3. Wherefore we propose, dearest brethren, to
console ourselves with the common course of nature, and not to think
anything hard which awaits all. And therefore we deem that death
is not to be mourned over; firstly, because it is common and due to
all; next, because it frees us from the miseries of this life and,
lastly, because when in the likeness of sleep we are at rest from the
toils of this world, a more lively vigour is shed upon us. What
grief is there which the grace of the Resurrection does not
console? What sorrow is not excluded by the belief that nothing
perishes in death? nay, indeed, that by the hastening of death it comes
to pass that much is preserved from perishing. So it will happen,
dearest brethren, that in our general exhortation we shall turn our
affections to my brother, and shall not seem to have wandered too far
from him, if through hope of the Resurrection and the sweetness of
future glory even in our discourse he should live again for us.