Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral · Theme
Death and the Afterlife
How Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral develops Death and the Afterlife.
Many elegies and funeral poems explore death as a transition to a heavenly afterlife, offering consolation to mourners by depicting the deceased as ascending to blissful immortality, as in 'On the Death of the Rev. Dr. Sewell' and 'On the Death of a Young Gentleman.'
Where it surfaces
- On the Death of the Rev. Dr. Sewell. 1769
Sewell is depicted as ascending to the immortal shore and joining the happy dead in eternal day.
- On the Death of the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield. 1770
Whitefield's death is portrayed as a triumphant ascent to an immortal throne in heaven, with the tomb holding his dust until resurrection.
- On the Death of a Young Gentleman
The poem centers on death as a passage to heaven, with vivid imagery of the soul's seat and divine joys.
- To a Lady on the Death of Three Relations
The poem explores Death's dominion over all creation and the soul's liberation and ascent to heavenly bliss.
- To a Lady on Her Remarkable Preservation in an Hurricane in North-Carolina
The poem reflects on eternal consequences and the future doom, urging contemplation of the afterlife.
- To a Gentleman and Lady on the Death of the Lady’s Brother and Sister, and a Child of the Name of Avis, Aged One Year
The poem dwells on death's dominion over all humanity and the promise of heavenly immortality for the faithful.
- On the Death of Dr. Samuel Marshall. 1771
The poem contemplates the transition from earthly life to an immortal shade, and the hope beyond death.
- To the Honourable T. H. Esq.; On the Death of His Daughter
The daughter's death is portrayed as a transition to a blissful celestial existence, where she reunites with her spouse and experiences eternal joy.
- To S. M. A Young African Painter, on Seeing His Works
The poem contrasts the 'shades of time' with 'everlasting day,' describing a celestial realm where art reaches its purest form.
- To His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, on the Death of His Lady. March 24, 1773
The poem personifies Death as 'all-conquering' yet leads the virtuous to immortal peace, emphasizing a Christian view of the afterlife.
- Endnotes
References to Enoch and Elijah, who were taken to heaven without dying, and the death of three daughters, touch on themes of mortality and the afterlife.
