Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral · Chapter
A Funeral Poem on the Death of C. E. An Infant of Twelve Months explained
The poem describes the soul of an infant ascending to heaven, where angels welcome him to a divine abode.
What happens
The poem describes the soul of an infant ascending to heaven, where angels welcome him to a divine abode. The child rejoices that God took him before he could be corrupted by vice or temptation. The speaker then addresses the grieving parents, urging them not to mourn excessively, as their child is now in a state of eternal bliss, and encourages them to look forward to reuniting with him in heaven.
Themes in this chapter
Christian Redemption and Salvation
The poem centers on the infant's salvation, being taken to heaven before sin could corrupt him, and the promise of eternal life.
Grief and Consolation
The speaker consoles the parents by reframing their loss as a gain for the child, urging them to find comfort in faith and the hope of reunion.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The speaker who narrates the infant's journey to heaven and addresses the parents.
- Jesus
Implied as the God who snatched the infant to the skies and the divine presence in heaven.
Key passages
“Through airy roads he wings his instant flight To purer regions of celestial light;”
The infant's soul immediately flies through the sky to a pure, heavenly realm of divine light.
Describes the soul's swift journey to heaven after death.
“Thanks to my God, who snatch'd me to the skies, E'er vice triumphant had possess'd my heart,”
The child thanks God for taking him to heaven before he could be overcome by sin.
Expresses gratitude for being saved from the corruption of earthly life.
“Say, parents, why this unavailing moan? Why heave your pensive bosoms with the groan?”
The speaker asks the parents why they mourn pointlessly and sigh with sorrow.
Challenges the parents' grief as unnecessary given the child's blessed state.
“To yon bright regions let your faith ascend, Prepare to join your dearest infant friend In pleasures without measure, without end.”
Let your faith rise to those bright heavenly realms, and prepare to reunite with your beloved child in infinite and eternal joy.
Encourages the parents to focus on faith and the hope of eternal reunion.