If absence be not death, neither is theirs.
Death is but crossing the world, as friends do the seas; they live in one another still.
For they must needs be present that love and live in that which is omnipresent. In this divine glass they see face to face; and their converse is free, as well as pure.
This is the comfort of friends, that though they may be said to die yet their friendship and society are in the best sense ever present, because immortal.
Of Charity
Charity has various senses, but is excellent in all of them.
It imports, first, the commiseration of the poor and unhappy of mankind, and extends an helping hand to mend their condition.
Next, charity makes the best construction of things and persons; it makes the best of everything, forgives everybody, serves all, and hopes to the end.
It is an universal remedy against discord, an holy cement for mankind.
And, lastly, 'tis love to God and the brethren which raises the soul above all earthly considerations; and as it gives a taste of heaven upon earth, so 'tis heaven in the fulness of it hereafter to the truly charitable here.