.
- Grief and Consolation
The poet mourns the loss but finds comfort in Sewell's salvation and the promise of heaven.
Characters to notice
- Sewell
The deceased reverend, mourned as a holy man and spiritual guide.
- Jesus
Mentioned as the source of redemption and the bread of life.
- Phillis Wheatley
The poet, who speaks in first person and composes the epitaph.
Key passages
“Ere yet the morn its lovely blushes spread, See Sewell number’d with the happy dead.”
Before the morning dawned, Sewell had already joined the blessed in heaven.
Opens the poem with the announcement of Sewell's death and immediate heavenly reward.
“Hail, holy man, arriv’d th’ immortal shore, Though we shall hear thy warning voice no more.”
Greetings, saintly man, you have reached the eternal shore, even though we will no longer hear your teachings.
Celebrates Sewell's arrival in heaven while lamenting the loss of his earthly guidance.
“Lo, here a man, redeem’d by Jesus’ blood, A sinner once, but now a saint with God;”
Behold a man saved by Christ's sacrifice, once a sinner but now a holy person in God's presence.
Epitaph summarizing Sewell's redemption and sanctification.
