A discourse concerning old-age tending to the instruction, caution and comfort of aged persons / by Richard Steele ...
         Steele, Richard, 1629-1692.
      
       
         
           1688
        
      
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             A discourse concerning old-age tending to the instruction, caution and comfort of aged persons / by Richard Steele ...
             Steele, Richard, 1629-1692.
          
           [8], 327 p.
           
             Printed by J. Astwood for Tho. Parkhurst ...,
             London :
             1688.
          
           
             Imperfect: pages stained.
             Reproduction of original in the Union Theological Seminary Library, New York.
             Includes bibliographical references.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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         eng
      
       
         
           Old age.
           Christian life.
        
      
    
     
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           A
           DISCOURSE
           CONCERNING
           Old-Age
           ,
           TENDING
           TO
           The
           
             Instruction
             ,
             Caution
          
           and
           Comfort
           of
           
             Aged
             Persons
          
           .
        
         
           
             
               Tit.
               2.
               2
               ,
               3.
            
             
          
           
             That
             the
             Aged
             men
             be
             sober
             ,
             grave
             ,
             temperate
             ,
             sound
             in
             Faith
             ,
             in
             Charity
             ,
             in
             Patience
             .
             The
             aged
             Women
             likewise
             ,
             &c.
             
          
        
         
           
             Ben
             Syra
             
          
           .
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           .
        
         
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           .
           
             Chrysost.
             in
             Psal.
             50.
             
          
        
         
           By
           
             RICHARD
             STEELE
          
           ,
           M.
           A.
           Minister
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           by
           
             I.
             Astwood
          
           ,
           for
           
             Tho.
             Parkhurst
          
           at
           the
           Bible
           and
           
             three
             Crowns
          
           ,
           at
           the
           lower
           end
           of
           Cheap-side
           ,
           near
           Mercers-Chappel
           ,
           1688.
           
        
      
       
         
         
           IMPRIMATUR
           ,
        
         
           
             R.
             M.
             
          
           
             
               Apr.
               10.
               1688.
               
            
          
        
      
       
         
         
           THE
           EPISTLE
           to
           the
           Readers
           .
        
         
           
             Friendly
             Readers
             ,
          
        
         
           YOU
           have
           here
           a
           plain
           Discourse
           concerning
           Old-age
           .
           The
           Design
           of
           it
           is
           to
           Instruct
           ,
           to
           Warn
           ,
           and
           to
           Comfort
           the
           Weaker
           sort
           of
           Ancient
           persons
           ,
           amongst
           whom
           I
           must
           place
           my self
           .
           The
           Wiser
           and
           stronger
           may
           find
           divers
           things
           upon
           this
           Subject
           collected
           here
           together
           ,
           which
           they
           have
           met
           with
           asunder
           ,
           and
           which
           they
           know
           and
           practise
           better
           than
           I.
           But
           that
           which
           put
           me
           upon
           this
           Attempt
           ,
           was
           ,
           1.
           
           Some
           years
           Experience
           of
           Old-age
           in
           my self
           .
           2.
           
           More
           Leisure
           by
           reason
           of
           my
           bodily
           Infirmities
           ,
           and
           other
           Restraints
           than
           I
           could
           have
           desired
           .
           3.
           
           An
           Observation
           ,
           that
           there
           was
           no
           
             full
             Treatise
          
           in
           our
           Tongue
           upon
           this
           Point
           .
           4.
           
           And
           lastly
           ,
           an
           unfained
           desire
           to
           be
           some
           way
           usefull
           in
           the
           World.
           These
           
           were
           the
           true
           Occasions
           of
           this
           Adventure
           .
           Whatsoever
           in
           it
           tasts
           of
           the
           cask
           ,
           impute
           that
           to
           
             my
             weakness
          
           ;
           whatsoever
           is
           worthy
           ,
           ascribe
           it
           only
           to
           
             God●…
             Goodness
          
           .
           I
           know
           it
           is
           full
           of
           imperfections
           ,
           but
           when
           the
           
             Principle
             ,
             Matter
          
           ,
           and
           End
           of
           an
           action
           are
           honest
           ,
           Candid
           persons
           will
           interpret
           the
           rest
           in
           the
           best
           sence
           :
           Such
           Ancient
           and
           
             Modern
             Authors
          
           ,
           I
           could
           meet
           with
           ,
           
           as
           have
           written
           upon
           this
           Subject
           ,
           I
           have
           perused
           ,
           and
           digested
           their
           Observations
           in
           their
           places
           .
           But
           the
           Scriptures
           here
           produced
           are
           my
           great
           Vouchers
           ,
           and
           which
           I
           do
           most
           earnestly
           recommend
           to
           the
           Readers
           ,
           for
           they
           are
           worthy
           the
           highest
           Regard
           .
           That
           the
           Lord
           would
           enable
           me
           and
           you
           to
           frame
           our
           Old-age
           according
           to
           these
           Instructions
           ,
           is
           the
           earnest
           Prayer
           of
        
         
           
             Your
             Servant
             for
          
           Iesus
           sake
           ,
           
             
               May
               10
               ▪
               1688.
               
            
          
           
             Richard
             Steele
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           THE
           CONTENTS
           .
        
         
           
             
               CHAP.
               I.
            
             The
             Description
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             Sect.
             1.
             
             OF
             the
             Names
             for
             Old-age
             .
             Page
             .
             2
          
           
             2.
             
             Of
             the
             Nature
             of
             it
             .
             Page
             .
             6
          
           
             3.
             
             Of
             the
             Beginning
             of
             it
             .
             Page
             .
             9
          
           
             4.
             
             Of
             the
             long
             lives
             of
             many
             persons
             .
             Page
             .
             12
          
        
         
           
             
               CHAP.
               II.
            
             The
             Causes
             of
             Old-age
             ,
             and
             Preservatives
             .
          
           
             Sect.
             1.
             
             The
             Original
             Cause
             ,
             Mans
             Sin.
             Page
             .
             18
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             Natural
             Cause
             ,
             Driness
             and
             Coldness
             .
             Page
             .
             23
          
           
             3.
             
             The
             Preternatural
             Causes
             ,
          
           
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 Unwholsome
                 Air.
                 Page
                 .
                 24
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Diseases
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 25
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Immoderate
                 Care
                 and
                 Labour
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 26
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Intemperance
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 28
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Inordinate
                 Passions
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 29
              
            
          
           
             4.
             
             Preservatives
             .
          
           
             
               
                 
                 1.
                 
                 Piety
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 32
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Sobriety
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 36
              
            
          
        
         
           
             
               CHAP.
               III.
            
             The
             Sins
             and
             Vices
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             Sect.
             1.
             
             Frowardness
             .
             Page
             .
             41
          
           
             2.
             
             Loquacity
             .
             Page
             .
             45
          
           
             3.
             
             Envy
             .
             Page
             .
             50
          
           
             4.
             
             Arrogance
             .
             Page
             .
             54
          
           
             5.
             
             Covetousness
             .
             Page
             .
             57
          
           
             6.
             
             Also
             ,
          
           
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 Craftiness
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 69
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Unteachableness
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 70
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Implacableness
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 72
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Speculative
                 Wickedness
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 74
              
            
          
        
         
           
             
               CHAP.
               IV.
            
             The
             Graces
             and
             Vertues
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             Sect.
             1.
             
             Knowledge
             .
             Page
             .
             79
          
           
             2.
             
             Faith.
             Page
             .
             85
          
           
             3.
             
             Wisdom
             .
             Page
             .
             91
          
           
             4.
             
             Patience
             .
             Page
             .
             98
          
           
             5.
             
             Stedfastness
             .
             Page
             .
             106
          
           
             6.
             
             Temperance
             .
             Page
             .
             113
          
           
             7.
             
             Love.
             Page
             .
             120
          
        
         
           
             
               CHAP.
               V.
            
             The
             Inconveniences
             or
             Miseries
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             Generally
             out
             of
             
               Eccles.
               12.
               
               Page
            
             .
             129
          
           
             Particularly
             ,
          
           
             
               
                 
                 Sect.
                 1.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 deprived
                 of
                 Pleasures
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 133
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Strength
                 and
                 Beauty
                 decreased
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 139
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Faculties
                 weakned
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 145
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Senses
                 decayed
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 151
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Distemper
                 and
                 Pain
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 158
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Broken
                 with
                 Crosses
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 164
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 Attended
                 with
                 Contempt
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 171
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 Disabled
                 from
                 Service
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 176
              
               
                 9.
                 
                 Unfit
                 for
                 Religious
                 Exercises
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 181
              
               
                 10.
                 
                 Terrified
                 with
                 the
                 Approach
                 of
                 Death
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 186
              
            
          
        
         
           
             
               CHAP.
               VI.
            
             The
             Priviledges
             and
             Comforts
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             Sect.
             1.
             
             It
             is
             greater
             in
             Authority
             .
             Page
             .
             196
          
           
             2.
             
             Richer
             in
             Experience
             .
             Page
             .
             200
          
           
             3.
             
             Freer
             from
             Sin.
             Page
             .
             206
          
           
             4.
             
             Proner
             to
             Piety
             .
             Page
             .
             211
          
           
             5.
             
             Riper
             in
             its
             Fruits
             .
             Page
             .
             217
          
           
             6.
             
             Worthier
             of
             Respect
             .
             Page
             .
             221
          
           
             7.
             
             Further
             from
             the
             World.
             Page
             .
             226
          
           
             8.
             
             Nearer
             to
             Heaven
             .
             Page
             .
             232
          
        
         
           
             
               CHAP.
               VII
            
             .
             The
             Work
             and
             Business
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             Sect.
             1.
             
             Repentance
             of
             their
             Sins
             .
             Page
             .
             241
          
           
             2.
             
             Obtaining
             Assurance
             .
             Page
             .
             251
          
           
             3.
             
             Prayer
             and
             Praises
             .
             Page
             .
             259
          
           
             4.
             
             Instruction
             of
             the
             younger
             .
             Page
             .
             267
          
           
             
             5.
             
             Watchfulness
             against
             the
             temptations
          
           
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 Of
                 Discontentedness
                 of
                 Mind
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 274
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Of
                 Hardness
                 and
                 Security
                 of
                 Heart
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 276
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Of
                 Slothfulness
                 of
                 Spirit
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 278
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Of
                 Expectation
                 of
                 long
                 life
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 283
              
            
          
           
             6.
             
             Providence
             for
             Posterity
             .
             Page
             .
             287
          
           
             7.
             
             Mortification
             ,
          
           
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 To
                 Sin.
                 Page
                 .
                 292
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 To
                 the
                 World.
                 Page
                 .
                 296
              
            
          
           
             8.
             
             Laying
             up
             a
             treasure
             in
             Heaven
             .
             Page
             .
             299
          
           
             9.
             
             Meditation
             on
             Death
             and
             Eternity
             .
             Page
             .
             307
          
           
             10.
             
             Perseverance
             ,
          
           
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 In
                 Doing
                 .
                 Page
                 .
                 316
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 In
                 Suffering
                 the
                 Will
                 of
                 God.
                 Page
                 .
                 322
              
            
          
        
      
       
         
           ERRATA
           .
        
         
           PAge
           41.
           line
           4.
           read
           persons
           .
           p.
           76.
           l.
           2.
           r.
           pleased
           .
           p.
           77.
           
             marg
             .
             r.
          
           laniant
           .
           p.
           80.
           l.
           27.
           r.
           as
           if
           for
           unless
           .
           p.
           81.
           
             marg
             .
             r.
          
           cernere
           —
           corporis
           .
           p.
           95.
           
             marg
             .
             r.
          
           senum
           .
           p.
           110.
           l.
           4.
           r.
           deprive
           .
           p.
           117.
           l.
           1.
           r.
           in
           for
           to
           .
           p.
           140.
           l.
           18.
           r.
           let
           him
           be
           useless
           for
           make
           away
           with
           him
           .
           p.
           194.
           l.
           20.
           r.
           Prov.
           p.
           195.
           
             marg
             .
             r.
          
           honestissimum
           domicilium
           senectutis
           .
           p.
           196.
           l.
           4.
           r.
           Authority
           .
           p.
           202.
           
             marg
             .
             r.
          
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           .
           p.
           209.
           
             marg
             .
             r.
          
           mole●…è
           .
           p.
           272.
           
             l.
             ult
             .
             r.
          
           self-willed
           .
           
             Other
             literal
             Mistakes
             are
             left
             to
             be
             rectified
             by
             the
             Candid
             Reader
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           A
           DISCOURSE
           CONCERNING
           Old-Age
           :
        
         
           INtending
           a
           Discourse
           concerning
           Old-Age
           ,
           I
           shall
           use
           that
           Method
           ,
           which
           I
           conceive
           will
           be
           most
           comprehensive
           ,
           and
           most
           commodious
           for
           my
           purpose
           ;
           which
           is
           ,
           1.
           
           By
           making
           some
           Description
           thereof
           .
           2.
           
           By
           shewing
           the
           true
           Causes
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           the
           best
           Preservatives
           against
           it
           .
           3.
           
           The
           Sins
           or
           Vices
           which
           are
           most
           usual
           in
           it
           .
           4.
           
           The
           Graces
           and
           Vertues
           that
           are
           most
           proper
           for
           it
           .
           5.
           
           The
           Inconveniences
           and
           Miseries
           which
           attend
           it
           .
           6.
           
           The
           Priviledges
           and
           Comforts
           peculiar
           to
           it
           .
           And
           Lastly
           ,
           the
           Work
           and
           Business
           that
           is
           most
           needful
           in
           it
           .
        
         
           
           
             
               CHAP.
               I.
            
             The
             Description
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               I.
               
            
             
               FOR
               the
               First
               ,
               we
               must
               come
               to
               a
               
               right
               Notion
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               partly
               by
               its
               Name
               .
               The
               Words
               which
               are
               used
               for
               it
               in
               the
               Oriental
               a
               Languages
               ,
               do
               only
               signifie
               Persons
               or
               Things
               ●…at
               are
               durable
               ,
               that
               have
               
                 lasted
                 long
              
               ;
               And
               some
               of
               them
               are
               us'd
               promiscuously
               for
               such
               as
               are
               dignified
               by
               Office
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               for
               such
               as
               have
               
                 filled
                 their
                 Days
              
               .
               And
               none
               of
               them
               do
               direct
               us
               in
               the
               Computation
               ,
               when
               it
               begins
               ;
               but
               do
               comprehend
               as
               well
               those
               Persons
               that
               are
               decrepit
               ,
               as
               those
               that
               are
               only
               decayed
               .
               For
               in
               Gen.
               18.
               11.
               
               Abraham
               was
               an
               
                 Old
                 Man
              
               ;
               and
               in
               Gen.
               24.
               1.
               there
               he
               is
               called
               with
               the
               very
               
                 same
                 word
              
               ,
               but
               an
               
                 Old
                 Man
              
               ,
               tho
               he
               was
               then
               forty
               years
               older
               than
               before
               .
               The
               Hebrew
               commonly
               calling
               an
               Old
               Man
               ,
               one
               
                 full
                 of
                 days
              
               ,
               or
               
                 stricken
                 in
                 Years
              
               ,
               tho
               sometimes
               they
               are
               distinguished
               ,
               
               
                 the
                 aged
                 with
                 him
                 that
                 is
                 full
                 of
                 days
                 ,
              
               Jerem.
               6.
               11.
               by
               which
               it
               should
               seem
               ,
               that
               Old-age
               comes
               somewhat
               short
               of
               
                 fulness
                 of
                 days
              
               b
               .
            
             
               The
               Greek
               c
               words
               also
               for
               an
               
                 Old
                 Man
              
               do
               signifie
               one
               that
               hath
               
                 lived
                 long
              
               ;
               or
               one
               that
               looketh
               towards
               the
               Earth
               ;
               or
               whose
               vital
               moisture
               is
               dried
               away
               ,
               and
               nothing
               but
               an
               earthy
               matter
               left
               .
               The
               Latine
               d
               words
               for
               Old-age
               ,
               do
               signifie
               
                 multitude
                 of
                 years
              
               ,
               or
               Decay
               of
               strength
               :
               Or
               Precedence
               and
               Priority
               of
               Existence
               .
               But
               the
               most
               usual
               and
               proper
               word
               for
               it
               denotes
               a
               Person
               ,
               who
               hath
               one
               Foot
               in
               the
               Grave
               ,
               that
               is
               
                 half
                 dead
              
               already
               ;
               tho
               some
               derive
               it
               from
               the
               Diminution
               of
               the
               Senses
               ,
               as
               if
               no
               body
               were
               old
               ,
               till
               they
               were
               decrepit
               and
               began
               to
               dote
               .
            
             
               Our
               English
               word
               Old
               is
               of
               a
               German
               descent
               .
               The
               High-Dutch
               calling
               an
               Aged
               person
               ,
               Alt-man
               .
               The
               
                 Saxons
                 ,
                 Eald
              
               or
               Olt-min
               ;
               the
               
                 Low-Dutch
                 ,
                 Oud-man
              
               .
               All
               which
               some
               derive
               from
               the
               Latines
               ,
               e
               others
               from
               the
               Hebrews
               f
               :
               but
               none
               of
               them
               affording
               us
               any
               light
               concerning
               the
               proper
               Nature
               ,
               or
               distinct
               Time
               of
               Old-age
               ;
               tho
               ,
               in
               their
               native
               signification
               ,
               it
               is
               likely
               they
               in
               some
               sort
               did
               express
               the
               Thing
               in
               question
               .
            
             
             
               It
               is
               clear
               ,
               that
               there
               are
               divers
               Periods
               in
               the
               life
               of
               Man
               ,
               which
               are
               like
               so
               many
               Stages
               in
               the
               Race
               which
               is
               set
               before
               us
               .
               Herein
               we
               have
               some
               light
               in
               the
               Holy
               Scriptures
               .
               In
               Levit.
               27.
               3
               ,
               4
               ,
               &c.
               where
               
                 One
                 Interval
              
               of
               time
               is
               ,
               from
               a
               Month
               to
               Five
               years
               of
               Age
               ;
               a
               Second
               ,
               from
               Five
               years
               of
               Age
               to
               Twenty
               ;
               a
               Third
               from
               twenty
               to
               sixty
               ;
               and
               the
               last
               from
               sixty
               to
               the
               
                 end
                 of
                 Life
              
               .
               And
               mens
               Strength
               and
               Ability
               ,
               at
               least
               in
               those
               Times
               and
               Places
               ,
               may
               be
               collected
               from
               their
               Valuation
               ,
               which
               is
               there
               adjusted
               by
               God
               himself
               .
               Humane
               Authors
               have
               variously
               divided
               the
               Life
               of
               Man.
               Some
               into
               Four
               parts
               ,
               answering
               the
               four
               parts
               of
               the
               
                 Year
                 ;
                 Spring
                 ,
                 Summer
                 ,
                 Autumn
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 Winter
                 .
                 Others
              
               into
               Seven
               ;
               assign
               ing
               each
               part
               of
               it
               to
               a
               different
               Planet
               ;
               and
               so
               Old-age
               to
               Saturn
               .
               But
               Man's
               Age
               seems
               most
               fitly
               to
               be
               distributed
               into
               ,
               1.
               
               His
               Growing
               .
               2.
               
               His
               Ripe
               or
               consistent
               ,
               and
               3.
               
               His
               Decaying
               Age.
               
            
             
               As
               to
               the
               First
               of
               these
               ;
               we
               need
               not
               be
               so
               Critical
               ,
               as
               to
               begin
               it
               at
               his
               Conception
               ,
               or
               Quickning
               in
               the
               Womb
               ,
               tho
               he
               doth
               then
               begin
               to
               live
               and
               to
               grow
               ;
               sith
               the
               
                 Holy
                 Ghost
              
               in
               the
               Scripture
               above-said
               makes
               no
               reckoning
               of
               his
               Age
               ,
               until
               he
               be
               a
               Month
               old
               .
               
               Leaving
               therefore
               that
               State
               of
               Non-age
               ,
               we
               may
               distinguish
               his
               Growing
               Age
               into
               
                 Infancy
                 ,
                 Child-hood
              
               and
               
                 Youth
                 .
                 Infancy
              
               ends
               when
               we
               begin
               to
               go
               and
               speak
               .
               Child-hood
               reacheth
               to
               the
               fourteenth
               or
               fifteenth
               year
               ;
               and
               Youth
               lasts
               to
               Twenty
               five
               .
               Unto
               these
               years
               we
               usually
               increase
               in
               Strength
               or
               Stature
               .
               Not
               but
               that
               some
               particular
               Persons
               ,
               or
               in
               some
               Countries
               do
               ripen
               sooner
               ;
               and
               also
               that
               Females
               are
               reckon'd
               to
               attain
               to
               the
               Second
               Stage
               of
               their
               Growing
               Age
               ,
               two
               years
               sooner
               ,
               and
               to
               the
               third
               Stage
               ,
               four
               years
               sooner
               than
               the
               Males
               ;
               yet
               still
               the
               foresaid
               Computation
               agrees
               with
               the
               nobler
               Sex
               ,
               and
               comprehends
               the
               Generality
               of
               them
               .
            
             
               The
               Ripe
               Age
               of
               Man
               follows
               ,
               when
               the
               Parts
               of
               his
               Body
               ,
               and
               the
               Powers
               of
               his
               Soul
               are
               come●…
               to
               some
               Consistence
               ;
               and
               therefore
               it
               may
               be
               called
               his
               Best
               Estate
               ,
               or
               as
               the
               Hebrew
               signifies
               in
               Psal.
               39.
               5.
               his
               
                 setled
                 Estate
                 :
                 Verily
                 every
                 man
                 at
                 his
                 setled
                 ,
              
               or
               
                 best
                 Estate
                 ,
                 is
                 altogether
                 Vanity
                 .
              
               The
               former
               is
               the
               Spring
               ,
               this
               is
               the
               Summer
               of
               a
               mans
               life
               ;
               wherein
               they
               who
               are
               truly
               wise
               ,
               will
               be
               gathering
               both
               Temporal
               and
               Spiritual
               Provision
               for
               the
               Winter
               of
               Old-age
               g
               .
               Now
               this
               Rational
               Flower
               is
               in
               its
               prime
               .
               
               
                 As
                 the
                 Flower
                 of
                 the
                 Field
                 ,
                 so
                 he
                 flourisheth
                 ,
              
               Psal.
               103.
               15.
               
               Many
               indeed
               are
               cropt
               and
               gathered
               in
               their
               Youth
               ,
               and
               others
               are
               cut
               off
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               their
               days
               :
               
                 for
                 when
                 the
                 Wind
                 passeth
                 over
              
               this
               Flower
               ,
               
                 it
                 is
                 gone
              
               .
               And
               it
               is
               observable
               ,
               that
               Enoch
               in
               the
               first
               World
               ,
               and
               Elijah
               in
               the
               second
               ,
               and
               our
               Dear
               Saviour
               in
               the
               last
               ,
               were
               called
               away
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               their
               days
               ;
               to
               warn
               us
               ,
               that
               this
               is
               not
               our
               Country
               ,
               but
               that
               even
               in
               the
               time
               of
               Youth
               and
               Strength
               ,
               it
               behoves
               us
               to
               prepare
               for
               another
               World.
               But
               if
               the
               Lord
               do
               still
               by
               his
               Power
               and
               Patience
               ,
               
                 hold
                 our
                 Soul
                 in
                 life
              
               ,
               and
               that
               His
               
                 visitation
                 do
                 preserve
                 our
                 Spirit
              
               ,
               this
               brings
               us
               to
               Old-age
               ;
               and
               this
               Ripe
               Age
               commonly
               lasts
               as
               long
               as
               our
               Growing
               Age
               ,
               and
               so
               we
               may
               assign
               unto
               it
               ,
               
                 Twenty
                 five
              
               years
               more
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               II.
               
            
             
               AND
               so
               we
               are
               comen
               to
               the
               Third
               
               and
               Last
               Stage
               of
               Life
               ,
               the
               Decaying
               Age
               or
               Old-age
               ;
               which
               is
               the
               Subject
               of
               the
               following
               Discourse
               ;
               which
               may
               be
               thus
               describ'd
               ,
               namely
               ,
               
                 That
                 Part
                 of
                 Mans
                 life
                 ,
                 wherein
                 through
                 the
                 Multitude
              
               
               
                 of
                 Years
                 his
                 Strength
                 is
                 decay'd
              
               h
               .
               For
               ,
               1.
               
               It
               is
               not
               meerly
               such
               a
               number
               of
               Years
               without
               some
               Decay
               of
               Nature
               ,
               that
               can
               properly
               denominate
               Old-age
               ;
               sith
               in
               former
               times
               before
               the
               Flood
               ,
               when
               men
               usually
               lived
               eight
               or
               
                 nine
                 hundred
              
               years
               ,
               he
               that
               was
               an
               hundred
               years
               old
               ,
               was
               a
               very
               Young
               man
               ;
               and
               still
               we
               find
               that
               many
               are
               stronger
               at
               sixty
               ,
               than
               others
               are
               at
               fifty
               years
               of
               Age.
               Thus
               Athanasius
               testifies
               of
               Antony
               the
               Monk
               in
               Egypt
               ,
               that
               he
               had
               all
               his
               Teeth
               ,
               and
               his
               Eye-sight
               sound
               ,
               when
               he
               was
               an
               hundred
               and
               five
               years
               old
               .
               Neither
               ,
               2ly
               .
               Doth
               the
               Decay
               of
               Strength
               alone
               ,
               determine
               a
               man
               Old
               ;
               sith
               Diseases
               and
               other
               Casualties
               may
               weaken
               and
               wither
               him
               ,
               who
               in
               respect
               of
               his
               Age
               ,
               hath
               not
               attain'd
               the
               Meridian
               of
               his
               Life
               .
               Thus
               our
               Blessed
               Saviour
               was
               guess'd
               to
               be
               near
               fifty
               years
               old
               ,
               Ioh.
               8.
               57.
               when
               he
               was
               but
               little
               past
               Thirty
               ,
               being
               a
               
                 man
                 of
                 Sorrows
              
               ,
               and
               
                 acquainted
                 with
                 Grief
              
               .
               But
               when
               our
               Strength
               is
               decayed
               i
               through
               the
               multitude
               of
               Years
               ,
               then
               Old-age
               commenceth
               .
            
             
               From
               whence
               it
               followeth
               ,
               that
               neither
               Gray-hairs
               ,
               nor
               Wrinkles
               ,
               nor
               any
               such
               separable
               Adjunct
               can
               be
               a
               Demonstration
               of
               Old-age
               ;
               seeing
               Sickness
               ,
               or
               Cares
               ,
               
               or
               Fears
               ,
               or
               Grief
               may
               produce
               these
               Effects
               ,
               without
               any
               considerable
               Decay
               of
               strength
               ,
               or
               Number
               of
               years
               ,
               Prov.
               12.
               25.
               
               
                 Heaviness
                 in
                 the
                 Heart
                 of
                 man
                 maketh
                 it
                 stoop
                 .
              
               Here
               the
               Heart
               stoops
               like
               an
               old
               man
               ,
               and
               that
               through
               heaviness
               .
               And
               Psal.
               6.
               7.
               
               
                 Mine
                 Eye
                 is
                 consumed
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 Grief
                 ,
                 it
                 waxeth
                 Old
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 all
                 mine
                 Enemies
              
               ;
               here
               Grief
               brings
               Old-age
               into
               the
               Eye
               .
               And
               Psal.
               32.
               3.
               
               
                 When
                 I
                 kept
                 silence
                 ,
                 my
                 Bones
                 waxed
                 Old
                 :
              
               here
               Old
               age
               is
               ante-dated
               in
               the
               Bones
               by
               trouble
               of
               Mind
               .
               Thus
               Authors
               tell
               us
               of
               those
               ,
               whose
               Hairs
               have
               become
               hoary
               by
               Sickness
               ,
               and
               have
               grown
               black
               again
               at
               the
               return
               of
               Health
               k
               .
               And
               the
               Story
               of
               the
               
                 Dutch
                 Captain
              
               is
               famous
               ,
               who
               being
               put
               into
               a
               Fright
               ,
               had
               his
               Hair
               turned
               Gray
               in
               the
               space
               of
               one
               Night
               .
               But
               all
               these
               being
               preternatural
               and
               accidental
               ,
               do
               not
               constitute
               Old
               age
               at
               all
               .
            
             
               Neither
               doth
               any
               occasional
               Eclypse
               upon
               the
               
                 internal
                 Faculties
              
               ,
               the
               
                 Mind
                 ,
                 Memory
              
               or
               Phancy
               ,
               certainly
               declare
               Old-age
               ;
               for
               many
               Accidents
               may
               produce
               these
               Effects
               in
               the
               youngest
               persons
               :
               whereas
               Old-age
               is
               not
               incident
               to
               the
               Soul.
               Its
               Organs
               may
               be
               weakned
               ormaimed
               either
               by
               natural
               Decays
               ,
               or
               by
               violent
               Accidents
               ,
               
               so
               that
               they
               cannot
               exert
               themselves
               ;
               but
               the
               Soul
               can
               never
               properly
               be
               said
               to
               grow
               old
               ,
               because
               the
               nature
               of
               it
               is
               unperishable
               ;
               and
               that
               which
               never
               perishes
               ,
               can
               never
               be
               said
               to
               decay
               .
               But
               when
               
                 natural
                 Heat
              
               begins
               to
               abate
               ,
               when
               no
               food
               can
               sufficiently
               supply
               that
               
                 Radical
                 Moisture
              
               in
               the
               Body
               ,
               and
               when
               the
               digestive
               faculty
               is
               weakened
               ;
               so
               that
               both
               the
               Senses
               and
               Members
               begin
               to
               feel
               a
               Decay
               ,
               then
               Old-age
               hath
               taken
               you
               by
               the
               hand
               ,
               to
               lead
               you
               to
               your
               
                 long
                 home
              
               l
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               III.
               
            
             
               NOW
               touching
               the
               precise
               Year
               
               wherein
               Old-age
               may
               be
               said
               to
               begin
               ,
               it
               is
               not
               so
               material
               to
               be
               known
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               doubtful
               to
               be
               fixed
               .
               But
               if
               we
               allow
               five
               and
               twenty
               years
               to
               the
               Growing
               part
               of
               mans
               life
               ,
               and
               reckon
               five
               and
               twenty
               years
               more
               to
               the
               Ripe
               or
               staid
               part
               thereof
               ,
               then
               doth
               Old-age
               ordinarily
               commence
               at
               Fifty
               years
               of
               age
               .
               And
               there
               or
               thereabout
               many
               Learned
               men
               m
               have
               fixt
               it
               ,
               and
               then
               five
               and
               twenty
               years
               more
               will
               reach
               the
               End
               of
               most
               mens
               lives
               ,
               or
               bring
               
               them
               to
               
                 seventy
                 five
              
               ,
               an
               age
               wherein
               commonly
               men
               grow
               every
               way
               impotent
               ,
               and
               have
               one
               foot
               in
               the
               Grave
               .
               It
               's
               true
               ,
               an
               universal
               fixed
               period
               cannot
               be
               set
               herein
               ;
               the
               diversity
               of
               mens
               natural
               Constitutions
               ,
               Imployments
               ,
               Diet
               ,
               Exercises
               ,
               &c.
               causeth
               Old-age
               to
               come
               sooner
               to
               some
               ,
               and
               slower
               to
               others
               .
               Some
               persons
               through
               the
               happiness
               of
               their
               Descent
               ,
               have
               a
               better
               stock
               of
               
                 natural
                 Heat
              
               ,
               and
               
                 radical
                 moisture
              
               at
               their
               setting
               out
               than
               others
               ,
               and
               consequently
               Old-age
               being
               nothing
               else
               but
               the
               cold
               and
               dry
               temper
               of
               the
               Body
               ,
               seizeth
               upon
               the
               person
               more
               slowly
               .
               Some
               peoples
               imployments
               do
               not
               spend
               or
               impair
               their
               Vitals
               so
               much
               as
               others
               .
               Some
               persons
               are
               nourished
               by
               more
               sound
               and
               vigorous
               Food
               ,
               than
               others
               are
               .
               In
               short
               ,
               a
               
                 Chearful
                 Heart
              
               ,
               a
               
                 Sober
                 Diet
              
               ,
               and
               
                 moderate
                 Exercise
              
               ,
               may
               defer
               Old-age
               for
               a
               time
               ;
               but
               come
               it
               will
               at
               length
               ,
               even
               an
               House
               of
               Stone
               will
               at
               last
               decay
               ,
               and
               grow
               out
               of
               repair
               ,
               Iob
               14.
               19
               ,
               20.
               
               
                 The
                 Waters
                 wear
                 the
                 Stones
                 :
                 thou
                 washest
                 away
                 the
                 things
                 which
                 grow
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 Dust
                 of
                 the
                 Earth
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 destroyest
                 the
                 hope
                 of
                 Man.
                 Thou
                 prevailest
                 for
                 ever
                 against
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 passeth
                 ,
                 thou
                 changest
                 his
                 Countenance
                 and
                 sendest
                 him
                 away
                 .
              
            
             
             
               As
               for
               the
               Progress
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               there
               be
               some
               that
               make
               a
               
                 First
                 ,
                 Second
              
               and
               Third
               part
               thereof
               n
               ,
               but
               they
               undertake
               not
               ,
               or
               else
               agree
               not
               to
               determine
               precisely
               their
               respective
               periods
               .
               But
               this
               is
               plain
               ,
               that
               there
               is
               a
               Vigorous
               ,
               and
               a
               Decrepit
               Old-age
               .
               During
               the
               Former
               ,
               natural
               Abilities
               are
               not
               so
               decayed
               ,
               as
               to
               render
               a
               Man
               uneasie
               ,
               or
               unserviceable
               .
               Abraham
               was
               an
               elderly
               man
               ,
               Gen.
               18.
               11.
               
               He
               was
               
                 Old
                 and
                 well
                 stricken
                 in
                 years
                 ,
              
               Gen.
               24.
               1.
               being
               then
               about
               
                 one
                 hundred
              
               and
               forty
               years
               of
               Age
               :
               but
               Gen.
               25.
               8.
               
               He
               
                 was
                 Old
                 and
                 full
                 of
                 years
                 ,
              
               being
               
                 one
                 hundred
                 seventy
              
               and
               five
               ,
               then
               he
               was
               very
               Old.
               Thus
               Iacob
               was
               an
               Old
               man
               at
               
                 one
                 hundred
                 and
                 seven
              
               years
               ,
               for
               Benjamin
               is
               called
               a
               
                 Child
                 of
                 his
                 Old-age
                 ,
                 Gen.
              
               44.
               20.
               
               But
               he
               lived
               Forty
               years
               after
               that
               ,
               Gen.
               47.
               28.
               
               But
               then
               he
               was
               a
               very
               Old-man
               ;
               his
               Eyes
               were
               dim
               for
               Age
               ,
               and
               he
               was
               confin'd
               to
               his
               Bed.
               In
               the
               
                 former
                 part
              
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               many
               injoy
               a
               good
               Consistency
               of
               Mind
               and
               habitude
               of
               Body
               ;
               whereby
               they
               are
               very
               comfortable
               in
               themselves
               ,
               and
               very
               capable
               of
               Counselling
               and
               Governing
               others
               :
               Yea
               ,
               upon
               some
               accounts
               it
               may
               be
               esteemed
               the
               best
               parcel
               of
               our
               Life
               ;
               wherein
               our
               impetuous
               Passions
               being
               already
               
               spent
               ,
               we
               are
               furnished
               by
               great
               experience
               to
               be
               very
               useful
               in
               our
               Generation
               .
               But
               when
               a
               Man
               is
               arrived
               at
               the
               latter
               part
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               to
               be
               impotent
               and
               decrepit
               ,
               then
               he
               grows
               uneasy
               to
               himself
               ,
               and
               unserviceable
               to
               others
               .
               These
               days
               may
               be
               called
               
                 Evil
                 days
              
               ,
               and
               of
               these
               years
               it
               may
               be
               said
               ,
               
                 I
                 have
                 no
                 pleasure
                 in
                 them
                 ,
              
               Eccles.
               12.
               1.
               
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               IV.
               
            
             
               THE
               last
               Period
               of
               Old-age
               is
               
               Death
               :
               Some
               indeed
               have
               been
               longer
               '
               ere
               they
               tasted
               of
               Death
               ,
               and
               some
               sooner
               ;
               there
               is
               no
               certain
               definite
               year
               ,
               wherein
               that
               last
               friendly
               Enemy
               comes
               .
            
             
               o
               The
               Antediluvians
               lived
               eight
               or
               
                 nine
                 hundred
              
               years
               .
               Those
               which
               were
               born
               after
               the
               Flood
               ,
               did
               scarce
               live
               half
               so
               long
               ;
               for
               Arphaxad
               ,
               who
               was
               born
               after
               it
               ,
               lived
               but
               440
               years
               ,
               Gen
               11.
               13.
               
               And
               in
               the
               time
               of
               Peleg
               his
               Grand-child
               ,
               the
               Age
               of
               man
               was
               shrunk
               
                 half
                 in
                 half
              
               shorter
               ;
               he
               lived
               only
               239
               years
               ,
               Gen.
               11.
               21.
               
               And
               in
               the
               Age
               of
               Nahor
               ,
               great
               Grand-child
               to
               Peleg
               ,
               it
               fell
               to
               150.
               
               Gen.
               11.
               25.
               
               And
               so
               the
               ordinary
               term
               of
               mans
               life
               was
               by
               degrees
               curtail'd
               ,
               that
               
               in
               Moses
               time
               ,
               the
               dayes
               of
               his
               years
               were
               reckon'd
               at
               threescore
               years
               and
               ten
               ;
               and
               the
               strongest
               constitutions
               did
               reach
               but
               to
               fourscore
               years
               ,
               Psal.
               90.
               10.
               
               Howbeit
               ,
               there
               have
               been
               in
               all
               ages
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               some
               Instances
               of
               such
               as
               have
               exceeded
               the
               ordinary
               standard
               ;
               the
               causes
               and
               ends
               whereof
               are
               known
               only
               to
               God
               ,
               
                 in
                 whose
                 hand
                 is
                 the
                 soul
                 of
                 every
                 living
                 thing
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 breath
                 of
                 all
                 mankind
                 ,
              
               Job
               12.
               10.
               
               Thus
               we
               read
               of
               many
               in
               the
               Primitive
               times
               of
               Christianity
               that
               lived
               on
               mean
               Food
               ,
               and
               yet
               overpassed
               an
               hundred
               years
               ;
               and
               Rivet
               in
               the
               end
               of
               his
               Epistle
               to
               his
               Brother
               concerning
               Old-age
               ,
               makes
               a
               Relation
               of
               the
               pious
               life
               and
               remarkable
               Death
               of
               
                 Iacobus
                 Faber
                 Stapulensis
              
               ,
               who
               An.
               1538.
               died
               above
               an
               hundred
               years
               of
               Age.
               Yea
               Eusebius
               p
               assures
               us
               ,
               that
               Narcissus
               Bishop
               of
               Ierusalem
               attained
               to
               an
               
                 hundred
                 sixty
                 and
                 six
              
               years
               .
               Our
               late
               Geographers
               q
               also
               tell
               us
               of
               the
               Brazilians
               ,
               that
               they
               live
               commonly
               to
               150.
               years
               ,
               and
               that
               free
               from
               diseases
               .
               
                 Fran.
                 Alvarez
              
               affirmeth
               ,
               that
               himself
               saw
               an
               
                 Ethiopian
                 Bishop
              
               who
               was
               an
               hundred
               and
               fifty
               years
               of
               age
               .
               And
               I
               have
               read
               that
               in
               one
               region
               of
               Italy
               there
               were
               found
               upon
               a
               survey
               ,
               
               Fifty
               four
               persons
               of
               100.
               years
               of
               age
               .
               Fifty
               seven
               of
               110.
               
               Two
               of
               125.
               
               Four
               of
               130.
               and
               Three
               of
               140.
               
               r
               Yea
               
                 Fern.
                 Lopez
              
               the
               Portugal
               Kings
               Historiographer
               ,
               gives
               a
               relation
               of
               an
               Indian
               ,
               who
               upon
               clear
               evidence
               was
               found
               to
               have
               lived
               
                 Three
                 hundred
              
               and
               forty
               years
               :
               and
               of
               another
               
                 Indian
                 Prince
              
               ,
               who
               was
               seen
               by
               
                 M.
                 D'
                 Ottigni
              
               ,
               and
               had
               lived
               
                 Two
                 hundred
              
               and
               fifty
               years
               s
               .
            
             
               Thus
               Anacreon
               in
               Pliny
               t
               relates
               of
               one
               Arganthonius
               King
               of
               the
               Tartessians
               ,
               and
               the
               like
               of
               
                 Tullius
                 Fullonius
              
               of
               Bononia
               ,
               that
               lived
               an
               
                 hundred
                 and
                 fifty
              
               years
               ;
               of
               Cinyras
               who
               lived
               an
               hundred
               and
               sixty
               ;
               of
               Aegymius
               that
               lived
               
                 two
                 hundred
              
               .
               And
               Hellanicus
               in
               the
               same
               Author
               affirmeth
               ,
               that
               divers
               in
               Aetolia
               lived
               two
               ,
               and
               some
               
                 three
                 hundred
              
               years
               .
               In
               
                 Greece
                 ,
                 Nestors
              
               age
               became
               a
               kind
               of
               Proverb
               ,
               attaining
               to
               
                 three
                 hundred
              
               years
               .
               And
               Sabellicus
               tells
               of
               divers
               in
               Arabia
               ,
               who
               lived
               
                 four
                 hundred
              
               years
               .
               Famous
               is
               the
               Instance
               of
               
                 Iohannes
                 de
                 Temporibus
              
               ,
               who
               bore
               arms
               under
               Charles
               the
               
                 Great
                 .
                 An.
              
               800.
               and
               was
               alive
               in
               the
               reign
               of
               Conrade
               3.
               
               Ao
               .
               1124.
               having
               lived
               
                 three
                 hundred
                 sixty
              
               and
               one
               years
               .
               And
               in
               latter
               times
               Masseus
               tells
               us
               ,
               in
               his
               Indian
               Histories
               of
               One
               in
               the
               last
               
               age
               but
               one
               ,
               that
               lived
               
                 three
                 hundred
                 thirty
                 and
                 five
              
               years
               ,
               whose
               teeth
               had
               several
               times
               faln
               out
               ,
               and
               new
               ones
               came
               in
               their
               stead
               ,
               his
               hoary
               hairs
               returning
               by
               degrees
               to
               black
               again
               .
            
             
               There
               have
               been
               also
               in
               our
               Age
               and
               Countrey
               many
               Instances
               of
               such
               as
               have
               attained
               to
               an
               extraordinary
               Age.
               In
               Northumberland
               an
               
                 Old
                 Minister
              
               of
               Gods
               Word
               ,
               called
               
                 Mr.
                 Michael
                 Vivon
              
               ,
               who
               in
               the
               year
               of
               our
               Lord
               ,
               1657.
               being
               then
               
                 one
                 hundred
              
               and
               ten
               years
               of
               age
               ,
               had
               within
               
                 two
                 years
              
               time
               before
               ,
               three
               young
               teeth
               sprung
               up
               ;
               and
               though
               for
               the
               space
               of
               forty
               years
               before
               ,
               he
               could
               not
               read
               the
               largest
               Print
               without
               Spectacles
               ;
               yet
               afterwards
               he
               could
               read
               the
               smallest
               without
               them
               ,
               having
               also
               new
               hair
               come●…
               upon
               his
               head
               ,
               and
               had
               five
               children
               after
               that
               he
               was
               fourscore
               years
               old
               .
               And
               it
               is
               but
               Ao
               .
               1635.
               that
               
                 Thomas
                 Parr
              
               died
               in
               London
               ,
               who
               had
               lived
               in
               the
               Countrey
               above
               
                 one
                 hundred
                 and
                 fifty
              
               years
               ;
               In
               all
               .
               152.
               years
               and
               nine
               months
               .
               Yea
               there
               were
               two
               Brothers
               and
               a
               Sister
               ,
               
                 Richard
                 Green
                 ,
                 Philip
                 Green
              
               ,
               and
               Alice
               ,
               who
               lived
               but
               a
               while
               ago
               not
               far
               from
               Marlborough
               ,
               that
               were
               alive
               together
               ,
               and
               each
               of
               them
               above
               an
               hundred
               
               years
               old
               ;
               the
               last
               of
               them
               ,
               which
               was
               Richard
               ,
               dying
               about
               Ao
               .
               1685.
               at
               an
               hundred
               and
               fifteen
               years
               of
               age
               .
               And
               a
               modern
               Historian
               u
               of
               our
               own
               tells
               us
               ,
               that
               Ao.
               1588.
               one
               
                 Iames
                 Sands
              
               of
               Harbourn
               in
               Staffordshire
               died
               ,
               aged
               
                 one
                 hundred
              
               and
               forty
               ,
               his
               wife
               also
               being
               120.
               
               And
               produces
               several
               others
               ,
               that
               lived
               to
               see
               their
               Grand-childrens
               Grand-children
               .
            
             
               Yea
               ,
               even
               Women
               ,
               though
               the
               weaker
               Sex
               ,
               yet
               have
               sometimes
               survived
               unto
               a
               great
               Age.
               The
               Scripture
               relates
               ,
               that
               
                 Sarah
                 Abrahams
              
               wife
               lived
               127.
               years
               ,
               Genes
               .
               23.
               1.
               the
               onely
               woman
               whose
               Age
               is
               recorded
               in
               the
               
                 Book
                 of
                 God.
                 Pliny's
              
               Note
               of
               Terentia
               Cicero's
               wife
               that
               lived
               an
               hundred
               and
               three
               years
               ,
               or
               of
               Clodia
               that
               lived
               an
               hundred
               and
               fifteen
               ,
               is
               rendred
               inconsiderable
               by
               examples
               of
               our
               own
               .
               For
               it
               is
               recorded
               of
               Dame
               
                 Hester
                 Temple
              
               of
               Stow
               in
               
                 Bucking
                 hamshire
              
               ,
               who
               having
               four
               Sons
               and
               nine
               Daughters
               ,
               lived
               to
               see
               .
               
                 seven
                 hundred
              
               extracted
               from
               her
               own
               body
               .
               And
               the
               instance
               of
               holy
               
                 Mistris
                 Honywood
              
               of
               Kent
               is
               well
               known
               ,
               who
               lived
               to
               see
               
                 Three
                 hundred
              
               of
               her
               offspring
               alive
               together
               :
               and
               both
               these
               must
               needs
               be
               
                 full
                 of
                 dayes
              
               .
               Yea
               ,
               it
               
               was
               but
               about
               Ao
               .
               1670.
               that
               one
               Mrs.
               Pyfield
               died
               in
               Ireland
               ,
               who
               had
               lived
               
                 one
                 hundred
                 thirty
              
               and
               six
               years
               .
               But
               the
               R.
               H.
               the
               late
               
                 Countess
                 of
                 Desmond
              
               exceeds
               all
               late
               examples
               in
               these
               Countries
               ;
               who
               ,
               when
               she
               was
               an
               hundred
               and
               forty
               years
               old
               ,
               had
               a
               set
               of
               young
               teeth
               ,
               and
               was
               able
               to
               walk
               many
               miles
               ,
               who
               died
               within
               our
               memories
               ,
               being
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               credibly
               affirmed
               ,
               an
               184.
               years
               old
               .
            
             
               In
               all
               which
               Instances
               ,
               as
               the
               strength
               of
               Nature
               was
               great
               ,
               so
               the
               Power
               and
               Goodness
               of
               the
               
                 God
                 of
                 Nature
              
               was
               greater
               ;
               to
               the
               honour
               whereof
               I
               have
               Collected
               and
               mention'd
               them
               :
               not
               that
               any
               of
               us
               should
               deferr
               our
               Repentance
               or
               any
               Good
               Work
               ,
               upon
               an
               expectation
               of
               arriving
               at
               the
               like
               term
               of
               Life
               ;
               sith
               an
               
                 hundred
                 thousand
                 are
                 dead
              
               and
               rotten
               ,
               for
               one
               that
               reach
               such
               Longevity
               .
            
          
        
         
           
           
             
               CHAP.
               II.
            
             The
             Causes
             of
             Old-age
             ,
             and
             Preservatives
             .
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               I.
               
            
             
               HAving
               thus
               Described
               Old-age
               ,
               and
               
               selected
               some
               of
               the
               most
               eminent
               Examples
               thereof
               ,
               I
               come
               now
               in
               the
               Second
               place
               ,
               to
               inquire
               into
               the
               true
               Causes
               of
               it
               ,
               and
               Preservatives
               against
               it
               .
               For
               the
               Causes
               thereof
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               the
               Original
               meritorious
               Cause
               
               is
               
                 Mans
                 Sin
              
               and
               Defection
               from
               God.
               The
               truth
               is
               ,
               it
               may
               seem
               somewhat
               strange
               ,
               that
               Man
               being
               created
               at
               the
               first
               in
               the
               Image
               of
               the
               Immortal
               God
               ,
               placed
               but
               
                 little
                 lower
                 than
                 the
                 Angels
                 ,
                 crowned
                 with
                 glory
                 and
                 honour
                 ,
              
               and
               made
               Ruler
               over
               all
               other
               creatures
               ,
               should
               have
               his
               life
               burdened
               with
               so
               many
               sorrows
               ,
               and
               then
               so
               soon
               arrive
               at
               Old-age
               and
               Death
               .
               And
               some
               of
               the
               Heathens
               did
               foolishly
               charge
               Nature
               with
               Envy
               and
               Cruelty
               towards
               Man
               ,
               
               in
               causing
               so
               noble
               a
               creature
               to
               tarry
               so
               short
               a
               time
               in
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               to
               grow
               old
               as
               soon
               as
               he
               begins
               to
               grow
               ripe
               ;
               And
               Others
               as
               wisely
               concluded
               ,
               that
               Men
               were
               sent
               into
               this
               world
               only
               for
               their
               Punishment
               ,
               for
               crimes
               committed
               in
               
                 others
                 Bodies
              
               before
               .
               And
               indeed
               ,
               if
               you
               set
               the
               Scriptures
               aside
               which
               resolve
               the
               Case
               ,
               it
               is
               somewhat
               unaccountable
               to
               have
               so
               short
               an
               History
               of
               so
               noble
               a
               creature
               .
               If
               a
               curious
               Architect
               should
               frame
               and
               rear
               up
               a
               firm
               and
               stately
               pile
               of
               Building
               ,
               and
               being
               compleatly
               furnished
               ,
               the
               same
               should
               presently
               shrink
               ,
               and
               in
               a
               short
               time
               decay
               and
               fall
               to
               the
               ground
               ;
               Passengers
               would
               be
               apt
               to
               call
               in
               question
               the
               sidelity
               or
               skill
               of
               him
               that
               made
               it
               ;
               or
               exceedingly
               wonder
               by
               what
               means
               it
               came
               to
               ruine
               ,
               till
               they
               come
               to
               know
               ,
               that
               the
               Inhabitant
               himself
               undermin'd
               ,
               pluck'd
               down
               ,
               or
               fir'd
               his
               own
               house
               :
               So
               in
               the
               Case
               before
               us
               ,
               it
               is
               matter
               of
               grief
               and
               astonishment
               to
               see
               the
               most
               exquisite
               piece
               of
               Gods
               workmanship
               upon
               earth
               ,
               to
               become
               decrepit
               in
               so
               short
               a
               space
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               reduc'd
               so
               soon
               into
               
                 dust
                 and
                 ashes
              
               .
            
             
               We
               must
               know
               therefore
               ,
               that
               Man
               
               at
               his
               
                 first
                 Creation
              
               being
               made
               up
               of
               a
               Body
               and
               a
               Soul
               ,
               was
               neither
               in
               his
               own
               nature
               so
               unchangeable
               and
               immortal
               as
               the
               Angels
               ,
               nor
               so
               frail
               and
               weak
               as
               other
               creatures
               below
               .
               Not
               so
               unchangeable
               ,
               I
               say
               ,
               in
               his
               
                 own
                 nature
              
               ;
               for
               having
               a
               body
               that
               was
               to
               be
               continually
               supplied
               with
               food
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               repair'd
               ,
               it
               follows
               that
               ,
               that
               which
               needs
               repair
               ,
               is
               liable
               to
               decay
               ;
               but
               yet
               while
               the
               sweet
               harmony
               ,
               wherein
               it
               was
               first
               form'd
               ,
               was
               not
               disturb'd
               ,
               the
               frame
               might
               well
               have
               indured
               for
               a
               long
               time
               ;
               especially
               ,
               if
               the
               
                 Tree
                 of
                 Life
              
               in
               Eden
               were
               intended
               ,
               as
               some
               of
               the
               Learned
               *
               thought
               ,
               to
               support
               ,
               strengthen
               ,
               and
               perpetuate
               Life
               .
               But
               the
               dismal
               Fall
               of
               our
               first
               Parents
               did
               so
               crush
               the
               Body
               ,
               and
               wound
               the
               Soul
               ,
               that
               neither
               of
               them
               can
               be
               recovered
               in
               this
               Life
               .
               For
               immediately
               that
               Death
               ,
               which
               was
               threatned
               to
               him
               ,
               by
               degrees
               seized
               upon
               his
               Body
               ;
               and
               fear
               ,
               shame
               and
               sorrow
               entred
               into
               his
               Soul.
               And
               though
               the
               divine
               Providence
               permitted
               Him
               and
               divers
               of
               his
               posterity
               to
               live
               many
               hundreds
               of
               years
               ,
               that
               the
               naked
               world
               might
               be
               peopled
               ,
               and
               that
               Religion
               with
               all
               other
               useful
               knowledge
               might
               be
               procur'd
               ,
               preserv'd
               and
               propagated
               
               in
               the
               world
               ;
               yet
               we
               date
               his
               decaying
               and
               dying
               state
               from
               that
               word
               ,
               Gen.
               3.
               19.
               
               
                 For
                 dust
                 thou
                 art
              
               ,
               and
               
                 unto
                 dust
                 shalt
                 thou
                 return
              
               .
               That
               righteous
               Sentence
               brings
               our
               hoary
               hairs
               upon
               us
               .
               
                 Thou
                 turnest
                 man
                 to
                 destruction
              
               ,
               and
               
                 sayest
                 ,
                 Return
                 ye
                 children
                 of
                 men
              
               —
               In
               
                 the
                 morning
                 they
                 are
                 like
                 grass
                 which
                 groweth
                 up
                 .
                 In
                 the
                 morning
                 it
                 flourisheth
                 and
                 groweth
                 up
                 ,
              
               in
               
                 the
                 evening
                 it
                 is
                 cut
                 down
                 and
                 withereth
                 .
                 Psal.
              
               90.
               3
               ,
               6.
               
               If
               you
               inquire
               therefore
               into
               the
               ruines
               of
               humane
               nature
               ,
               the
               answer
               will
               be
               ,
               that
               Sin
               is
               the
               moth
               ,
               which
               ,
               being
               bred
               therein
               ,
               hath
               fretted
               the
               garment
               ,
               withers
               the
               man
               ,
               and
               layes
               his
               honour
               in
               the
               dust
               .
               Every
               decay
               therefore
               of
               our
               Strength
               should
               mind
               us
               of
               our
               Apostacy
               from
               God
               by
               the
               Fall
               ,
               and
               should
               renew
               our
               grief
               for
               the
               same
               .
               Whether
               Adam
               wept
               as
               oft
               as
               he
               looked
               towards
               Paradise
               ,
               is
               uncertain
               ;
               but
               surely
               when
               we
               find
               our
               Eye-sight
               fail
               us
               ,
               our
               Skin
               to
               wrinkle
               ,
               and
               the
               
                 pillars
                 of
                 the
                 house
              
               to
               tremble
               ,
               we
               should
               mourn
               for
               that
               woful
               Disobedience
               and
               Ingratitude
               ,
               which
               was
               the
               Original
               cause
               of
               the
               decayes
               of
               Nature
               .
               When
               your
               Eyes
               cannot
               do
               you
               service
               in
               Seeing
               ,
               let
               them
               do
               it
               in
               Weeping
               for
               this
               root
               of
               sin
               and
               misery
               .
            
             
             
               Say
               not
               ,
               that
               you
               are
               unconcern'd
               in
               what
               was
               done
               by
               another
               ,
               time
               out
               of
               mind
               .
               For
               certainly
               we
               should
               never
               feel
               the
               effects
               ,
               which
               we
               daily
               find
               to
               cur
               smart
               ,
               if
               we
               had
               no
               hand
               in
               the
               procuring
               cause
               of
               them
               .
               They
               who
               would
               perswade
               you
               ,
               that
               no
               sin
               is
               inherent
               in
               you
               ,
               but
               that
               its
               only
               contracted
               by
               imi●…ation
               and
               custome
               ,
               must
               needs
               yield
               that
               the
               Decayes
               ,
               the
               ●…eebleness
               and
               the
               Dyscrasy
               ,
               even
               of
               the
               temperatest
               man
               in
               the
               world
               ,
               must
               proceed
               from
               some
               wound
               upon
               humane
               nature
               ,
               which
               the
               Creator
               would
               never
               have
               inflicted
               without
               a
               fault
               .
               O
               therefore
               let
               us
               not
               only
               lament
               our
               Actual
               and
               daily
               offences
               ,
               but
               let
               us
               go
               up
               to
               the
               Spring
               ,
               and
               bewail
               that
               first
               rebellion
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               root
               of
               evil
               both
               of
               sin
               and
               punishment
               .
               I
               say
               again
               ,
               when
               thy
               bones
               ake
               ,
               and
               when
               thy
               hand
               shakes
               ,
               let
               thy
               heart
               mourn
               for
               the
               Sin
               that
               hath
               poyson'd
               thy
               nature
               ,
               and
               made
               thee
               miserable
               .
               The
               body
               which
               was
               the
               Instrument
               in
               the
               crime
               ,
               is
               justly
               the
               Subject
               in
               the
               punishment
               .
            
          
           
             
             
               SECT
               .
               II.
               
            
             
               THE
               Second
               which
               is
               the
               Immediate
               
               and
               Natural
               Cause
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               is
               the
               
                 Dryness
                 and
                 Coldness
              
               of
               the
               Temperament
               of
               the
               Body
               .
               There
               is
               according
               to
               the
               Old
               Philosophy
               ,
               a
               certain
               Native
               Heat
               and
               Radical
               Moisture
               ingenerated
               in
               all
               mankind
               at
               their
               Conception
               ,
               whereby
               Life
               is
               preserved
               :
               The
               one
               is
               like
               the
               Flame
               ,
               the
               other
               like
               the
               Orl
               that
               feeds
               it
               .
               Diseases
               and
               Disasters
               are
               like
               a
               Thief
               in
               the
               Candle
               ,
               that
               makes
               it
               wast
               the
               sooner
               :
               but
               if
               no
               such
               thing
               happen
               ,
               yet
               the
               Lamp
               will
               consume
               ,
               and
               at
               last
               extinguish
               .
               All
               the
               supplies
               of
               Food
               and
               Physick
               ,
               are
               not
               able
               to
               maintain
               nor
               repair
               that
               Heat
               nor
               that
               Moisture
               ,
               but
               a
               cold
               and
               dry
               temper
               grows
               upon
               the
               Body
               ,
               till
               it
               be
               quite
               exhaust
               and
               wasted
               .
            
             
               It
               is
               true
               ,
               some
               there
               be
               who
               have
               derived
               to
               them
               from
               their
               Progenitors
               ,
               a
               greater
               measure
               of
               radical
               Heat
               and
               Moisture
               ,
               and
               therewith
               more
               lively
               and
               vigorous
               Spirits
               ;
               and
               these
               ,
               meeting
               with
               no
               
                 external
                 Inconveniences
              
               ,
               do
               continue
               longer
               in
               their
               strength
               ,
               as
               may
               be
               observed
               
               in
               some
               Families
               every
               where
               :
               as
               some
               generous
               Wines
               will
               preserve
               themselves
               from
               decay
               much
               longer
               than
               others
               ;
               but
               at
               length
               they
               grow
               acid
               and
               spiritless
               :
               so
               in
               tract
               of
               time
               that
               Moth
               of
               Mortality
               ,
               which
               lurks
               in
               all
               our
               Bodies
               ,
               will
               fret
               that
               Garment
               into
               Rags
               .
               Things
               which
               are
               Compounded
               must
               dissolve
               ;
               contrary
               Qualities
               in
               the
               same
               Subject
               ,
               tho
               never
               so
               equally
               temper'd
               ,
               will
               work
               out
               one
               another
               .
               No
               care
               or
               Art
               can
               preserve
               these
               
                 Houses
                 of
                 Clay
              
               ,
               for
               as
               much
               as
               
                 their
                 foundation
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 Dust
                 ,
              
               Job
               4.
               19.
               
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               III.
               
            
             
               THE
               Third
               sort
               of
               Causes
               ,
               which
               
               may
               be
               termed
               Preternatural
               and
               Adventitious
               ,
               that
               do
               accelerate
               or
               hasten
               Old-age
               ,
               some
               of
               them
               are
               such
               as
               these
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               
                 Unwholsome
                 Air.
              
               For
               the
               Air
               ,
               being
               the
               constant
               Food
               of
               the
               Vital
               parts
               ,
               must
               needs
               contribute
               much
               to
               the
               Repair
               or
               Decay
               of
               the
               Body
               ;
               and
               the
               more
               impure
               it
               is
               ,
               must
               consequently
               impair
               and
               weaken
               it
               .
               Hence
               and
               from
               the
               Corruption
               of
               Food
               it
               is
               not
               improbable
               ,
               
               that
               the
               Age
               of
               Man
               ,
               after
               the
               Deluge
               became
               so
               much
               diminished
               ;
               insomuch
               as
               Arphaxad
               ,
               who
               was
               the
               first-born
               in
               the
               
                 New
                 World
              
               ,
               lived
               scarce
               half
               so
               long
               as
               those
               before
               the
               Flood
               ;
               as
               appears
               by
               comparing
               ,
               Gen.
               5.
               27.
               with
               Gen.
               11.
               13.
               the
               Air
               being
               now
               become
               more
               impure
               and
               unwholsome
               ,
               than
               it
               was
               before
               .
               However
               it
               is
               most
               evident
               ,
               that
               people
               do
               commonly
               at
               this
               day
               grow
               weak
               ,
               crazy
               and
               impotent
               ,
               who
               live
               in
               those
               places
               ,
               which
               mourn
               under
               a
               malignant
               Air
               ;
               and
               others
               are
               fresh
               and
               lusty
               at
               the
               same
               years
               ,
               that
               injoy
               the
               blessing
               of
               a
               purer
               breathing
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Secondly
               ,
               Diseases
               are
               another
               Cause
               that
               brings
               on
               Old-age
               .
               For
               these
               must
               needs
               weaken
               that
               strength
               of
               Nature
               ,
               whereby
               our
               life
               is
               supported
               ,
               Psal.
               39.
               11.
               
               
                 When
                 thou
                 with
                 rebukes
                 dost
                 correct
                 man
                 for
                 Iniquity
                 ,
                 thou
                 makest
                 his
                 Beauty
                 to
                 consume
                 away
                 like
                 a
                 Moth
                 :
              
               and
               not
               only
               his
               Beauty
               ,
               but
               his
               Strength
               and
               Spirits
               ,
               for
               the
               Hebrew
               runs
               there
               ,
               —
               
                 Thou
                 makest
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 desirable
                 in
                 him
                 to
                 melt
                 away
                 .
              
               And
               thus
               it
               was
               with
               holy
               
                 Iob.
                 Thou
                 hast
                 filled
                 me
                 with
                 wrinkles
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 witness
                 against
                 me
                 ,
              
               Job
               .
               16.
               8.
               
               His
               grievous
               Distempers
               had
               made
               him
               old
               before
               his
               time
               .
               Thus
               we
               daily
               see
               divers
               persons
               ,
               
               who
               ,
               in
               respect
               of
               the
               number
               of
               thei●…
               years
               ,
               have
               not
               pass'd
               the
               Meridian
               of
               their
               Age
               ,
               yet
               by
               reason
               of
               their
               Sicknesses
               ,
               and
               especially
               the
               Dregs
               which
               some
               kinds
               of
               them
               do
               leave
               behind
               them
               ,
               are
               old
               in
               their
               very
               Youth
               .
               These
               are
               like
               Storms
               without
               ,
               which
               battering
               the
               best
               built
               House
               ,
               will
               the
               sooner
               bring
               it
               unto
               ruin
               .
               Holy
               David
               said
               of
               himself
               ,
               Psal.
               119.
               83.
               
               
                 I
                 am
                 become
                 like
                 a
                 B●…tle
                 in
                 the
                 Smoak
                 ,
              
               that
               is
               ,
               my
               natural
               moisture
               is
               dryed
               ,
               burnt
               up
               ,
               and
               withered
               .
               And
               Hezekiah
               by
               reason
               of
               sickness
               complains
               ,
               
                 Mine
                 Age
                 is
                 departed
              
               ,
               and
               
                 is
                 removed
                 from
                 me
                 as
                 a
                 Shepherds
                 Tent
                 ,
              
               Isa.
               38.
               12.
               
               Thus
               the
               Lord
               doth
               sometimes
               
                 weaken
                 a
                 mans
                 strength
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 shortneth
                 his
                 days
                 ,
              
               Psal.
               102.
               23.
               implying
               ,
               that
               a
               mans
               life
               is
               like
               a
               Iourney
               through
               this
               into
               a
               another
               World
               ;
               now
               by
               Diseases
               he
               
                 weakens
                 us
                 in
                 the
                 way
              
               ,
               as
               we
               are
               travelling
               through
               the
               World
               ,
               causes
               us
               to
               commence
               
                 Old
                 per
                 saltum
              
               ,
               and
               shortens
               our
               days
               :
               so
               that
               by
               this
               means
               ,
               some
               have
               but
               a
               
                 winters
                 day
              
               of
               life
               ,
               while
               others
               injoy
               a
               longer
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               Thirdly
               ,
               Another
               Cause
               which
               hastens
               Old
               age
               ,
               is
               ,
               
                 immoderate
                 Care
                 or
                 Labour
              
               .
               Each
               of
               these
               ,
               when
               they
               exceed
               a
               due
               proportion
               ,
               do
               exhaust
               the
               Spirits
               ,
               
               and
               produce
               early
               wrinkles
               ;
               whenas
               ,
               being
               moderately
               used
               ,
               they
               do
               us
               no
               hurt
               ,
               but
               good
               .
               It
               is
               indeed
               a
               part
               of
               the
               Curse
               pronounced
               at
               the
               Fall
               ,
               on
               Adam
               and
               all
               his
               posterity
               ,
               Gen.
               3.
               19.
               
               
                 In
                 the
                 sweat
                 of
                 thy
                 face
                 shalt
                 thou
                 eat
                 bread
                 ,
                 till
                 thou
                 return
                 unto
                 the
                 ground
              
               ;
               and
               the
               carking
               Heart
               and
               sweating
               Face
               ,
               hastens
               man
               to
               the
               Ground
               .
               One
               of
               these
               alone
               ,
               immoderate
               Care
               ,
               or
               immoderate
               Labour
               will
               do
               the
               work
               ;
               but
               when
               the
               mind
               within
               is
               eaten
               up
               by
               continual
               thoughtfulness
               ,
               and
               the
               Body
               without
               is
               harrast
               with
               extreme
               Labours
               ,
               no
               wonder
               that
               Weakness
               ,
               Languishment
               ,
               and
               Old-age
               hasten
               on
               a
               pace
               :
               x
               then
               doth
               our
               strength
               give
               place
               to
               labour
               and
               
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 soon
                 cut
                 off
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 fly
                 away
                 ,
              
               Psal
               90.
               10.
               
               Great
               indeed
               is
               mens
               folly
               thus
               to
               ruin
               themselves
               ;
               sith
               it
               is
               certain
               that
               neither
               our
               immoderate
               cares
               ,
               nor
               our
               immoderate
               labour
               ,
               do
               us
               any
               good
               at
               all
               :
               less
               Care
               and
               more
               Prayer
               would
               avail
               us
               much
               more
               ;
               yea
               ,
               and
               they
               do
               us
               much
               hurt
               ,
               they
               disquiet
               the
               Mind
               ,
               they
               disturb
               the
               Body
               ,
               they
               provoke
               God
               to
               leave
               us
               to
               our selves
               ;
               and
               then
               we
               shall
               soon
               find
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               
                 vain
                 to
                 rise
                 early
              
               ,
               to
               
                 sit
                 up
                 late
              
               ,
               and
               
                 to
                 eat
                 the
                 Bread
                 of
                 Sorrow
                 :
              
               whereas
               the
               blessing
               
               
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
              
               ,
               it
               
                 maketh
                 rich
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 addeth
                 no
                 Sorrow
                 with
                 it
                 ,
              
               Prov.
               10.
               22.
               
               Assure
               your selves
               ,
               if
               moderate
               care
               and
               labour
               will
               not
               bring
               in
               Riches
               ,
               then
               they
               are
               not
               good
               for
               you
               ;
               and
               whatsoever
               is
               gained
               otherwise
               ,
               hath
               a
               Curse
               in
               it
               ,
               and
               will
               bring
               misery
               on
               the
               Body
               ,
               or
               on
               the
               Soul
               ,
               here
               or
               hereafter
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               A
               
                 Fourth
                 Cause
              
               which
               hastens
               Old-age
               ,
               is
               Intemperance
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               excess
               in
               Eating
               ,
               or
               in
               Drinking
               ,
               or
               in
               
                 lustful
                 Embraces
              
               .
               Any
               of
               these
               ,
               especially
               the
               last
               ,
               do
               bring
               Old-age
               into
               youthful
               years
               .
               Sad
               it
               is
               ,
               that
               our
               Life
               being
               in
               its
               utmost
               extent
               so
               short
               ,
               and
               our
               Bodies
               by
               nature
               so
               frail
               ;
               we
               ,
               that
               have
               a
               desire
               to
               live
               ,
               and
               who
               for
               that
               end
               will
               be
               content
               to
               use
               the
               most
               irksome
               remedies
               ,
               should
               yet
               so
               commonly
               invite
               distempers
               by
               our
               Luxury
               ,
               and
               so
               shamefully
               dig
               our
               Graves
               with
               our
               Teeth
               ,
               and
               deprive
               our selves
               of
               the
               residue
               of
               our
               years
               .
               In
               so
               much
               ,
               that
               altho
               in
               St.
               Hieroms
               time
               he
               affirmed
               ,
               that
               there
               were
               reckoned
               
                 five
                 thousand
                 Martyrs
              
               for
               every
               day
               in
               the
               Year
               ,
               save
               one
               ,
               yet
               we
               may
               sadly
               conclude
               ,
               that
               Bacchus
               and
               Venus
               have
               had
               daily
               more
               Martyrs
               ,
               if
               we
               may
               so
               call
               them
               ,
               in
               one
               place
               or
               other
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               than
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ.
              
               In
               this
               sense
               doth
               Seneca
               
               y
               truly
               say
               ,
               
                 Non
                 accepimus
                 brevem
                 vitam
                 ,
                 sed
                 fecimus
                 .
              
               From
               whence
               come
               for
               the
               most
               part
               those
               pains
               of
               the
               Gout
               ,
               Stone
               ,
               Dropsy
               ,
               Convulsions
               and
               Apoplexies
               ,
               with
               such
               other
               Distempers
               ,
               but
               from
               Intemperance
               in
               some
               of
               the
               foresaid
               Objects
               ?
               A
               moderate
               use
               of
               Meat
               ,
               Drink
               ,
               and
               conjugal
               rights
               ,
               as
               it
               doth
               tend
               much
               to
               the
               alacrity
               of
               the
               mind
               ,
               so
               doth
               it
               no
               less
               to
               the
               Health
               of
               the
               Body
               :
               but
               excess
               in
               any
               of
               them
               ,
               doth
               either
               suffocate
               Nature
               ,
               or
               else
               impoverish
               and
               exhaust
               it
               ;
               as
               it
               is
               observed
               of
               the
               more
               lecherous
               Creatures
               ,
               that
               they
               are
               short-liv'd
               in
               comparison
               of
               others
               .
            
             
               If
               therefore
               you
               would
               arrive
               at
               a
               
                 good
                 Old-age
              
               ,
               good
               in
               respect
               of
               the
               comfort
               of
               the
               Mind
               ,
               or
               in
               respect
               of
               the
               welfare
               of
               the
               Body
               ,
               oppose
               and
               check
               your
               unruly
               Appetites
               z
               ;
               resolve
               with
               the
               Grace
               of
               
                 God
                 ,
                 Hitherto
                 thou
                 shalt
                 come
                 and
                 no
                 further
                 :
              
               conclude
               ,
               I
               am
               a
               Man
               ,
               yea
               ,
               a
               Christian
               ,
               and
               not
               a
               Brute
               ;
               and
               consequently
               ,
               am
               not
               to
               be
               guided
               by
               Sense
               ,
               but
               by
               Reason
               and
               Religion
               ,
               which
               teach
               me
               to
               use
               all
               these
               outward
               comforts
               ,
               so
               far
               as
               they
               will
               promote
               the
               Glory
               of
               my
               Maker
               ,
               and
               the
               present
               and
               future
               good
               of
               my
               Body
               and
               Soul.
               
            
             
               5.
               
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 Inordinate
                 Passions
              
               of
               the
               
               mind
               are
               another
               means
               to
               bring
               on
               Old-age
               ;
               such
               as
               Anger
               ,
               especially
               Sorrow
               .
               For
               these
               do
               manifestly
               prey
               upon
               the
               Spirits
               ,
               and
               also
               produce
               such
               bodily
               Distempers
               ,
               as
               do
               hurry
               people
               into
               Old-age
               before
               their
               time
               .
               a
               Hence
               it
               was
               ,
               that
               Valentinian
               the
               Emperor
               ,
               by
               an
               excessive
               straining
               of
               his
               Voice
               ,
               in
               an
               angry
               reply
               against
               some
               Offenders
               ,
               fell
               into
               a
               grievous
               Fever
               ,
               which
               at
               length
               brought
               him
               to
               his
               End.
               And
               for
               Sorrow
               ,
               the
               wisest
               of
               men
               tells
               us
               ,
               Prov.
               15.
               13.
               
               
                 A
                 merry
                 Heart
                 maketh
                 a
                 chearful
                 Countenance
                 ;
                 but
                 by
                 Sorrow
                 of
                 the
                 Heart
                 ,
                 the
                 Spirit
                 is
                 broken
              
               b
               And
               when
               the
               Spirit
               is
               broken
               ,
               the
               Body
               must
               sensibly
               wast
               and
               decay
               .
               For
               these
               Passions
               like
               a
               Torrent
               or
               
                 Land
                 flood
              
               break
               down
               ,
               and
               overthrow
               all
               before
               them
               :
               you
               know
               a
               River
               ,
               while
               it
               proceeds
               with
               its
               usual
               stream
               ,
               passes
               harmlesly
               ,
               yea
               ,
               profitably
               through
               all
               the
               Fields
               and
               Meadows
               ,
               and
               makes
               no
               breaches
               on
               the
               Banks
               on
               either
               side
               ;
               but
               when
               a
               suddain
               and
               excessive
               Rain
               swells
               it
               up
               ,
               then
               it
               lays
               about
               it
               without
               mercy
               ,
               and
               tears
               up
               the
               Ground
               ,
               the
               Fences
               and
               Trees
               on
               every
               side
               :
               And
               even
               so
               our
               Passions
               being
               moderate
               ,
               are
               innocent
               and
               useful
               ;
               but
               he
               that
               hath
               
                 no
                 rule
                 over
                 his
                 own
                 Spirit
                 ,
              
               is
               like
               a
               Flood
               of
               Water
               broke
               loose
               ,
               
               or
               like
               a
               
                 City
                 that
                 is
                 broken
                 down
                 ,
                 and
                 without
                 Walls
                 .
              
            
             
               Yea
               ,
               there
               have
               been
               Instances
               of
               such
               ,
               as
               by
               sudden
               Grief
               have
               grown
               Gray
               in
               a
               few
               days
               time
               ;
               and
               there
               be
               hundreds
               that
               carry
               the
               Badge
               of
               their
               great
               Sorrows
               on
               their
               Heads
               ,
               long
               before
               a
               due
               course
               of
               years
               would
               have
               brought
               them
               .
            
             
               Let
               us
               not
               therefore
               suffer
               these
               Vultures
               to
               feed
               upon
               our
               Hearts
               ,
               nor
               yield
               our selves
               Slaves
               to
               these
               unruly
               Passions
               ;
               which
               war
               not
               only
               against
               the
               Soul
               ,
               but
               even
               against
               the
               Body
               ,
               and
               will
               ruin
               both
               ,
               except
               they
               be
               restrained
               and
               mortified
               by
               the
               
                 Grace
                 of
                 God.
              
               Philosophy
               hath
               gone
               far
               in
               this
               work
               ,
               God
               forbid
               but
               that
               Christianity
               should
               go
               much
               further
               .
            
             
               There
               are
               also
               other
               both
               Moral
               and
               
                 Natural
                 Causes
              
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               but
               these
               may
               suffice
               .
               The
               curious
               may
               satisfie
               themselves
               elsewhere
               c
               And
               by
               these
               Causes
               ,
               you
               may
               easily
               discern
               what
               are
               the
               best
               Preservatives
               against
               Old-age
               .
               For
               tho
               no
               Art
               or
               Care
               can
               prevent
               the
               unavoidable
               access
               thereof
               ,
               yet
               effectual
               Means
               may
               be
               used
               to
               deferr
               it
               .
               'T
               is
               true
               ,
               Galen
               tells
               d
               us
               of
               a
               Philosopher
               ,
               who
               affirm'd
               ,
               that
               there
               was
               a
               way
               to
               prevent
               it
               ,
               and
               wrote
               a
               Book
               of
               it
               ,
               when
               he
               was
               forty
               
               years
               old
               ;
               but
               the
               said
               Author
               takes
               notice
               ,
               that
               when
               he
               was
               arriv'd
               to
               eighty
               ,
               he
               was
               wasted
               to
               skin
               and
               bones
               ,
               and
               could
               not
               any
               way
               cure
               himself
               .
               But
               the
               most
               effectual
               Preservatives
               ,
               are
               ,
               1.
               
               Piety
               ,
               and
               2.
               
               Sobriety
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               IV.
               
            
             
               FIrst
               ,
               
                 serious
                 Piety
              
               .
               By
               which
               I
               
               mean
               ,
               a
               Course
               of
               life
               in
               the
               Faith
               ,
               and
               Fear
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               in
               holy
               Obedience
               unto
               him
               .
               This
               is
               that
               
                 Godliness
                 ,
                 which
                 hath
                 the
                 promises
                 of
                 the
                 life
                 that
                 now
                 is
                 ,
              
               as
               well
               as
               
                 of
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 to
                 come
                 ,
              
               1
               Tim.
               4.
               8.
               
               This
               is
               the
               best
               Antidote
               against
               that
               Poyson
               which
               hath
               originally
               infected
               our
               Nature
               ,
               and
               which
               makes
               it
               swarm
               with
               Distempers
               ,
               that
               hurry
               us
               to
               Old-age
               ,
               and
               Death
               at
               last
               .
               This
               is
               ,
               certainly
               ,
               the
               best
               Means
               whereby
               to
               avoid
               that
               fatal
               Curse
               so
               early
               pronounc'd
               ,
               or
               else
               to
               turn
               it
               into
               a
               Blessing
               .
               If
               
                 thou
                 wilt
                 walk
                 in
                 my
                 ways
                 ,
                 to
                 keep
                 my
                 Satutes
                 and
                 Commandments
                 ,
                 then
                 I
                 will
                 lengthen
                 thy
                 days
                 ,
              
               1
               King.
               3.
               14.
               
               
                 What
                 man
                 is
                 he
                 that
                 desireth
                 Life
                 ;
                 and
                 loveth
                 many
                 days
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 see
                 good
                 ?
                 Depart
                 from
                 evil
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 good
                 ,
              
               &c.
               Psal.
               34.
               12
               ,
               14.
               
               It
               is
               the
               observation
               
               of
               Hierom
               e
               ,
               and
               of
               Origen
               f
               before
               him
               ,
               that
               Abraham
               is
               the
               first
               person
               called
               Old
               in
               the
               Scripture
               ,
               tho
               Adam
               and
               Methuselah
               and
               many
               others
               were
               richer
               than
               he
               in
               years
               ,
               but
               not
               in
               Faith
               and
               Obedience
               .
               I
               know
               ,
               that
               some
               of
               the
               worst
               of
               men
               have
               ,
               without
               this
               ,
               flourished
               long
               ,
               and
               some
               that
               have
               been
               most
               Religious
               ,
               have
               withered
               quickly
               .
               ;
               and
               therefore
               do
               conclude
               ,
               that
               all
               such
               
                 Outward
                 blessings
              
               and
               afflictions
               are
               conditionally
               promis'd
               and
               threatned
               :
               and
               yet
               it
               abides
               certain
               ,
               that
               the
               ordinary
               way
               to
               a
               vigorous
               Age
               ,
               and
               a
               long
               Life
               ,
               is
               the
               true
               fear
               of
               God
               ;
               and
               that
               which
               makes
               it
               short
               and
               miserable
               ,
               is
               Ungodliness
               .
               And
               the
               
                 Holy
                 Scripture
              
               is
               express
               herein
               ,
               Prov.
               10.
               27.
               
               
                 The
                 fear
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 prolongeth
                 days
                 :
                 but
                 the
                 years
                 of
                 the
                 wicked
                 shall
                 be
                 shortned
                 .
              
               For
               doubtless
               ,
               
                 our
                 Lord
                 God
              
               ,
               who
               is
               the
               giver
               of
               Life
               ,
               is
               also
               the
               Conserver
               of
               it
               ;
               and
               whose
               word
               we
               may
               rely
               upon
               ,
               as
               the
               best
               Prescription
               and
               Preservative
               in
               this
               case
               .
               This
               Holy
               course
               doth
               contribute
               to
               this
               end
            
             
               1.
               
               In
               a
               Natural
               way
               .
               And
               that
               ,
               1.
               
               By
               Mortifying
               and
               discarding
               those
               Sins
               which
               do
               more
               directly
               hurt
               the
               Body
               .
               Such
               are
               those
               Passions
               and
               Excesses
               above-named
               ,
               such
               is
               
                 Anger
                 ,
                 Envy
                 ,
                 Covetousness
              
               ,
               
               Ambition
               ,
               and
               many
               such
               like
               ,
               which
               like
               wind
               in
               the
               Intrails
               of
               the
               Earth
               do
               rend
               and
               shatter
               it
               .
               I
               think
               there
               is
               no
               Sin
               ,
               whatsoever
               ,
               but
               it
               hath
               a
               malignant
               influence
               upon
               the
               Body
               ;
               either
               to
               disorder
               and
               inflame
               it
               ,
               or
               to
               macerate
               and
               dispirit
               it
               :
               Now
               the
               
                 Fear
                 of
                 God
              
               obliges
               a
               man
               not
               only
               to
               restrain
               ,
               but
               to
               
                 pluck
                 up
              
               all
               such
               by
               the
               Roots
               .
               Those
               are
               the
               Weeds
               ,
               which
               both
               rob
               the
               sweet
               Flowers
               of
               their
               nourishment
               ,
               and
               also
               depauperate
               the
               soil
               where
               they
               grow
               ;
               which
               being
               cast
               out
               ,
               the
               whole
               man
               fares
               the
               better
               after
               them
               .
               And
               2.
               
               True
               Piety
               refresheth
               the
               Body
               with
               the
               Comforts
               of
               a
               
                 good
                 Conscience
              
               .
               That
               Peace
               ,
               that
               Hope
               ,
               that
               Joy
               which
               result
               from
               a
               Conscience
               ,
               that
               is
               pacifi'd
               by
               the
               Blood
               ,
               and
               purified
               by
               the
               Spirit
               of
               Christ
               ,
               do
               most
               efficaciously
               cherish
               the
               whole
               man
               ,
               they
               daily
               feast
               him
               .
               This
               is
               that
               
                 merry
                 Heart
              
               ,
               that
               is
               called
               a
               
                 continual
                 feast
              
               ,
               Prov.
               15.
               15.
               
               And
               that
               
                 doth
                 good
                 like
                 a
                 Medicine
              
               ,
               Prov.
               17.
               22.
               
               There
               is
               that
               Intimacy
               between
               the
               Soul
               and
               the
               Body
               ,
               that
               whatsoever
               refresheth
               the
               one
               ,
               doth
               also
               cheer
               the
               other
               .
               Whereupon
               the
               Learned
               have
               judged
               ,
               that
               
                 Hope
                 ,
                 Love
              
               and
               Ioy
               are
               great
               prolongers
               of
               Life
               ,
               by
               the
               influence
               which
               these
               have
               upon
               the
               
               Humours
               and
               Spirits
               in
               the
               Body
               :
               much
               more
               when
               these
               Affections
               have
               heavenly
               and
               eternal
               things
               for
               their
               Object
               :
               and
               the
               
                 Holy
                 Scripture
              
               speaks
               that
               way
               ,
               when
               it
               saith
               ,
               Prov.
               19.
               23.
               
               
                 The
                 fear
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 tendeth
                 to
                 Life
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 that
                 hath
                 it
                 ,
                 shall
                 abide
                 satisfied
                 .
              
               3.
               
               True
               Piety
               is
               the
               best
               Preservative
               against
               Old-age
               in
               a
               Spiritual
               way
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               by
               Procuring
               the
               Blessing
               of
               God.
               For
               when
               the
               Body
               is
               consecrated
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               imployed
               for
               him
               ,
               we
               may
               expect
               it
               to
               be
               blessed
               by
               him
               ;
               it
               is
               under
               his
               peculiar
               care
               and
               Providence
               .
               When
               it
               is
               united
               to
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               it
               will
               receive
               influence
               from
               Him
               for
               its
               good
               .
               So
               that
               
                 true
                 Religiousness
              
               ,
               tho
               it
               more
               immediately
               tend
               to
               the
               recovery
               and
               felicity
               of
               the
               Soul
               ,
               yet
               it
               is
               really
               most
               friendly
               also
               to
               the
               Body
               .
               He
               that
               
                 feareth
                 God
              
               ,
               and
               
                 walketh
                 in
                 his
                 ways
                 ,
                 shall
                 see
                 his
                 Childrens
                 Children
                 ,
              
               Psal.
               128.
               last
               .
               And
               on
               the
               other
               hand
               ,
               all
               those
               destroying
               ,
               and
               life-shortning
               Diseases
               mention'd
               ,
               Deut.
               28.
               27.
               61.
               even
               
                 every
                 sickness
              
               ,
               and
               
                 every
                 plague
              
               ,
               are
               denounced
               to
               the
               ungodly
               .
               And
               fully
               Eccl.
               8.
               12
               ,
               13.
               
               
                 Tho
                 a
                 Sinner
                 do
                 Evil
                 an
                 hundred
                 times
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 days
                 be
                 prolonged
                 ,
                 yet
                 surely
                 I
                 know
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 well
                 with
                 them
                 that
                 fear
                 God
                 ,
                 which
                 fear
                 before
                 him
                 .
                 But
                 it
                 shall
                 not
                 be
                 well
                 with
                 the
                 wicked
                 ,
              
               
               
                 neither
                 shall
                 he
                 prolong
                 his
                 days
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 as
                 a
                 shadow
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 feareth
                 not
                 before
                 God.
              
               Therefore
               you
               that
               would
               protract
               the
               time
               of
               your
               flourishing
               strength
               ,
               learn
               to
               love
               and
               fear
               God
               ,
               devote
               your selves
               to
               him
               ,
               bestow
               your
               Hearts
               upon
               him
               ,
               imploy
               your
               time
               and
               strength
               to
               please
               and
               honour
               him
               :
               abide
               not
               in
               a
               State
               of
               ungodliness
               ,
               rest
               not
               with
               a
               
                 form
                 of
                 Godliness
              
               ;
               but
               resolve
               upon
               that
               
                 Real
                 Holiness
              
               ,
               which
               will
               produce
               a
               long
               and
               happy
               life
               in
               this
               World
               ,
               and
               a
               longer
               and
               happier
               life
               in
               a
               better
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               
                 Second
                 Preservative
              
               against
               Old-age
               ,
               which
               indeed
               is
               contained
               in
               the
               former
               ,
               is
               Temperance
               and
               Sobriety
               g
               .
               I
               mean
               that
               
                 gracious
                 Vertue
                 ,
                 which
                 retains
                 the
                 Sensitive
                 Appetite
                 within
                 the
                 bounds
                 of
                 Reason
                 and
                 Religion
                 ,
              
               whereby
               we
               keep
               a
               Mediocrity
               in
               the
               use
               of
               Meats
               ,
               both
               in
               respect
               to
               their
               Quantity
               ,
               neither
               loading
               nor
               pining
               the
               Stomack
               ;
               and
               in
               respect
               of
               their
               Quality
               ,
               neither
               debauching
               it
               by
               too
               much
               Variety
               ,
               nor
               injuring
               it
               by
               things
               noxious
               .
               The
               same
               care
               in
               Drinks
               ,
               lest
               the
               Quality
               of
               them
               be
               pernicious
               ,
               or
               the
               Quantity
               of
               them
               prejudicial
               .
               That
               the
               Marriage-bed
               be
               moderately
               used
               ,
               so
               that
               the
               vital
               Spirits
               be
               not
               exhausted
               .
               Now
               mans
               sinful
               Nature
               above
               all
               other
               Creatures
               
               inclines
               to
               excess
               in
               all
               these
               :
               and
               it
               is
               pleasant
               to
               the
               Flesh
               ;
               but
               it
               is
               the
               pleasure
               ▪
               of
               poyson
               :
               At
               last
               they
               
                 bite
                 like
                 a
                 Serpent
                 ,
                 and
                 sting
                 like
                 an
                 Adder
                 ,
              
               Prov.
               23.
               32.
               not
               the
               Soul
               only
               ,
               but
               the
               Body
               .
               They
               do
               insensibly
               ,
               but
               infallibly
               weaken
               nature
               ,
               disorder
               the
               Harmony
               of
               the
               parts
               ,
               breed
               the
               most
               fatal
               distempers
               ,
               and
               render
               him
               ,
               as
               we
               may
               daily
               observe
               ,
               old
               in
               infirmities
               ,
               that
               is
               but
               young
               in
               years
               .
               So
               that
               if
               they
               who
               give
               themselves
               up
               to
               
                 Gluttony
                 ,
                 Drunkenness
              
               or
               Lasciviousness
               ,
               did
               truly
               love
               their
               own
               Souls
               ,
               or
               yet
               their
               own
               Bodies
               ,
               they
               would
               bridle
               their
               unruly
               Appetites
               for
               their
               own
               sakes
               ,
               and
               not
               pay
               so
               dear
               for
               that
               which
               must
               be
               repented
               of
               .
               And
               as
               a
               plain
               and
               even
               way
               is
               much
               more
               delectable
               ,
               than
               always
               to
               be
               going
               up
               Hill
               and
               down
               ;
               so
               certainly
               there
               is
               a
               thousand
               times
               more
               ease
               and
               sweetness
               in
               an
               even
               and
               
                 temperate
                 course
              
               ,
               than
               in
               the
               perpetual
               unevenness
               of
               intemperance
               .
               How
               should
               that
               body
               hold
               out
               ,
               that
               is
               daily
               clogg'd
               and
               inflam'd
               with
               preternatural
               excesses
               ?
               The
               intemperate
               man
               is
               constantly
               feeding
               an
               Enemy
               ,
               whom
               it
               is
               charity
               to
               starve
               ;
               and
               deals
               with
               his
               Body
               as
               the
               Ape
               ,
               who
               is
               said
               to
               hugg
               her
               young
               to
               death
               .
               Whereas
               a
               wise
               Sobriety
               is
               
                 health
                 to
                 the
                 Navel
              
               ,
               
               and
               
                 marrow
                 to
                 the
                 Bones
              
               ;
               by
               it
               the
               Humours
               ,
               the
               Blood
               ,
               the
               Spirits
               are
               all
               maintain'd
               in
               order
               and
               in
               vigour
               .
               His
               meals
               are
               pleasant
               ,
               and
               his
               sleep
               is
               sweet
               ,
               and
               he
               is
               a
               Stranger
               to
               those
               crudities
               ,
               and
               consequent
               distempers
               which
               pester
               others
               .
               Thus
               Plato
               by
               his
               careful
               temperance
               spun
               out
               his
               life
               ,
               tho
               a
               
                 great
                 Student
              
               ,
               till
               he
               attain'd
               above
               fourscore
               ;
               and
               Galen
               to
               above
               
                 sevenscore
                 years
              
               ;
               and
               Seneca
               h
               concludes
               ,
               that
               there
               is
               no
               way
               to
               retard
               Old-age
               like
               a
               frugal
               Sobriety
               .
            
             
               Let
               me
               then
               persuade
               all
               such
               ,
               as
               are
               
                 lovers
                 of
                 pleasures
              
               ,
               more
               than
               lovers
               of
               God
               or
               of
               their
               own
               Souls
               ,
               to
               have
               some
               pity
               on
               their
               poor
               Bodies
               .
               O
               break
               off
               your
               destructive
               Course
               ,
               sow
               not
               the
               Seeds
               of
               consuming
               Maladies
               in
               your
               own
               Flesh.
               
                 Be
                 not
                 among
                 Wine-bibbers
                 ,
                 amongst
                 riotous
                 eaters
                 of
                 Flesh.
                 Put
                 a
                 Knife
                 to
                 thy
                 Throat
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 be
                 a
                 man
                 given
                 to
                 Appetite
                 ,
              
               Prov.
               23.
               1.
               20.
               
               
                 Give
                 not
                 your
                 Strength
                 unto
                 Women
                 ,
                 nor
                 your
                 ways
                 to
                 that
                 which
                 destroyeth
                 Kings
                 ,
              
               Prov.
               31.
               3.
               
               Let
               not
               the
               Beast
               captivate
               the
               Man
               ,
               nor
               your
               Reason
               be
               enslav'd
               by
               Sense
               ;
               but
               recover
               a
               just
               dominion
               over
               your
               blind
               and
               brutish
               affections
               ,
               that
               your
               days
               may
               be
               
                 long
                 and
                 lively
              
               in
               the
               Land
               which
               the
               Lord
               giveth
               you
               .
            
             
             
               If
               it
               be
               here
               Objected
               ,
               that
               the
               most
               Religious
               and
               temperate
               persons
               grow
               old
               as
               soon
               as
               others
               .
               It
               is
               Answered
               ,
               that
               tho
               in
               these
               external
               things
               ,
               
                 all
                 things
                 come
                 alike
                 to
                 all
                 :
                 there
                 is
                 one
                 event
                 to
                 the
                 righteous
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 wicked
              
               ;
               yet
               every
               wise
               man
               will
               take
               the
               likeliest
               course
               for
               the
               blessing
               he
               desires
               .
               Tho
               some
               Children
               that
               have
               had
               no
               good
               Education
               ,
               nor
               good
               Example
               ,
               have
               afterward
               proved
               eminent
               men
               ;
               yet
               who
               but
               a
               desperate
               man
               will
               hereupon
               resolve
               ,
               I
               will
               take
               no
               care
               about
               the
               instruction
               of
               my
               Children
               ?
               but
               the
               prudent
               Parent
               will
               conclude
               ,
               tho
               some
               of
               the
               best
               Education
               do
               miscarry
               ,
               and
               some
               with
               the
               worst
               do
               flourish
               ,
               yet
               I
               ought
               and
               will
               take
               the
               likeliest
               course
               to
               bring
               up
               my
               Children
               in
               the
               fear
               of
               God
               :
               Even
               so
               in
               this
               case
               ,
               the
               Old-age
               and
               Death
               do
               seize
               upon
               divers
               pious
               and
               circumspect
               persons
               ,
               as
               soon
               or
               before
               they
               come
               upon
               others
               ,
               yet
               is
               it
               the
               Interest
               and
               Duty
               of
               all
               such
               as
               regard
               God
               ,
               or
               wish
               well
               to
               themselves
               ,
               to
               use
               the
               
                 fittest
                 means
              
               to
               preserve
               their
               strength
               and
               vigour
               ,
               until
               their
               time
               and
               work
               be
               done
               .
            
             
               For
               it
               is
               certain
               ,
               that
               when
               the
               success
               answers
               not
               the
               means
               ,
               and
               that
               Distempers
               ,
               notwithstanding
               our
               Piety
               
               and
               Sobriety
               ,
               do
               overtake
               us
               ;
               then
               it
               is
               permitted
               and
               ordained
               by
               the
               Wisdom
               of
               God
               for
               the
               setting
               forth
               some
               way
               of
               His
               Glory
               ,
               and
               for
               the
               
                 real
                 Good
              
               of
               the
               party
               affected
               .
               For
               an
               Holy
               and
               Good
               God
               never
               makes
               Exceptions
               to
               his
               
                 General
                 Rules
              
               ,
               but
               in
               
                 Cases
                 reserved
              
               for
               his
               greater
               honour
               ,
               and
               his
               Servants
               greater
               good
               .
               For
               
                 all
                 the
                 paths
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
              
               tho
               never
               so
               cross
               and
               crooked
               ,
               are
               Mercy
               ,
               I
               say
               ,
               
                 Mercy
                 and
                 Truth
                 to
                 those
                 that
                 keep
                 his
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 Testimonies
                 .
              
               Psal.
               25.
               10.
               
               And
               thus
               you
               have
               had
               some
               Account
               of
               the
               true
               Causes
               ,
               and
               the
               best
               Antidotes
               against
               Old-age
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               
                 second
                 Point
              
               to
               be
               handled
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             
               CHAP.
               III.
            
             The
             Sins
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               I.
               
            
             
               I
               Come
               in
               the
               Third
               place
               to
               treat
               of
               
               the
               Vices
               and
               Sins
               ,
               which
               are
               most
               incident
               to
               Old-age
               :
               for
               the
               best
               Wine
               that
               is
               ,
               hath
               some
               Dregs
               .
               And
               tho
               there
               be
               none
               of
               
                 Old-folks
                 Sins
              
               ,
               but
               they
               are
               
               found
               in
               some
               
                 Young-folks
                 breasts
              
               ;
               yet
               there
               are
               some
               particular
               vices
               ,
               which
               are
               more
               proper
               ,
               because
               more
               common
               to
               Aged
               pesons
               ,
               than
               to
               others
               .
               Nevertheless
               as
               the
               work
               of
               Sanctification
               hath
               been
               deeper
               ,
               and
               the
               care
               in
               Education
               greater
               ,
               so
               far
               the
               less
               lyable
               shall
               the
               Aged
               persons
               be
               ,
               unto
               these
               Corruptions
               i
               .
               He
               that
               
                 bears
                 the
                 Yoke
                 in
                 his
                 youth
                 ,
              
               will
               be
               happily
               fortified
               against
               them
               in
               his
               age
               .
               I
               do
               not
               therefore
               charge
               every
               Old
               man
               or
               woman
               with
               the
               following
               Faults
               ;
               for
               many
               have
               better
               
                 learned
                 Christ
              
               ,
               and
               are
               as
               free
               from
               them
               as
               any
               other
               :
               but
               for
               the
               most
               part
               Old
               people
               are
               propense
               to
               these
               Vices
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               Frowardness
               or
               peevishness
               ,
               whereby
               they
               are
               prone
               to
               be
               morose
               ,
               wayward
               
               and
               hard
               to
               be
               pleased
               ;
               easily
               angry
               ,
               often
               angry
               ,
               and
               sometimes
               angry
               without
               a
               cause
               .
               Seldom
               are
               they
               pleased
               with
               others
               ,
               scarce
               with
               themselves
               ,
               no
               not
               with
               God
               himself
               :
               yea
               ,
               they
               think
               ,
               as
               poor
               Ionah
               did
               ,
               that
               they
               
                 do
                 well
                 to
                 be
                 angry
              
               .
               Too
               apt
               they
               are
               to
               aggravate
               every
               fault
               to
               its
               utmost
               dimensions
               ,
               and
               so
               never
               want
               matter
               for
               unquietness
               .
            
             
               Now
               this
               is
               both
               a
               Sinful
               and
               Miserable
               distemper
               .
               It
               is
               displeasing
               to
               God
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               very
               uncomfortable
               both
               to
               themselves
               ,
               and
               to
               others
               .
               It
               s
               true
               ,
               that
               Anger
               
               in
               it self
               is
               not
               evil
               :
               our
               
                 Blessed
                 Saviour
              
               was
               once
               angry
               ,
               but
               it
               was
               at
               Sin
               ,
               and
               it
               was
               accompanied
               with
               Grief
               for
               the
               hardness
               of
               their
               Hearts
               .
               Mark
               3.
               5.
               
               When
               we
               are
               angry
               
                 at
                 Sin
              
               ,
               we
               are
               angry
               
                 without
                 Sin.
              
               And
               it
               is
               also
               true
               ,
               that
               Old
               people
               by
               reason
               of
               their
               knowledge
               in
               matters
               ,
               do
               see
               more
               things
               amiss
               and
               blame-worthy
               ,
               more
               Sin
               ,
               and
               more
               evil
               in
               Sin
               than
               others
               do
               ;
               and
               having
               liberty
               by
               reason
               of
               their
               Age
               and
               Authority
               to
               speak
               their
               minds
               ,
               they
               are
               too
               prone
               to
               express
               ,
               that
               which
               others
               must
               digest
               with
               silence
               ;
               and
               withall
               k
               their
               bodily
               distempers
               dispose
               them
               to
               more
               testiness
               than
               others
               ,
               whose
               continual
               health
               and
               ease
               makes
               their
               Conversation
               more
               smooth
               and
               quiet
               ;
               and
               lastly
               ,
               they
               discern
               themselves
               in
               some
               danger
               of
               being
               despis'd
               l
               ,
               and
               therefore
               are
               tempted
               to
               preserve
               their
               Authority
               by
               frequent
               and
               keen
               reproofs
               and
               reflexions
               ,
               and
               so
               
                 iniquum
                 petunt
                 ,
                 ut
                 justum
                 ferant
                 ,
              
               they
               require
               too
               much
               ,
               lest
               they
               should
               receive
               too
               little
               .
            
             
               But
               tho
               these
               things
               may
               abate
               the
               faultiness
               of
               this
               Sin
               ,
               yet
               they
               are
               far
               from
               being
               sufficient
               to
               justifie
               the
               same
               m
               .
               Say
               ,
               that
               this
               froppishness
               is
               their
               Disease
               rather
               than
               their
               Sin
               ;
               yet
               the
               Disease
               is
               
               the
               effect
               of
               Sin
               ,
               and
               the
               cause
               of
               Sin
               ,
               and
               Sin
               it self
               .
               The
               mind
               is
               distemper'd
               by
               it
               ,
               both
               your
               own
               and
               others
               ;
               the
               Body
               is
               disordered
               ;
               unjustifiable
               words
               are
               spoken
               ;
               the
               Soul
               unfitted
               for
               any
               serious
               devotion
               ;
               and
               the
               proper
               ends
               of
               reproof
               seldom
               attained
               ;
               for
               as
               the
               
                 wrath
                 of
                 man
                 never
                 works
                 the
                 righteousness
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               so
               it
               rarely
               
                 cures
                 the
                 iniquities
                 of
                 men
              
               .
               The
               plaister
               being
               too
               hot
               ,
               burns
               more
               than
               it
               heals
               n
               ;
               and
               the
               frequency
               of
               finding
               fault
               ,
               tempts
               the
               faulty
               to
               heed
               it
               the
               less
               ;
               yea
               ,
               they
               are
               prone
               to
               harden
               themselves
               in
               evil
               ,
               by
               retorting
               your
               unquietness
               upon
               you
               ,
               as
               a
               Sin
               you
               live
               in
               without
               reformation
               .
            
             
               Strive
               therefore
               against
               this
               infirmity
               :
               pray
               earnestly
               unto
               God
               for
               a
               
                 meek
                 and
                 quiet
                 Spirit
              
               :
               connive
               at
               smaller
               slips
               ;
               be
               not
               severe
               against
               involuntary
               faults
               :
               expect
               not
               the
               same
               Wisdom
               or
               Circumspection
               in
               young
               people
               ,
               as
               you
               have
               in
               so
               long
               time
               attained
               :
               bridle
               the
               first
               emotions
               of
               anger
               ;
               and
               weigh
               the
               nature
               and
               quality
               of
               a
               miscarriage
               ,
               before
               you
               let
               fly
               at
               it
               ,
               and
               do
               not
               kill
               a
               Flea
               upon
               the
               Forehead
               of
               your
               Child
               or
               Servant
               with
               a
               Beetle
               .
               Learn
               of
               Plato
               an
               Heathen
               ,
               who
               being
               incensed
               at
               his
               Servant
               ,
               desir'd
               his
               Friend
               Xenocrates
               ,
               who
               
               then
               came
               in
               ,
               that
               he
               would
               correct
               him
               ;
               
                 for
                 now
              
               ,
               saith
               he
               ,
               
                 my
                 anger
                 surmounts
                 my
                 reason
              
               .
               Or
               rather
               go
               to
               School
               to
               your
               heavenly
               Master
               ,
               
                 Christ
                 Iesus
              
               ,
               who
               was
               meek
               and
               lowly
               ,
               who
               being
               
                 reviled
                 ,
                 reviled
                 not
                 again
              
               ,
               and
               
                 when
                 he
                 suffer'd
                 ,
                 threatned
                 not
                 .
              
               Give
               place
               to
               any
               one
               rather
               than
               to
               the
               Devil
               .
               Resolve
               if
               others
               cross
               you
               ,
               that
               yet
               you
               will
               not
               punish
               your self
               ;
               for
               frowardness
               hurts
               no
               body
               so
               much
               as
               ones
               self
               .
               And
               mortifie
               Pride
               ,
               from
               whence
               ,
               for
               the
               most
               part
               ,
               these
               passions
               spring
               ;
               for
               we
               are
               apt
               to
               assume
               so
               much
               ,
               and
               value
               our selves
               so
               highly
               ,
               that
               we
               think
               every
               one
               should
               humour
               us
               ;
               and
               they
               that
               expect
               much
               ,
               will
               meet
               with
               many
               disappointments
               .
            
             
               Say
               not
               ,
               that
               the
               cure
               is
               impossible
               ;
               for
               in
               all
               ages
               there
               have
               been
               Instances
               of
               victories
               in
               this
               case
               .
               There
               was
               Patricius
               the
               father
               of
               St.
               Augustine
               ,
               and
               there
               was
               Mr.
               Calvin
               ,
               both
               of
               them
               naturally
               of
               hot
               and
               
                 hasty
                 spirits
              
               ;
               yet
               did
               so
               moderate
               their
               temper
               ,
               that
               an
               unbeseeming
               word
               was
               scarce
               ever
               heard
               to
               come
               from
               them
               :
               yea
               divers
               of
               the
               Heathen
               o
               were
               eminent
               herein
               ;
               and
               
               doubtless
               the
               
                 Grace
                 of
                 God
              
               will
               not
               be
               wanting
               to
               you
               ,
               if
               you
               sincerely
               seek
               it
               ,
               which
               will
               of
               lions
               make
               you
               lambs
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               II.
               
            
             
               A
               
                 Second
                 Folly
              
               incident
               to
               Old-age
               ,
               is
               
               Loquacity
               or
               Talkativeness
               ;
               that
               is
               ,
               an
               exceeding
               proneness
               to
               speak
               much
               ;
               so
               that
               it
               hath
               pass'd
               into
               a
               Proverb
               ,
               
                 Senex
                 psittacus
              
               ,
               an
               old
               person
               is
               a
               Parrot
               .
               Herein
               they
               are
               
                 twice
                 children
              
               ,
               whose
               faculty
               you
               know
               lies
               this
               way
               .
            
             
               Speech
               is
               a
               most
               wonderful
               and
               excellent
               Faculty
               conferr'd
               only
               on
               humane
               nature
               ,
               and
               for
               their
               common
               good
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               great
               pity
               that
               it
               should
               be
               abused
               .
               As
               our
               Reason
               begins
               to
               work
               ,
               so
               our
               Speech
               comes
               in
               ;
               which
               shews
               that
               all
               our
               words
               should
               be
               govern'd
               by
               Reason
               .
               And
               yet
               how
               unruly
               is
               this
               little
               member
               !
               insomuch
               as
               the
               
                 Apostle
                 Iames
              
               ,
               c.
               3.
               6.
               calls
               the
               Tongue
               ,
               a
               
                 World
                 of
                 iniquity
              
               ;
               the
               hand
               is
               not
               call'd
               a
               
                 world
                 of
                 iniquity
              
               ,
               for
               that
               cannot
               reach
               very
               far
               ;
               but
               with
               the
               tongue
               we
               can
               walk
               over
               the
               whole
               world
               ,
               and
               by
               the
               venome
               of
               it
               hurt
               even
               all
               mankind
               .
               
               And
               Old
               people
               ,
               whose
               eyes
               and
               ears
               ,
               whose
               hands
               and
               feet
               are
               much
               decay'd
               and
               disabled
               ,
               are
               apt
               to
               make
               the
               greater
               use
               of
               their
               tongues
               .
            
             
               And
               whereas
               the
               noblest
               and
               best
               subject
               of
               Discourse
               is
               the
               ever
               blessed
               God
               ,
               his
               Properties
               ,
               Word
               and
               Works
               ,
               too
               few
               of
               them
               deal
               in
               this
               argument
               ;
               but
               the
               ordinary
               Theme
               of
               their
               speech
               ,
               is
               concerning
               
                 Other
                 folks
              
               ,
               and
               concerning
               Themselves
               :
               and
               here
               you
               may
               find
               in
               their
               tongues
               the
               
                 Perpetual
                 Motion
              
               .
               About
               Others
               ,
               their
               tongue
               travelleth
               round
               about
               ,
               and
               few
               of
               their
               neighbours
               escape
               the
               scourge
               of
               it
               .
               It
               is
               their
               delight
               to
               be
               judging
               ,
               censuring
               ,
               and
               condemning
               all
               mankind
               .
               How
               much
               good
               might
               the
               same
               breath
               produce
               ,
               if
               it
               were
               imployed
               in
               good
               instruction
               ,
               in
               faithful
               counsel
               or
               in
               wise
               reproof
               ?
               But
               their
               talent
               lies
               not
               that
               way
               ,
               but
               rather
               like
               Zoilus
               of
               old
               ,
               who
               being
               asked
               ,
               why
               he
               carped
               so
               much
               at
               others
               ,
               answer'd
               ,
               that
               
                 he
                 spoke
                 ill
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 could
                 do
                 no
                 other
                 ill
                 to
                 them
              
               ;
               so
               the
               impotence
               of
               old
               people
               must
               be
               a
               plea
               for
               their
               ill
               language
               :
               but
               God
               will
               
                 reprove
                 thee
              
               ,
               and
               
                 set
                 this
              
               and
               
                 all
                 thine
                 other
              
               sins
               before
               thee
               ,
               because
               
                 thou
                 sittest
                 and
                 speakest
              
               
               
                 against
                 thy
                 brother
              
               ,
               and
               
                 standerest
                 thine
                 own
                 mothers
                 son
              
               ,
               Psal.
               50.
               20
               ,
               21.
               
            
             
               But
               their
               most
               pleasing
               Harangues
               are
               concerning
               Themselves
               .
               What
               they
               have
               bin
               ,
               what
               they
               have
               done
               ,
               what
               they
               have
               had
               ,
               what
               Strength
               ,
               what
               Beauty
               ,
               what
               Estates
               ,
               what
               Affairs
               they
               have
               managed
               ,
               what
               adventures
               they
               have
               made
               ,
               what
               victories
               they
               have
               gotten
               ;
               in
               summe
               ,
               wherever
               the
               Story
               begins
               ,
               it
               shall
               be
               sure
               to
               end
               at
               their
               dear
               selves
               ,
               the
               feats
               they
               have
               done
               ,
               or
               the
               respect
               they
               have
               received
               .
            
             
               Now
               all
               this
               must
               be
               nauseous
               to
               every
               ingenuous
               hearer
               ,
               and
               is
               most
               loathsome
               in
               the
               sight
               of
               God.
               For
               He
               and
               
                 his
                 Glory
              
               is
               the
               only
               center
               ,
               towards
               which
               all
               our
               words
               and
               actions
               should
               tend
               .
               All
               other
               discourse
               is
               no
               other
               or
               better
               ,
               than
               wherein
               Turks
               and
               Pagans
               may
               vye
               with
               you
               :
               and
               our
               
                 Blessed
                 Book
              
               assures
               us
               ,
               Mat.
               12.
               36.
               
               That
               
                 every
                 idle
                 word
                 that
                 men
                 shall
                 speak
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 give
                 account
                 thereof
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 judgement
                 .
              
               If
               all
               your
               extravagant
               words
               in
               one
               day
               should
               be
               written
               down
               ,
               and
               presented
               at
               night
               to
               you
               ,
               it
               would
               amaze
               you
               ;
               how
               then
               will
               ye
               answer
               whole
               volumes
               of
               them
               at
               the
               day
               of
               Judgment
               ?
               say
               not
               ,
               that
               
               
                 words
                 are
                 but
                 wind
              
               ;
               since
               they
               are
               such
               a
               wind
               as
               ,
               if
               irregular
               ,
               will
               blow
               the
               soul
               into
               Hell
               ;
               for
               
                 by
                 thy
                 words
                 thou
                 shalt
                 be
                 justified
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 by
                 thy
                 words
                 thou
                 shalt
                 be
                 condemned
                 .
              
            
             
               Bridle
               therefore
               this
               unruly
               member
               .
               Nature
               hath
               placed
               two
               barrs
               unto
               it
               ,
               the
               teeth
               and
               the
               lips
               ;
               but
               except
               watchfulness
               and
               prayer
               be
               added
               to
               them
               ,
               they
               'l
               be
               too
               weak
               .
               
                 If
                 any
                 man
                 offend
                 not
                 in
                 word
                 ,
                 the
                 same
                 is
                 a
                 perfect
                 man
                 ,
              
               Jam.
               3.
               2.
               and
               you
               will
               confess
               ,
               that
               every
               man
               should
               labour
               to
               be
               perfect
               in
               his
               Profession
               ;
               especially
               you
               that
               are
               
                 Old
                 disciples
              
               ,
               and
               should
               exceed
               others
               in
               strict
               holiness
               ,
               as
               much
               as
               you
               do
               in
               years
               .
            
             
               Consider
               ,
               that
               he
               who
               often
               said
               ,
               
                 let
                 him
                 that
                 hath
                 ears
                 to
                 hear
                 ,
                 hear
              
               ;
               said
               not
               ,
               let
               him
               that
               hath
               a
               tongue
               to
               speak
               ,
               be
               
                 ready
                 to
                 speak
              
               .
               No
               ,
               he
               hath
               given
               to
               men
               
                 two
                 ears
              
               ,
               and
               but
               
                 one
                 tongue
              
               ;
               to
               shew
               that
               we
               should
               be
               
                 swift
                 to
                 hear
              
               ,
               but
               
                 slow
                 to
                 speak
              
               .
               It
               is
               true
               ,
               as
               Elihu
               grants
               ,
               Iob
               32.
               7.
               
               
                 Dayes
                 should
                 speak
                 ,
                 and
                 multitude
                 of
                 years
                 should
                 teach
                 wisdom
                 .
              
               Their
               knowledge
               and
               experience
               qualifies
               them
               for
               it
               ;
               and
               if
               young
               people
               would
               but
               see
               their
               own
               weakness
               ,
               and
               were
               modest
               and
               humble
               ,
               
               they
               might
               with
               much
               ease
               learn
               those
               things
               of
               the
               Elder
               ,
               which
               they
               have
               dearly
               bought
               .
               p
               So
               that
               the
               Talkativeness
               ,
               which
               is
               culpable
               in
               Old
               persons
               ,
               is
               utterly
               intolerable
               in
               Young
               ones
               .
               But
               yet
               even
               by
               those
               that
               are
               Old
               ,
               both
               the
               Matter
               and
               the
               Measure
               of
               their
               talk
               is
               to
               be
               observed
               ;
               and
               you
               should
               consider
               ,
               What
               good
               shall
               I
               now
               procure
               by
               speaking
               ?
               Whither
               is
               my
               Tongue
               walking
               ?
               What
               hurt
               by
               holding
               my
               peace
               ?
               What
               words
               are
               these
               ,
               that
               are
               bursting
               out
               ?
               It
               is
               Plutarchs
               Counsel
               .
               And
               the
               same
               
               Author
               a
               Heathen
               resolves
               ,
               that
               we
               should
               never
               speak
               ,
               but
               when
               it
               is
               some
               way
               necessary
               ,
               or
               useful
               to
               our selves
               ,
               or
               others
               .
               And
               that
               was
               a
               nipping
               answer
               ,
               which
               Zeno
               the
               Philosopher
               gave
               to
               some
               Embassadors
               that
               were
               come
               to
               Athens
               ,
               and
               had
               feasted
               some
               Learned
               men
               there
               ,
               who
               had
               talked
               liberally
               to
               them
               :
               And
               what
               ,
               said
               they
               to
               him
               ,
               
                 have
                 you
                 to
                 tell
                 us
                 ?
                 Why
                 ,
              
               saith
               he
               ,
               
                 tell
                 those
                 that
                 sent
                 you
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 met
                 with
                 one
                 Old
                 man
                 ,
                 who
                 knew
                 how
                 to
                 hold
                 his
                 peace
                 .
              
               And
               a
               
                 wise
                 man
              
               resolves
               ,
               that
               
                 he
                 that
                 hath
                 knowledge
              
               ,
               who
               of
               all
               men
               may
               best
               speak
               ,
               
                 spareth
                 his
                 words
              
               ,
               Prov.
               17.
               27.
               
               And
               you
               whose
               humour
               prompts
               you
               to
               be
               sparing
               ,
               should
               not
               be
               so
               prodigal
               herein
               .
               He
               was
               a
               
                 wise
                 man
              
               ,
               that
               
               
               said
               ,
               he
               had
               often
               
                 repented
                 that
                 he
                 spake
              
               ,
               but
               never
               that
               
                 he
                 held
                 his
                 peace
              
               .
            
             
               Let
               the
               Glory
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               the
               Profit
               of
               the
               hearer
               be
               still
               the
               measure
               of
               your
               talk
               .
               Hunt
               not
               after
               the
               applause
               of
               men
               ,
               which
               is
               but
               empty
               Air
               ;
               and
               remember
               ,
               that
               you
               may
               never
               
                 justly
                 commend
              
               your self
               ,
               but
               when
               you
               are
               
                 unjustly
                 accused
              
               by
               another
               .
               And
               then
               consider
               withal
               ,
               that
               the
               more
               a
               Man
               speaks
               ,
               commonly
               the
               less
               he
               is
               heeded
               ;
               and
               therefore
               if
               you
               would
               have
               people
               to
               mind
               what
               you
               say
               ,
               check
               your
               loquacity
               q
               ,
               and
               take
               notice
               how
               the
               Wise
               man
               placeth
               Silence
               before
               Speech
               ,
               saying
               ,
               Eccles.
               3.
               7.
               
               
                 A
                 time
                 to
                 keep
                 silence
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 time
                 to
                 speak
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               III.
               
            
             
               THE
               
                 Third
                 Sin
              
               more
               peculiar
               to
               Old-age
               ,
               
               is
               Envy
               ,
               which
               is
               
                 an
                 inward
                 Grudging
                 at
                 those
                 who
                 do
                 in
                 any
                 thing
                 excell
                 us
                 .
              
               Now
               because
               they
               which
               are
               Old
               do
               see
               many
               that
               surpass
               them
               in
               strength
               ,
               beauty
               ,
               riches
               or
               esteem
               ,
               they
               are
               too
               apt
               to
               look
               at
               them
               with
               an
               envious
               Eye
               ,
               and
               to
               grudge
               them
               those
               blessings
               ,
               which
               God
               hath
               vouchsafed
               them
               .
               Hence
               
               it
               is
               but
               too
               usual
               with
               them
               ,
               to
               lessen
               their
               deserts
               ,
               to
               carp
               at
               their
               enjoyments
               ,
               to
               abound
               in
               all
               such
               reports
               and
               stories
               ,
               as
               may
               degrade
               or
               blacken
               them
               ;
               thinking
               by
               a
               great
               mistake
               ,
               that
               what
               is
               detracted
               from
               others
               ,
               is
               added
               to
               themselves
               .
               Thus
               when
               an
               House
               is
               decaying
               ,
               all
               the
               props
               men
               can
               get
               ,
               they
               will
               buttress
               it
               up
               withall
               :
               but
               these
               are
               but
               rotten
               Pillars
               ,
               and
               will
               but
               expose
               you
               to
               more
               contempt
               .
            
             
               For
               this
               is
               an
               
                 odious
                 sin
              
               in
               it self
               :
               from
               hence
               proceeded
               the
               Fall
               of
               the
               
                 first
                 Adam
              
               ,
               and
               the
               
                 Death
                 of
                 the
                 Second
              
               ,
               for
               which
               mischiefs
               we
               should
               hate
               it
               the
               more
               .
               And
               indeed
               it
               is
               a
               very
               unreasonable
               thing
               to
               envy
               those
               mercies
               to
               others
               ,
               whereof
               we
               have
               had
               our
               share
               as
               well
               as
               they
               .
               Are
               they
               strong
               ,
               comely
               or
               respected
               ?
               You
               have
               in
               your
               time
               partaken
               of
               them
               ,
               and
               why
               should
               you
               grudge
               at
               those
               that
               do
               but
               come
               after
               you
               ?
               It
               is
               like
               as
               if
               the
               
                 Southern
                 Husbandman
              
               ,
               who
               hath
               inn'd
               his
               Harvest
               in
               Iuly
               ,
               should
               repine
               at
               them
               that
               live
               more
               Northerly
               ,
               whose
               Harvest
               is
               in
               September
               :
               why
               ,
               the
               former
               had
               his
               Harvest
               as
               well
               as
               the
               Other
               ;
               and
               hath
               reason
               rather
               to
               be
               thankful
               to
               God
               ,
               than
               to
               envy
               them
               that
               follow
               him
               .
               Besides
               ,
               would
               you
               have
               two
               Harvests
               ?
               What
               
               answer
               can
               you
               give
               to
               our
               Saviours
               questions
               ,
               Matth.
               20.
               15.
               
               
                 Is
                 it
                 not
                 lawful
                 for
                 me
                 to
                 do
                 what
                 I
                 will
                 with
                 my
                 own
                 ?
                 is
                 thine
                 eye
                 evil
                 ,
                 because
                 I
                 am
                 good
                 ?
              
               He
               that
               grudges
               at
               Gods
               gifts
               ,
               would
               make
               a
               miserable
               distribution
               of
               them
               among
               men
               ,
               if
               they
               were
               at
               his
               disposal
               .
               No
               no
               ,
               younger
               people
               have
               their
               proportion
               of
               comeliness
               ,
               strength
               ,
               estate
               ,
               honour
               and
               parts
               ,
               and
               you
               have
               yours
               ;
               and
               they
               are
               distributed
               by
               a
               wise
               Hand
               ,
               who
               is
               ever
               
                 righteous
                 in
                 all
                 his
                 wayes
              
               ,
               and
               
                 holy
                 all
                 in
                 his
                 works
              
               .
            
             
               And
               therefore
               labour
               with
               all
               your
               might
               to
               extinguish
               this
               
                 cursed
                 flame
              
               .
               Remember
               that
               
                 wrath
                 killeth
                 the
                 foolish
                 man
              
               ,
               and
               
                 that
                 envy
                 slayeth
                 the
                 silly
                 one
                 ,
                 Iob
              
               5.
               2.
               
               You
               envy
               others
               ,
               but
               you
               hurt
               your
               selves
               .
               Few
               sins
               have
               a
               more
               malignant
               influence
               upon
               Mind
               and
               Body
               ,
               than
               this
               Sin
               of
               Envy
               .
               On
               the
               other
               side
               ,
               if
               you
               bless
               the
               Lord
               for
               other
               mercies
               ,
               you
               have
               the
               comfort
               of
               them
               r
               ;
               if
               you
               repine
               at
               them
               ,
               you
               lose
               the
               comfort
               of
               your
               own
               .
               I
               know
               that
               
                 the
                 spirit
                 that
                 dwelleth
                 in
                 us
                 lusteth
                 to
                 envy
                 ,
              
               Jam.
               4.
               5.
               but
               to
               them
               that
               seek
               it
               ,
               
                 God
                 giveth
                 more
                 grace
              
               .
               Be
               contented
               with
               such
               things
               
                 as
                 ye
                 have
              
               :
               't
               is
               not
               said
               ,
               with
               such
               things
               as
               1.
               you
               have
               
               had
               ,
               or
               such
               things
               ,
               as
               2.
               others
               have
               ,
               or
               such
               things
               as
               3.
               you
               would
               have
               ,
               but
               with
               such
               things
               as
               ye
               have
               ,
               because
               he
               hath
               said
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 never
                 leave
                 thee
                 nor
                 forsake
                 thee
                 .
              
               If
               you
               have
               him
               ,
               you
               have
               enough
               ;
               if
               you
               have
               him
               not
               ,
               you
               have
               
                 too
                 much
              
               .
            
             
               Let
               him
               who
               is
               infinitely
               wise
               have
               liberty
               to
               dispose
               his
               gifts
               as
               he
               pleaseth
               :
               and
               instead
               of
               grudging
               at
               the
               excellencies
               of
               others
               ,
               labour
               you
               for
               something
               in
               your selves
               to
               ballance
               them
               .
               Your
               Gravity
               will
               be
               as
               valuable
               as
               their
               Beauty
               ,
               your
               Wisdom
               as
               their
               Strength
               ,
               your
               Grace
               as
               their
               Wealth
               .
               They
               do
               but
               surpass
               you
               in
               things
               that
               will
               fade
               as
               yours
               have
               done
               ,
               but
               you
               may
               excell
               them
               in
               things
               which
               are
               everlasting
               .
            
             
               Besides
               ,
               you
               should
               consider
               ,
               that
               we
               are
               all
               fellow-members
               of
               the
               same
               body
               ,
               and
               so
               we
               should
               rejoyce
               in
               their
               welfare
               and
               in
               their
               comforts
               ;
               that
               's
               the
               way
               to
               bring
               them
               to
               sympathize
               with
               us
               in
               our
               defects
               ;
               and
               they
               that
               pay
               respect
               to
               those
               above
               them
               ,
               shall
               most
               usually
               receive
               it
               from
               them
               below
               them
               ;
               whereas
               the
               Envious
               man
               takes
               pleasure
               only
               in
               punishing
               of
               himself
               .
            
          
           
             
             
               SECT
               .
               IV.
               
            
             
               THE
               
                 Fourth
                 Vice
              
               too
               common
               to
               
               Old-age
               ,
               is
               Arrogancy
               and
               Conceitedness
               .
               An
               humour
               whereby
               they
               assume
               so
               much
               to
               themselves
               ,
               as
               if
               they
               had
               a
               
                 Monopoly
                 of
                 Wisdom
              
               to
               themselves
               ,
               and
               that
               their
               word
               must
               be
               a
               law
               in
               all
               cases
               ,
               so
               that
               they
               can
               endure
               no
               contradiction
               .
               It
               is
               likely
               enough
               that
               
                 Iobs
                 friends
              
               had
               a
               spice
               of
               this
               distemper
               :
               for
               they
               were
               
                 very
                 aged
                 ,
                 Iob
              
               32.
               6.
               and
               we
               find
               them
               very
               wise
               in
               their
               own
               conceit
               .
               And
               it
               is
               most
               true
               ,
               as
               before
               ,
               that
               
                 Dayes
                 should
                 speak
              
               ,
               and
               that
               they
               are
               most
               likely
               to
               be
               in
               the
               right
               .
               Happy
               had
               Rehoboam
               bin
               ,
               if
               he
               had
               acquiesced
               in
               the
               counsel
               of
               the
               
                 Old
                 men
              
               :
               for
               which
               is
               abler
               to
               advise
               ,
               they
               who
               are
               only
               helped
               by
               some
               natural
               parts
               ,
               a
               working
               fancy
               and
               a
               fluent
               tongue
               ,
               or
               they
               who
               have
               read
               many
               men
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               many
               books
               ,
               and
               have
               weighed
               things
               as
               well
               as
               words
               ,
               and
               by
               experience
               are
               grown
               wise
               ?
               These
               persons
               may
               certainly
               expect
               ,
               that
               a
               great
               regard
               be
               given
               to
               their
               opinions
               .
               But
               yet
               as
               Iob
               ,
               c.
               32.
               9.
               
               Great
               
               
                 men
                 are
                 not
                 alwayes
                 wise
                 ,
                 neither
                 do
                 the
                 aged
                 understand
                 Iudgment
                 .
              
               All
               aged
               people
               have
               not
               a
               Patent
               for
               Infallibility
               ,
               nor
               any
               
                 at
                 all
                 times
              
               .
               If
               old
               Nicodemus
               his
               notion
               of
               Regeneration
               must
               have
               pass'd
               for
               Orthodox
               ,
               what
               kind
               of
               Divinity
               should
               we
               have
               had
               ?
               he
               knew
               not
               what
               it
               was
               to
               be
               born
               again
               ,
               though
               he
               were
               
                 a
                 Teacher
                 in
                 Israel
              
               ;
               and
               I
               greatly
               fear
               he
               hath
               his
               fellows
               in
               all
               Ages
               and
               Places
               .
               Sometimes
               Old
               men
               
                 dream
                 dreams
              
               ,
               and
               
                 young
                 men
                 see
                 visions
              
               ,
               as
               Ioel
               2.
               28.
               
            
             
               The
               Almighty
               will
               not
               confine
               his
               Gifts
               ,
               no
               more
               than
               he
               doth
               his
               Graces
               to
               any
               order
               of
               men
               ;
               and
               therefore
               
                 no
                 man
              
               should
               
                 think
                 of
                 himself
                 more
                 highly
                 than
                 he
                 ought
                 to
                 think
                 ,
              
               but
               
                 to
                 think
                 soberly
                 ,
                 as
                 God
                 hath
                 dealt
                 to
                 every
                 man
                 ,
                 Rom.
              
               12.
               3.
               
               And
               accordingly
               ,
               the
               Aged
               are
               exhorted
               ,
               Tit.
               2.
               2.
               in
               the
               first
               place
               to
               be
               Sober
               .
               It
               becomes
               no
               man
               to
               abound
               alwayes
               in
               his
               own
               sence
               ,
               or
               to
               dictate
               in
               every
               company
               ;
               but
               rather
               according
               to
               that
               Levites
               method
               ,
               Iudg.
               19.
               last
               .
               
                 Consider
                 the
                 matter
                 ,
                 take
                 advice
                 ,
              
               and
               then
               
                 speak
                 your
                 minds
              
               .
               The
               Spirit
               of
               God
               dwells
               not
               in
               a
               proud
               heart
               :
               Pride
               ,
               and
               arrogancy
               ,
               and
               
                 the
                 evil
                 way
              
               ,
               and
               
                 the
                 froward
                 mouth
                 he
                 hates
                 ,
                 Prov.
              
               8.
               13.
               
            
             
             
               Check
               therefore
               and
               mortifie
               this
               sinful
               Temper
               .
               Mind
               the
               Apostles
               counsel
               ,
               Rom.
               12.
               16.
               
               
                 Be
                 not
                 wise
                 in
                 your
                 own
                 conceits
                 .
              
               Let
               not
               your
               Determinations
               begg
               respect
               by
               the
               number
               of
               your
               years
               ,
               but
               command
               it
               by
               the
               weight
               of
               your
               Reasons
               ;
               so
               there
               will
               be
               more
               of
               God
               than
               of
               man
               in
               your
               Counsels
               .
               Believe
               it
               ,
               neither
               great
               Age
               ,
               nor
               great
               Honour
               ,
               nor
               both
               together
               do
               infuse
               wisdom
               ;
               for
               Solomon
               hath
               said
               ,
               
                 Better
                 is
                 a
                 poor
                 and
                 a
                 wise
                 child
                 ,
                 than
                 an
                 Old
                 and
                 foolish
                 King
                 ,
                 who
                 will
                 no
                 more
                 be
                 admonished
                 ,
                 Eccl.
              
               4.
               13.
               
               Why
               should
               you
               therefore
               imagine
               ,
               that
               Wisdom
               must
               needs
               live
               and
               dye
               with
               you
               ?
               that
               your
               words
               must
               be
               alwayes
               Oracles
               ?
               O
               Labour
               for
               more
               Humility
               ,
               and
               be
               content
               with
               your
               proper
               measure
               .
               Know
               for
               certain
               ,
               that
               all
               conceitedness
               comes
               from
               Pride
               ,
               which
               Sin
               cleaves
               to
               a
               man
               even
               to
               the
               grave
               .
               Consider
               how
               the
               Scripture
               disgraces
               this
               humour
               of
               yours
               ,
               Prov.
               26.
               12.
               
               
                 Seest
                 thou
                 a
                 man
                 wise
                 in
                 his
                 own
                 conceit
                 ?
                 there
                 is
                 more
                 hope
                 of
                 a
                 fool
                 than
                 of
                 him
                 .
              
               Reflect
               sometimes
               ,
               how
               often
               you
               have
               bin
               mistaken
               ,
               even
               wherein
               you
               have
               been
               extreamly
               confident
               .
               He
               must
               be
               omniscient
               ,
               that
               is
               alwayes
               infallible
               .
               Let
               
                 God
                 be
                 true
                 ,
                 but
              
               
               
                 every
                 man
                 a
                 lyar
              
               .
               Young
               Elihu
               may
               sometimes
               out-strip
               Iob
               and
               his
               
                 three
                 friends
              
               ,
               and
               no
               meer
               man
               is
               wise
               at
               all
               times
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               V.
               
            
             
               THE
               Fifth
               and
               most
               Epidemick
               
               Sin
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               is
               Covetousness
               or
               Worldly-mindedness
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               an
               
                 inordinate
                 love
                 of
                 Riches
              
               ,
               which
               is
               shown
               in
               an
               insatiable
               endeavour
               to
               procure
               them
               ,
               and
               in
               an
               unreasonable
               lothness
               to
               part
               with
               them
               .
               Though
               this
               Vice
               be
               frequently
               found
               in
               young
               people
               ,
               as
               in
               that
               
                 young
                 man
              
               ,
               Matth.
               19.
               22.
               who
               was
               free
               from
               other
               gross
               Sins
               ,
               but
               infected
               with
               this
               ;
               yet
               it
               is
               a
               Disease
               more
               peculiar
               to
               Old-age
               .
               They
               feel
               the
               decayes
               of
               Nature
               ,
               and
               think
               to
               support
               themselves
               by
               their
               abundance
               .
               They
               must
               have
               some
               Recreation
               ,
               and
               are
               by
               reason
               of
               their
               Age
               incapable
               of
               other
               pleasures
               ,
               and
               so
               do
               place
               their
               delight
               in
               heaping
               up
               Riches
               ,
               as
               some
               s
               of
               them
               have
               ingenuously
               acknowledged
               ▪
               They
               also
               know
               
               that
               their
               weakness
               and
               infirmities
               do
               expose
               them
               to
               contempt
               ,
               and
               therefore
               endeavour
               to
               obviate
               that
               by
               their
               Wealth
               ,
               and
               so
               make
               themselves
               considerable
               by
               their
               Estates
               .
               These
               are
               the
               ●…rutches
               ,
               which
               when
               weakness
               overtakes
               them
               ,
               they
               lean
               upon
               and
               support
               their
               fainting
               spirits
               withal
               .
            
             
               And
               they
               want
               not
               variety
               of
               Pretences
               whereby
               to
               justifie
               their
               course
               :
               as
               that
               they
               are
               only
               providing
               for
               a
               rainy
               day
               ,
               for
               troubles
               and
               Casualties
               that
               may
               besall
               them
               ;
               that
               they
               ought
               to
               lay
               up
               for
               their
               Children
               and
               Posterity
               ,
               or
               else
               they
               were
               worse
               than
               Infidels
               ;
               yea
               ,
               that
               they
               are
               gathering
               only
               to
               bestow
               it
               at
               their
               death
               on
               some
               pious
               or
               charitable
               use
               .
               And
               Satan
               is
               not
               wanting
               to
               nurse
               this
               humour
               in
               them
               ,
               by
               suggesting
               to
               them
               expectations
               of
               a
               long
               life
               ,
               a
               distrust
               in
               the
               Providence
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               continual
               fears
               of
               want
               :
               which
               is
               nursed
               by
               the
               coldness
               of
               their
               temper
               ,
               and
               by
               their
               consciousness
               of
               their
               inability
               to
               get
               much
               by
               their
               labour
               :
               And
               these
               meeting
               with
               that
               inveterate
               Self-love
               ,
               which
               is
               inherent
               in
               them
               ,
               and
               consequently
               an
               uncharitable
               frame
               of
               mind
               towards
               others
               ,
               hardens
               them
               in
               their
               tenacious
               
               temper
               ;
               so
               that
               as
               they
               grow
               weaker
               ,
               this
               lust
               grows
               stronger
               t
               ;
               until
               Divine
               grace
               doth
               open
               their
               eyes
               ,
               or
               else
               the
               Earth
               at
               last
               stop
               their
               mouths
               .
            
             
               This
               bitter
               root
               spoils
               their
               Devotions
               ,
               interrupts
               their
               prayers
               ,
               renders
               the
               word
               of
               God
               tastless
               ,
               becramps
               them
               to
               all
               
                 God
                 Works
              
               ;
               this
               disturbs
               their
               Rest
               ,
               the
               thoughts
               and
               cares
               about
               these
               things
               do
               visit
               them
               last
               at
               night
               ,
               and
               meet
               them
               first
               in
               the
               morning
               ,
               and
               disquiet
               them
               the
               day
               throughout
               ;
               for
               
                 where
                 the
                 treasure
              
               is
               ,
               
                 there
                 will
                 the
                 heart
                 be
                 also
                 .
              
               Oh
               the
               cares
               ,
               the
               fears
               ,
               the
               vexations
               that
               possess
               a
               covetous
               heart
               !
               but
               only
               that
               we
               can
               digest
               any
               thing
               that
               we
               delight
               in
               ,
               though
               it
               be
               never
               so
               bitter
               ,
               else
               no
               man
               could
               endure
               the
               life
               of
               a
               covetous
               miser
               .
               But
               it
               is
               the
               Old-mans
               recreation
               ;
               the
               best
               of
               his
               time
               and
               the
               strength
               of
               his
               spirits
               are
               consumed
               ,
               either
               about
               the
               keeping
               of
               what
               he
               hath
               ,
               or
               about
               getting
               more
               :
               for
               as
               he
               hath
               no
               vent
               for
               his
               abundance
               ,
               so
               he
               observes
               no
               limits
               for
               his
               desires
               .
               As
               the
               bladder
               ,
               the
               more
               it
               is
               filled
               with
               wind
               ,
               it
               stretches
               the
               more
               ;
               so
               the
               more
               his
               riches
               increase
               ,
               the
               more
               his
               heart
               is
               set
               upon
               them
               ;
               so
               that
               he
               seeth
               more
               beauty
               in
               his
               Money
               ,
               than
               in
               the
               Sun
               in
               
               the
               firmament
               u
               .
               No
               thoughts
               ,
               no
               discourse
               ,
               no
               design
               pleaseth
               them
               ,
               except
               it
               end
               in
               gain
               :
               but
               when
               there
               is
               an
               opportunity
               of
               doing
               good
               ,
               the
               heart
               is
               cold
               ,
               and
               the
               hand
               is
               lame
               .
               Nay
               some
               of
               them
               will
               not
               afford
               conveniences
               ,
               scarcely
               necessaries
               to
               their
               families
               or
               to
               themselves
               ,
               but
               run
               in
               debt
               to
               their
               own
               backs
               and
               bellies
               ,
               to
               their
               children
               and
               servants
               ,
               and
               foolishly
               choose
               to
               
                 live
                 poor
              
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               
                 dy
                 rich
              
               .
            
             
               Now
               this
               Vice
               in
               it self
               it
               is
               plain
               Idolatry
               ,
               and
               the
               
                 root
                 of
                 all
                 evil
              
               ,
               leading
               men
               into
               
                 temptation
                 and
                 a
                 snare
                 ,
                 into
                 many
                 foolish
                 and
                 hurtful
                 lusts
                 ,
                 which
              
               at
               last
               
                 drown
                 men
                 in
                 destruction
                 and
                 perdition
                 ,
              
               1
               Tim.
               6.
               9
               ,
               10.
               
               For
               the
               worldly
               man
               gets
               and
               keeps
               his
               Estate
               with
               travel
               to
               his
               Body
               ,
               vexation
               to
               his
               Spirit
               ,
               scruple
               to
               his
               Conscience
               ,
               with
               danger
               to
               his
               Soul
               ,
               with
               envy
               of
               his
               neighbours
               ,
               with
               suits
               to
               his
               children
               ,
               and
               with
               a
               curse
               to
               his
               posterity
               .
               Do
               but
               turn
               to
               Iob
               20.
               15.
               and
               read
               that
               chapter
               out
               .
               But
               in
               no
               sort
               of
               men
               is
               Covetousness
               so
               unaccountable
               ,
               so
               very
               foolish
               as
               in
               Old
               people
               .
               For
               what
               can
               be
               more
               absurd
               (
               said
               a
               Heathen
               w
               )
               than
               to
               be
               so
               
               much
               concern'd
               for
               
                 travelling
                 Expences
              
               ,
               when
               we
               have
               so
               small
               a
               part
               of
               
                 our
                 way
                 to
                 travel
              
               ?
               Or
               as
               St.
               Augustine
               x
               expresseth
               it
               ,
               to
               load
               our selves
               with
               the
               greatest
               Burdens
               ,
               when
               we
               are
               nearest
               the
               end
               of
               our
               Journey
               ?
               It
               is
               no
               doubt
               a
               plain
               infatuation
               ,
               and
               an
               instance
               of
               the
               power
               of
               the
               
                 Prince
                 of
                 this
                 World
              
               on
               mens
               minds
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               Corruption
               of
               our
               Nature
               to
               effect
               this
               ;
               that
               those
               who
               have
               seen
               the
               Vanity
               of
               all
               these
               things
               ,
               the
               uncertainty
               ,
               the
               unsatisfactoriness
               ,
               the
               vexatiousness
               of
               them
               ,
               should
               so
               dote
               upon
               them
               :
               that
               they
               who
               not
               only
               know
               ,
               but
               even
               feel
               in
               themselves
               ,
               that
               they
               
                 must
                 shortly
              
               ,
               and
               
                 may
                 suddenly
              
               leave
               them
               all
               ,
               and
               perhaps
               have
               no
               thanks
               at
               all
               from
               them
               that
               enjoy
               them
               ;
               that
               yet
               these
               persons
               ,
               wise
               in
               other
               things
               ,
               should
               set
               their
               Hearts
               upon
               them
               ,
               and
               hunt
               after
               a
               World
               that
               is
               flying
               from
               them
               .
               How
               much
               
               more
               comfortable
               were
               it
               ,
               to
               do
               all
               the
               good
               they
               can
               ?
               to
               feed
               the
               hungry
               ,
               cloath
               the
               naked
               ,
               to
               procure
               the
               Prayers
               of
               the
               distressed
               ,
               while
               they
               have
               opportunity
               ?
               to
               make
               Friends
               of
               the
               
                 Mammon
                 of
                 unrighteousness
              
               ,
               to
               be
               esteemed
               of
               men
               ,
               to
               be
               loved
               and
               honoured
               of
               
                 God!
                 A
                 good
                 man
                 sheweth
                 favour
              
               
               
                 and
                 lendeth
                 :
                 he
                 will
                 guide
                 his
                 affairs
                 with
                 discretion
                 .
                 Surely
                 he
                 shall
                 not
                 be
                 moved
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 the
                 righteous
                 shall
                 be
                 in
                 everlasting
                 remembrance
                 ,
              
               Psal.
               112.
               5
               ,
               6.
               
            
             
               The
               Pleas
               which
               they
               produce
               for
               their
               Justification
               or
               Excuse
               ,
               are
               all
               insufficient
               .
               Have
               you
               no
               other
               Recreation
               ?
               Surely
               ,
               there
               are
               more
               and
               better
               
                 Diversions
                 ,
                 Natural
                 ,
                 Artificial
              
               ,
               and
               Spiritual
               ,
               than
               heaping
               up
               riches
               .
               Instance
               but
               in
               the
               last
               of
               these
               ,
               Psal.
               119.
               14.
               72.
               
               
                 I
                 have
                 rejoyced
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 thy
                 Testimonies
                 ,
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 in
                 all
                 Riches
                 :
                 yea
                 ,
                 The
                 Law
                 of
                 thy
                 mouth
                 is
                 better
                 unto
                 me
                 ,
                 than
                 thousands
                 of
                 Gold
                 and
                 Silver
                 .
              
               Again
               ,
               Do
               you
               think
               that
               these
               will
               defend
               you
               from
               Contempt
               ?
               True
               Piety
               and
               Charity
               is
               a
               far
               better
               way
               ,
               Psal.
               112.
               9.
               
               
                 He
                 hath
                 despersed
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 given
                 to
                 the
                 Poor
                 ;
                 his
                 righteousness
                 endureth
                 for
                 ever
                 :
                 his
                 Horn
                 shall
                 be
                 exalted
                 with
                 Honour
                 .
              
               Think
               you
               ,
               that
               in
               your
               
                 decays
                 of
                 Nature
              
               ,
               there
               be
               no
               better
               supports
               ,
               than
               your
               Riches
               ?
               Yes
               ,
               the
               favour
               of
               God
               ,
               the
               love
               of
               Christ
               ,
               the
               comforts
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               the
               feast
               of
               a
               good
               Conscience
               ,
               and
               the
               joyful
               hopes
               of
               eternal
               Happiness
               ,
               are
               as
               much
               beyond
               them
               ,
               as
               the
               Sun
               i●…
               brighter
               than●…
               Glow-worm
               .
               Will
               providing
               for
               Contingencies
               excuse
               you
               ?
               
               Alas
               ,
               your
               Riches
               will
               be
               no
               certain
               refuge
               for
               you
               ,
               Prov.
               18.
               10
               ,
               11.
               
               
                 The
                 Name
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 a
                 strong
                 Tower
                 :
                 the
                 Righteous
                 runneth
                 into
                 it
                 and
                 is
                 safe
                 .
                 The
                 Rich
                 mans
                 Wealth
                 is
                 his
                 strong
                 City
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 an
                 high
                 wall
              
               (
               but
               't
               is
               only
               )
               
                 in
                 his
                 own
                 conceit
              
               .
               That
               bond
               ,
               Heb.
               13.
               5.
               sealed
               to
               us
               ,
               is
               worth
               all
               your
               Specialties
               ,
               and
               all
               your
               Estates
               :
               He
               hath
               said
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 never
                 leave
                 thee
                 ,
                 nor
                 forsake
                 thee
                 .
              
               Can
               you
               justifie
               your
               immoderate
               scraping
               by
               a
               just
               provision
               for
               
                 your
                 Children
              
               and
               Relations
               ?
               No
               ,
               no
               ,
               That
               's
               but
               an
               excuse
               ;
               for
               they
               that
               have
               no
               Children
               ,
               are
               as
               sick
               of
               this
               Disease
               as
               others
               .
               But
               if
               you
               have
               Children
               ,
               this
               course
               of
               yours
               is
               the
               way
               to
               undo
               them
               .
               A
               moderate
               care
               for
               Posterity
               ,
               is
               a
               Duty
               ,
               wherein
               we
               may
               expect
               a
               Blessing
               :
               but
               the
               Covetousness
               of
               the
               Parent
               ,
               doth
               but
               provide
               for
               the
               Luxury
               of
               the
               Child
               ,
               and
               so
               the
               Parents
               Soul
               is
               ruin'd
               in
               the
               getting
               ,
               and
               the
               Child
               's
               in
               the
               spending
               of
               what
               is
               so
               gotten
               .
               If
               your
               posterity
               fear
               God
               ,
               they
               shall
               want
               no
               good
               thing
               ,
               they
               shall
               have
               enough
               :
               but
               if
               they
               do
               not
               ,
               they
               will
               have
               
                 too
                 much
              
               .
               God
               will
               be
               dishonoured
               ,
               and
               themselves
               undone
               for
               ever
               .
            
             
               Neither
               will
               religious
               purposes
               of
               doing
               
               some
               Good
               with
               your
               Estates
               ,
               excuse
               your
               present
               penuriousness
               :
               for
               that
               is
               to
               do
               evil
               that
               good
               may
               come
               of
               it
               .
               Hear
               what
               God
               himself
               saith
               to
               this
               ,
               Isa.
               61.
               8.
               
               For
               
                 I
                 the
                 Lord
                 love
                 judgment
                 ,
                 I
                 hate
                 robbery
                 for
                 a
                 burnt
                 Offering
                 .
              
               They
               that
               will
               part
               with
               nothing
               while
               they
               live
               ,
               nothing
               will
               be
               accepted
               from
               them
               when
               they
               
                 dye
                 .
                 Plead
              
               not
               your
               unspotted
               Justice
               ,
               Honesty
               and
               Equity
               ,
               against
               this
               charge
               ;
               as
               if
               a
               Man
               could
               not
               be
               covetous
               ,
               that
               meddles
               only
               with
               
                 his
                 own
              
               .
               For
               tho
               fraud
               ,
               injustice
               and
               oppression
               be
               sometimes
               the
               Effects
               ,
               yet
               the
               Nature
               of
               covetousness
               stands
               in
               
                 over-loving
                 the
                 World
              
               ;
               and
               so
               you
               may
               be
               damnably
               guilty
               of
               this
               Sin
               ,
               tho
               you
               keep
               you
               within
               the
               limits
               of
               your
               Estate
               .
               For
               as
               a
               man
               may
               be
               guilty
               of
               uncleanness
               with
               his
               own
               Wife
               ,
               and
               be
               drunk
               with
               his
               own
               drink
               ,
               so
               a
               man
               may
               be
               covetous
               with
               his
               own
               Riches
               .
               We
               do
               not
               find
               that
               the
               
                 rich
                 Fool
                 ,
                 Luk.
              
               12.
               nor
               that
               the
               
                 rich
                 Glutton
                 ,
                 Luk.
              
               16.
               did
               other
               folks
               wrong
               ;
               nor
               those
               on
               the
               left
               hand
               of
               
                 Christ
                 ,
                 Mat.
              
               25.
               that
               they
               robb'd
               the
               poor
               or
               wrong'd
               the
               needy
               ,
               but
               yet
               all
               guilty
               of
               this
               accursed
               vice
               .
            
             
               Strive
               therefore
               to
               break
               this
               snare
               ;
               And
               to
               this
               end
               ,
               1.
               
               Consider
               these
               few
               
               things
               ,
               namely
               ,
               The
               absolute
               Vanity
               of
               all
               these
               worldly
               things
               ;
               that
               is
               ,
               they
               are
               not
               able
               to
               satisfie
               the
               Mind
               ,
               or
               to
               cure
               the
               Body
               ,
               or
               to
               imbelish
               your
               Name
               ,
               or
               to
               lengthen
               the
               Life
               ,
               or
               to
               save
               the
               Soul
               :
               and
               all
               this
               hath
               been
               prov'd
               ,
               and
               concluded
               by
               Solomon
               a
               King
               of
               vast
               knowledge
               and
               experience
               .
               And
               their
               Vanity
               is
               yet
               further
               seen
               in
               their
               uncertainty
               ,
               there
               being
               an
               hundred
               ways
               to
               rend
               them
               from
               you
               ,
               and
               as
               many
               ways
               to
               rend
               you
               away
               from
               them
               .
               And
               are
               they
               not
               vain
               then
               ?
               And
               why
               
                 wilt
                 thou
                 set
                 thine
                 Eyes
                 upon
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 not
                 ?
                 For
                 riches
                 certainly
                 make
                 themselves
                 Wings
                 ,
                 they
                 fly
                 away
                 as
                 an
                 Eagle
                 to●…ards
                 Heaven
                 ,
              
               Prov.
               23.
               5.
               
               Consider
               again
               the
               End
               for
               which
               these
               things
               are
               bestowed
               upon
               you
               ,
               which
               is
               ,
               that
               you
               should
               imploy
               them
               ,
               and
               use
               them
               for
               him
               .
               God
               doth
               hereby
               try
               you
               ,
               whether
               you
               will
               deny
               your self
               ,
               whether
               you
               will
               glorify
               him
               ,
               whether
               you
               will
               lay
               out
               your
               Talent
               ,
               or
               lay
               it
               up
               .
               He
               makes
               some
               persons
               poor
               ,
               that
               he
               may
               exercise
               their
               patience
               and
               humility
               ;
               and
               others
               Rich
               ,
               to
               exercise
               their
               bounty
               and
               their
               charity
               .
               In
               short
               ,
               Riches
               were
               never
               given
               to
               any
               man
               to
               spend
               upon
               his
               Lusts
               ,
               or
               to
               hoard
               them
               up
               without
               just
               cause
               ;
               but
               to
               do
               
               
                 good
                 withal
              
               ,
               first
               to
               your selves
               ,
               then
               to
               your
               Families
               and
               Relations
               ,
               and
               then
               to
               others
               :
               when
               they
               are
               not
               thus
               imploy'd
               ,
               you
               utterly
               pervert
               the
               End
               for
               which
               you
               are
               intrusted
               with
               them
               .
               Consider
               also
               ,
               that
               you
               are
               but
               Stewards
               in
               your
               Estates
               ,
               and
               you
               must
               give
               a
               just
               account
               of
               them
               to
               him
               .
               All
               that
               you
               possess
               is
               
                 His
                 Stock
              
               only
               in
               your
               Hands
               ,
               it
               is
               not
               your
               own
               .
               
                 The
                 Earth
                 is
                 the
                 Lords
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 it
                 .
              
               If
               you
               really
               believed
               this
               ,
               you
               would
               never
               pinch
               or
               grudge
               to
               your self
               or
               others
               ,
               that
               which
               is
               convenient
               .
               For
               what
               is
               it
               to
               a
               Steward
               ,
               when
               his
               Lord
               and
               Master
               shall
               order
               him
               to
               abate
               so
               much
               to
               his
               Tenant
               ,
               or
               pay
               so
               much
               to
               another
               poor
               man
               ?
               He
               sticks
               not
               at
               it
               ,
               he
               knows
               it
               will
               pass
               in
               his
               account
               ,
               and
               there
               's
               an
               end
               .
               And
               why
               cannot
               you
               ,
               who
               are
               only
               Stewards
               to
               the
               God
               of
               Heaven
               and
               Earth
               ,
               of
               that
               Estate
               which
               is
               in
               your
               hand
               ,
               when
               you
               can
               discern
               that
               he
               requires
               it
               ;
               I
               say
               ,
               why
               cannot
               you
               give
               ,
               forgive
               ,
               lend
               ,
               lay
               out
               freely
               ,
               for
               none
               of
               it
               is
               your
               own
               ?
               and
               whether
               will
               it
               pass
               better
               in
               your
               accounts
               ;
               so
               much
               left
               in
               Bags
               or
               Bonds
               ,
               or
               to
               a
               prodigal
               Heir
               ;
               or
               so
               much
               of
               it
               spent
               in
               hospitality
               ,
               so
               much
               in
               well-plac'd
               bounty
               ,
               
               and
               so
               much
               in
               prudent
               charity
               ?
               And
               lastly
               ,
               consider
               the
               plain
               Command
               and
               blessed
               Promise
               of
               God
               in
               that
               foresaid
               ,
               Heb.
               13.
               5.
               
               
                 Let
                 your
                 Conversation
                 be
                 without
                 Covetousness
                 —
                 For
                 he
                 hath
                 said
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 never
                 leave
                 thee
                 ,
                 nor
                 forsake
                 thee
                 .
              
               q.
               d.
               Thou
               shalt
               have
               that
               which
               is
               sufficient
               ,
               or
               ,
               thou
               shalt
               have
               him
               that
               is
               All-sufficient
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               
                 Pray
                 earnestly
                 against
                 this
                 Sin.
              
               Let
               your
               Eyes
               be
               ever
               towards
               the
               Lord
               ,
               to
               pluck
               your
               Feet
               out
               of
               this
               Net.
               Without
               his
               divine
               Grace
               ,
               this
               snare
               will
               be
               too
               strong
               for
               you
               .
               There
               are
               Medicines
               to
               purge
               choler
               ,
               and
               such
               Humours
               which
               feed
               our
               Corruptions
               ,
               but
               none
               to
               purge
               Covetousness
               :
               No
               ,
               this
               Lust
               is
               rooted
               only
               in
               the
               Soul
               ,
               the
               bodily
               Complexion
               is
               very
               little
               concern'd
               :
               and
               therefore
               you
               have
               the
               more
               need
               to
               cry
               earnestly
               to
               God
               with
               David
               ,
               Psal.
               119.
               36.
               
               
                 Incline
                 my
                 Heart
                 unto
                 thy
                 Testimonies
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 Covetousness
                 .
              
            
             
               3.
               
               
                 Labour
                 for
                 Faith.
              
               To
               believe
               what
               God
               hath
               revealed
               ,
               and
               to
               rely
               upon
               what
               he
               hath
               promised
               .
               I
               have
               read
               of
               a
               
                 certain
                 Person
              
               ,
               that
               in
               a
               change
               of
               times
               ,
               after
               some
               debate
               about
               what
               was
               then
               impos'd
               ,
               swore
               
                 by
                 his
                 Faith
              
               ,
               he
               must
               live
               ;
               
               but
               another
               of
               the
               same
               Cloth
               answered
               ,
               that
               he
               would
               learn
               to
               
                 live
                 by
                 his
                 Faith
              
               :
               so
               when
               you
               plead
               for
               your
               selfish
               penurious
               course
               ,
               that
               you
               
                 must
                 live
              
               ,
               I
               counsel
               you
               to
               learn
               the
               
                 life
                 of
                 Faith
              
               :
               for
               if
               you
               did
               believe
               the
               Revelation
               which
               God
               hath
               made
               of
               his
               Nature
               and
               Covenant
               ,
               if
               you
               did
               believe
               the
               Iudgment
               to
               come
               ,
               and
               the
               everlasting
               World
               after
               it
               ,
               if
               you
               did
               believe
               the
               Promises
               or
               the
               Threatnings
               ,
               which
               referr
               to
               this
               affair
               ,
               you
               would
               readily
               despise
               all
               the
               things
               of
               this
               World
               ,
               and
               set
               your
               affections
               on
               things
               above
               ;
               you
               would
               ,
               as
               you
               ought
               ,
               be
               rich
               in
               good
               works
               ,
               
                 ready
                 to
                 distribute
                 ,
                 willing
                 to
                 communicate
                 ,
                 laying
                 up
                 in
                 store
                 for
                 your selves
                 a
                 good
                 foundation
                 against
                 the
                 time
                 to
                 come
                 ,
              
               that
               sith
               this
               life
               is
               slipping
               from
               under
               your
               feet
               ,
               you
               may
               
                 lay
                 hold
                 on
                 eternal
                 Life
              
               ,
               1
               Tim.
               6.
               18
               ,
               19.
               
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               VI.
               
            
             
               AND
               these
               are
               the
               most
               
                 proper
                 Sins
              
               
               of
               Old-age
               :
               some
               other
               there
               are
               ,
               which
               because
               they
               are
               neither
               so
               common
               to
               all
               ancient
               people
               ,
               nor
               yet
               peculiar
               
               to
               them
               ,
               and
               yet
               are
               more
               often
               found
               in
               them
               than
               in
               others
               ,
               I
               shall
               not
               wholly
               conceal
               them
               ,
               but
               rather
               more
               briefly
               handle
               them
               .
               Which
               are
               ,
            
             
               1.
               
               Craftiness
               ,
               which
               is
               
                 Prudence
                 degenerate
              
               .
               Old
               people
               have
               had
               much
               dealing
               in
               the
               World
               ,
               and
               have
               seen
               ,
               yea
               ,
               perhaps
               felt
               the
               effects
               of
               other
               mens
               sinister
               Carriage
               ;
               and
               being
               too
               much
               devoted
               to
               a
               selfish
               interest
               ,
               do
               thereupon
               too
               often
               strain
               a
               point
               of
               equity
               and
               integrity
               ,
               to
               compass
               their
               own
               ends
               .
               If
               this
               subtilty
               were
               only
               imployed
               for
               their
               own
               security
               ,
               it
               were
               less
               culpable
               ;
               but
               when
               it
               is
               an
               Engine
               to
               insnare
               ,
               or
               to
               over-reach
               their
               Brother
               ,
               it
               is
               inexcusable
               .
               When
               a
               Crafty
               old
               Miser
               ,
               hath
               a
               young
               Prodigal
               in
               his
               Tallons
               ,
               what
               work
               doth
               he
               make
               with
               him
               ?
               What
               cunning
               arts
               ,
               what
               tricks
               and
               stratagems
               hath
               he
               to
               distill
               his
               Estate
               into
               his
               own
               Coffers
               ?
               But
               this
               is
               a
               baseness
               unbecoming
               a
               
                 Moral
                 Heathen
              
               ,
               who
               would
               put
               himself
               into
               anothers
               case
               ,
               and
               deal
               with
               him
               as
               he
               would
               be
               used
               by
               him
               :
               how
               enormous
               then
               is
               it
               for
               a
               Christian
               ,
               that
               ought
               by
               no
               means
               to
               live
               to
               himself
               ,
               that
               should
               remember
               he
               is
               but
               a
               Stranger
               in
               this
               Earth
               ,
               and
               is
               seeking
               a
               better
               Country
               ,
               that
               is
               a
               professour
               of
               self-denial
               and
               sincerity
               !
            
             
             
               Beware
               therefore
               of
               this
               unworthy
               Trade
               :
               believe
               ,
               that
               what
               you
               save
               or
               gain
               by
               indirect
               ways
               ,
               brings
               to
               you
               a
               Curse
               along
               with
               it
               ;
               resolve
               ,
               that
               if
               you
               cannot
               stand
               by
               
                 plain
                 dealing
              
               ,
               to
               fall
               with
               it
               ,
               your
               fall
               will
               be
               glorious
               .
               Esau
               was
               a
               cunning
               Fellow
               ,
               but
               Iacob
               was
               a
               
                 plain
                 man
              
               ,
               and
               so
               should
               all
               his
               Off-spring
               be
               .
               But
               if
               you
               will
               needs
               be
               exercising
               your
               Talent
               ,
               imploy
               it
               in
               a
               wise
               contriving
               ,
               which
               way
               to
               do
               good
               to
               your
               Neighbour
               .
               So
               did
               St.
               Paul
               ,
               2
               Cor.
               12.
               16.
               
               
                 Being
                 crafty
                 ,
                 I
                 caught
                 you
                 by
                 Guile
                 ,
              
               but
               he
               sought
               not
               theirs
               ,
               but
               them
               .
               You
               may
               also
               exercise
               your
               utmost
               prudence
               ,
               in
               the
               preserving
               your
               outward
               Estate
               and
               Credit
               ;
               provided
               always
               ,
               you
               do
               it
               not
               out
               of
               an
               inordinate
               affection
               to
               these
               things
               ,
               nor
               to
               the
               injury
               or
               prejudice
               of
               any
               other
               :
               for
               that
               which
               doth
               harm
               to
               your
               Neighbour
               ,
               will
               never
               do
               good
               to
               you
               ,
               there
               being
               a
               just
               God
               that
               ,
               Iob
               5.
               13.
               
                 taketh
                 the
                 wise
                 in
                 their
                 own
                 Craftiness
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 counsel
                 of
                 the
                 froward
                 is
                 carried
                 headlong
                 .
              
            
             
               2.
               
               Unteachableness
               .
               When
               the
               fault
               is
               only
               in
               the
               understanding
               or
               memory
               ,
               it
               is
               rather
               matter
               of
               pity
               ,
               but
               when
               it
               is
               in
               the
               will
               ,
               it
               is
               highly
               criminal
               .
               Now
               this
               is
               a
               fault
               very
               incident
               to
               Old-age
               ,
               yea
               ,
               
               the
               more
               ignorant
               ,
               the
               more
               obstinate
               y
               .
               Hence
               we
               read
               ,
               Eccl.
               4.
               13.
               of
               
                 an
                 old
                 and
                 foolish
                 King
              
               ,
               who
               
                 will
                 no
                 more
                 be
                 admonished
              
               .
               They
               think
               it
               a
               disgrace
               to
               learn
               ;
               they
               are
               more
               ready
               to
               teach
               ,
               than
               to
               learn.
               It
               's
               grown
               proverbial
               ,
               
                 They
                 are
                 too
                 old
                 to
                 learn.
              
               Indeed
               if
               the
               things
               propounded
               be
               unnecessary
               and
               useless
               ,
               you
               may
               safely
               remain
               in
               your
               ignorance
               ;
               but
               if
               they
               be
               proper
               either
               to
               your
               civil
               or
               spiritual
               Calling
               ,
               it
               is
               a
               greater
               shame
               to
               be
               ignorant
               of
               them
               ,
               than
               to
               learn
               them
               :
               especially
               in
               the
               great
               Points
               that
               are
               
                 necessary
                 to
                 Salvation
              
               .
               How
               many
               instructive
               Discourses
               have
               you
               heard
               about
               these
               things
               ,
               and
               how
               little
               have
               you
               learn'd
               ?
               You
               have
               your
               Lesson
               to
               get
               ,
               and
               your
               Master
               is
               just
               coming
               .
            
             
               O
               therefore
               
                 begg
                 of
                 God
              
               and
               Man
               to
               teach
               you
               ,
               and
               do
               not
               grudge
               to
               take
               somewhat
               the
               more
               pains
               to
               redeem
               your
               former
               negligence
               .
               Cato
               learn'd
               the
               
                 Greek
                 Tongue
              
               ,
               when
               he
               was
               an
               
                 Old
                 man
              
               :
               and
               Solon
               z
               glories
               in
               this
               ,
               that
               he
               was
               
                 still
                 learning
                 something
                 in
                 his
                 Old-age
                 .
              
               How
               many
               famous
               Divines
               have
               learn'd
               the
               Greek
               and
               Hebrew
               in
               their
               Old-age
               ?
               Why
               should
               you
               think
               your selves
               too
               wise
               or
               too
               good
               or
               too
               old
               to
               learn
               whatsoever
               
               may
               make
               you
               more
               useful
               here
               ,
               or
               more
               happy
               hereafter
               ?
               It
               will
               be
               small
               comfort
               for
               you
               to
               say
               ,
               I
               
                 am
                 rich
              
               ,
               
               and
               
                 have
                 need
                 of
                 nothing
              
               ,
               when
               you
               shall
               be
               found
               at
               last
               ,
               to
               be
               
                 poor
                 ,
                 and
                 blind
                 ,
                 and
                 naked
                 .
              
            
             
               3.
               
               Implacableness
               is
               charg'd
               as
               a
               fault
               common
               with
               Old
               People
               .
               That
               is
               ,
               such
               a
               
                 deep
                 resentment
              
               against
               such
               as
               offend
               them
               ,
               as
               is
               scarce
               abolished
               .
               On
               the
               one
               hand
               ,
               their
               impotence
               is
               such
               ,
               by
               reason
               of
               their
               Age
               ,
               that
               they
               cannot
               easily
               revenge
               themselves
               ;
               and
               on
               the
               other
               ,
               their
               thinking
               ,
               Sedentary
               ,
               and
               wakeful
               condition
               gives
               ,
               them
               opportunity
               to
               rowl
               their
               disgusts
               in
               their
               minds
               ,
               till
               they
               are
               boil'd
               into
               a
               settled
               rancour
               .
               Thus
               they
               who
               in
               malice
               should
               be
               Children
               ,
               and
               in
               understanding
               should
               be
               Men
               ,
               are
               on
               the
               contrary
               
                 men
                 in
                 malice
              
               ,
               and
               
                 Children
                 in
                 understanding
              
               :
               not
               apt
               to
               forgive
               ,
               not
               easie
               to
               forget
               .
               What
               an
               implacable
               Spirit
               was
               in
               Aristides
               and
               Themistocles
               of
               old
               in
               Athens
               ,
               until
               the
               wisdom
               and
               integrity
               of
               the
               former
               ,
               did
               somewhat
               asswage
               it
               for
               a
               time
               in
               the
               latter
               ?
               The
               melancholly
               and
               stiffness
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               will
               not
               suffer
               such
               impressions
               to
               wear
               off
               ,
               and
               their
               Humour
               disposes
               them
               to
               aggravate
               things
               to
               the
               utmost
               .
               So
               
               that
               the
               contentions
               of
               Old
               People
               ,
               like
               those
               among
               Brethren
               ,
               are
               
                 like
                 the
                 Bars
                 of
                 a
                 Castle
                 .
              
               They
               will
               owe
               a
               Man
               an
               ill-turn
               seven
               long
               years
               together
               ,
               and
               then
               pay
               him
               at
               last
               .
            
             
               But
               this
               is
               an
               inhumane
               ,
               and
               ungodly
               temper
               .
               Would
               you
               have
               every
               one
               deal
               so
               by
               you
               ?
               have
               you
               offended
               no
               body
               in
               all
               your
               course
               ?
               What
               Brute
               is
               it
               ,
               that
               continueth
               an
               everlasting
               Rage
               ?
               Would
               you
               be
               so
               treated
               by
               the
               great
               God
               ,
               when
               you
               have
               offended
               him
               ?
               How
               can
               you
               pray
               in
               this
               condition
               without
               Cursing
               your selves
               ?
               If
               you
               do
               not
               forgive
               ,
               you
               cannot
               be
               forgiven
               .
               I
               am
               sure
               the
               affronts
               and
               injuries
               which
               you
               have
               received
               
                 from
                 men
              
               ,
               are
               not
               to
               be
               compared
               to
               those
               which
               you
               have
               offered
               
                 to
                 God.
              
               Away
               then
               with
               this
               devilish
               Distemper
               ;
               make
               your
               Neighbour
               sensible
               of
               his
               offence
               ,
               by
               a
               
                 cool
                 representation
              
               of
               it
               to
               him
               ,
               by
               your self
               if
               possible
               ,
               or
               else
               by
               some
               fit
               Friend
               ,
               perhaps
               you
               may
               gain
               him
               .
               By
               revenge
               you
               can
               be
               but
               even
               with
               him
               ,
               but
               hereby
               you
               'l
               get
               above
               him
               ,
               and
               conquer
               him
               .
               However
               do
               not
               you
               punish
               your self
               for
               his
               aversion
               ,
               by
               suffering
               a
               Fire
               in
               your
               Bosom
               ,
               which
               will
               hurt
               your
               own
               Soul
               ,
               more
               than
               it
               doth
               your
               Neighbour
               .
               
               And
               do
               not
               nullifie
               all
               the
               good
               that
               is
               in
               him
               ,
               nor
               all
               the
               kindness
               that
               you
               have
               received
               from
               him
               ,
               but
               muster
               up
               all
               his
               worthy
               qualities
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               former
               respects
               and
               benefits
               that
               you
               have
               received
               from
               him
               ,
               and
               this
               will
               melt
               you
               into
               a
               better
               temper
               .
               And
               especially
               make
               it
               your
               earnest
               request
               unto
               God
               ,
               to
               root
               up
               this
               Gall
               and
               Wormwood
               out
               of
               your
               Heart
               ,
               and
               that
               he
               would
               make
               you
               
                 tender
                 hearted
                 ,
                 forgiving
                 one
                 another
                 ,
                 even
                 as
                 God
                 for
                 Christs
                 sake
                 hath
                 forgiven
                 you
                 .
              
            
             
               4.
               
               
                 Speculative
                 wickedness
              
               is
               another
               Sin
               too
               incident
               to
               Old-age
               .
               That
               is
               ,
               either
               Reflecting
               upon
               former
               Sins
               ,
               or
               
                 Fancying
                 others
              
               with
               delight
               .
               There
               is
               a
               Threefold
               complacence
               in
               sin
               ;
               before
               its
               commission
               ,
               by
               
                 contrivance
                 ;
                 in
              
               the
               Commission
               by
               present
               satisfaction
               ,
               and
               after
               the
               Commission
               
                 by
                 remembrance
              
               :
               and
               as
               the
               set
               purpose
               before
               ,
               so
               the
               delightful
               reflexion
               afterwards
               ,
               is
               a
               Sin
               before
               God.
               Now
               weakness
               of
               Body
               ,
               poverty
               in
               Estate
               ,
               or
               other
               impediments
               may
               hinder
               
                 Old
                 people
              
               from
               those
               Exorbitances
               ,
               which
               they
               inwardly
               love
               ,
               or
               in
               which
               they
               have
               heretofore
               actually
               lived
               :
               but
               yet
               they
               ruminate
               on
               them
               with
               pleasure
               ,
               and
               Re-act
               them
               in
               their
               
               fancy
               .
               They
               do
               not
               ,
               and
               perhaps
               they
               cannot
               now
               profane
               the
               
                 Lords
                 day
              
               as
               they
               have
               done
               ,
               fight
               and
               quarrel
               as
               they
               have
               done
               ,
               nor
               commit
               uncleanness
               as
               they
               have
               done
               ,
               nor
               drink
               and
               debauch
               themselves
               as
               they
               have
               done
               :
               but
               they
               can
               reflect
               upon
               these
               things
               with
               content
               ;
               strength
               and
               opportunity
               is
               wanting
               ,
               but
               their
               Hearts
               are
               as
               wicked
               as
               ever
               .
               Hence
               it
               is
               ,
               that
               you
               shall
               hear
               divers
               Old
               people
               rehearsing
               their
               former
               disobedience
               to
               Parents
               ,
               their
               refractoriness
               to
               their
               Masters
               ,
               their
               petty
               purloynin●…s
               ,
               and
               other
               extravagances
               ,
               with
               as
               fresh
               delight
               as
               they
               were
               at
               first
               committed
               .
            
             
               Now
               this
               is
               in
               effect
               to
               act
               over
               those
               Sins
               again
               :
               Ezek.
               23.
               19.
               
               
                 She
                 multiplied
                 her
                 Whoredoms
                 in
                 calling
                 to
                 remembrance
                 the
                 days
                 of
                 her
                 Youth
                 ,
                 wherein
                 she
                 had
                 plaid
                 the
                 Harlot
                 in
                 the
                 Land
                 of
                 Egypt
                 .
              
               Yea
               ,
               perhaps
               this
               guilt
               will
               be
               found
               in
               some
               respects
               greater
               than
               the
               first
               :
               because
               it
               's
               likely
               that
               then
               there
               was
               
                 less
                 knowledge
              
               ,
               and
               
                 more
                 temptation
              
               ,
               than
               now
               there
               is
               .
               This
               contemplative
               wickedness
               nails
               on
               the
               former
               guilt
               ,
               and
               contracts
               more
               :
               this
               demonstrates
               ,
               that
               the
               man
               would
               be
               always
               sinning
               ,
               if
               he
               could
               ;
               and
               that
               he
               is
               a
               meer
               stranger
               to
               true
               Repentance
               .
               I
               deny
               not
               ,
               but
               that
               the
               
               first
               sudden
               glance
               of
               the
               memory
               upon
               former
               Vanities
               may
               be
               pleased
               ,
               but
               't
               is
               only
               a
               surprize
               ;
               every
               pious
               Soul
               hath
               them
               still
               in
               remembrance
               ,
               and
               is
               
                 humbled
                 in
                 it
              
               .
               Thus
               
                 Holy
                 Augustine
              
               in
               his
               Confessions
               reflects
               upon
               his
               Robbing
               an
               Orchard
               in
               his
               younger
               days
               ,
               with
               all
               the
               heart-breaking
               Aggravations
               imaginable
               .
               Thus
               
                 Holy
                 David
              
               cryes
               out
               ,
               Psal.
               25.
               7.
               
               
                 Remember
                 not
                 the
                 Sins
                 of
                 my
                 Youth
                 ,
              
               nor
               
                 my
                 Transgressions
              
               .
               Labour
               you
               to
               write
               after
               their
               Copies
               ;
               let
               the
               remembrance
               of
               your
               former
               follies
               be
               always
               bitter
               :
               never
               dwell
               upon
               the
               thoughts
               of
               them
               ,
               but
               with
               a
               Sigh
               .
               O
               what
               a
               Fool
               ,
               what
               a
               Beast
               have
               I
               been
               !
               O
               what
               have
               I
               done
               !
               I
               am
               asham'd
               ,
               yea
               ,
               
                 even
                 confounded
                 ,
                 because
                 I
                 bear
                 the
                 reproach
                 of
                 my
                 Youth
                 ,
              
               Jerem.
               31.
               19.
               
               Make
               not
               the
               Wound
               to
               bleed
               again
               by
               rubbing
               it
               afresh
               ,
               lest
               it
               fester
               and
               grow
               incurable
               at
               length
               .
               Let
               it
               appear
               some
               way
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               not
               want
               of
               power
               ,
               but
               want
               of
               will
               that
               makes
               you
               Sober
               .
               A
               diligent
               care
               to
               avoid
               the
               Sins
               of
               your
               
                 present
                 Age
              
               and
               State
               ,
               will
               be
               a
               good
               proof
               ,
               that
               you
               would
               not
               commit
               the
               faults
               that
               are
               past
               ,
               if
               you
               were
               to
               live
               over
               your
               life
               again
               .
               
                 A
                 better
                 Life
                 is
                 the
                 best
                 Repentance
              
               a
               .
            
             
               And
               so
               much
               shall
               suffice
               upon
               this
               
               unpleasant
               but
               necessary
               Subject
               ,
               concerning
               ,
               the
               Sins
               of
               Old-age
               :
               which
               as
               they
               should
               be
               matter
               of
               our
               hearty
               Grief
               ,
               so
               they
               should
               be
               the
               subject
               of
               our
               holy
               Iealousy
               and
               continual
               Caution
               .
               For
               tho
               perhaps
               we
               may
               not
               be
               guilty
               in
               them
               all
               ,
               yet
               it
               is
               as
               unlikely
               that
               we
               are
               clear
               in
               all
               .
               So
               that
               whereinsoever
               the
               
                 Spirit
                 of
                 God
              
               hath
               in
               these
               Papers
               or
               otherwise
               found
               us
               out
               ,
               it
               is
               our
               indispensable
               duty
               to
               watch
               and
               pray
               with
               all
               seriousness
               and
               constancy
               against
               the
               same
               ;
               and
               tho
               they
               be
               rooted
               never
               so
               deep
               ,
               we
               must
               mortify
               and
               pluck
               them
               up
               ,
               tho
               we
               should
               (
               they
               are
               grave
               
               Seneca's
               words
               )
               
                 pluck
                 our
                 very
                 Hearts
                 up
                 with
                 them
              
               b
               .
               For
               as
               one
               Disease
               is
               sufficient
               to
               kill
               the
               Body
               ;
               so
               any
               one
               Sin
               unmortified
               ,
               is
               able
               to
               send
               Body
               and
               Soul
               into
               Hell.
               On
               the
               other
               hand
               ,
               it
               will
               be
               one
               special
               token
               ,
               that
               we
               are
               upright
               before
               God
               ,
               when
               we
               keep
               
                 our selves
                 from
                 our
                 own
                 Iniquity
              
               ,
               Psal.
               18.
               23.
               
            
             
               And
               yet
               this
               is
               but
               the
               one
               half
               of
               our
               bounden
               Duty
               .
               For
               if
               you
               pluck
               up
               all
               the
               Weeds
               out
               of
               your
               Garden
               ,
               it
               will
               be
               but
               a
               desart
               place
               ,
               unless
               you
               procure
               some
               Herbs
               and
               Flowers
               therein
               :
               so
               tho
               we
               should
               clear
               our
               Hearts
               of
               these
               Vices
               ,
               we
               shall
               have
               but
               naked
               and
               empty
               
               Souls
               ,
               unless
               we
               be
               furnished
               with
               such
               Graces
               as
               are
               proper
               for
               us
               :
               which
               is
               the
               
                 next
                 point
              
               now
               to
               be
               treated
               of
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             
               CHAP.
               IV.
            
             The
             Graces
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               I.
               
            
             
               FOrasmuch
               as
               Old-age
               is
               liable
               to
               so
               
               many
               vicious
               Habits
               ,
               it
               greatly
               concerns
               all
               that
               are
               in
               Years
               ,
               to
               excell
               in
               some
               eminent
               Qualifications
               ,
               which
               may
               praeponderate
               the
               other
               ;
               or
               else
               Old-age
               would
               be
               a
               
                 Miserable
                 Age
              
               indeed
               .
               Now
               tho
               we
               may
               well
               hope
               ,
               that
               they
               having
               been
               so
               long
               in
               
                 Christs
                 School
              
               ,
               have
               throughly
               
                 learned
                 Christ
              
               ,
               that
               they
               are
               indued
               with
               
                 every
                 Grace
              
               ,
               and
               instructed
               to
               
                 every
                 good
                 work
              
               ;
               yet
               there
               be
               some
               
                 Peculiar
                 Graces
              
               ,
               wherein
               the
               Aged
               do
               or
               should
               excell
               .
               Not
               that
               any
               of
               them
               is
               confined
               to
               Gray
               Hairs
               alone
               :
               for
               as
               all
               the
               Sins
               above-mentioned
               may
               be
               found
               in
               those
               that
               are
               young
               ;
               so
               also
               the
               following
               Graces
               do
               apparently
               shine
               in
               many
               of
               them
               ,
               whereby
               they
               promise
               a
               plentiful
               Harvest
               in
               after-time
               ,
               if
               they
               
               hold
               on
               or
               mend
               c
               .
               For
               alas
               ,
               to
               speak
               the
               plain
               truth
               ,
               too
               few
               possess
               them
               all
               ,
               and
               too
               many
               are
               strangers
               to
               them
               all
               .
               And
               therefore
               where
               I
               describe
               them
               with
               the
               following
               Excellencies
               ,
               understand
               it
               rather
               by
               way
               of
               Instruction
               ,
               in
               what
               they
               should
               be
               ,
               than
               by
               way
               of
               Assertion
               of
               what
               they
               are
               ,
               and
               you
               must
               remember
               also
               ,
               that
               the
               Denomination
               is
               
                 à
                 parte
                 potiori
              
               ,
               the
               better
               sort
               have
               them
               ,
               and
               all
               should
               endeavour
               after
               them
               :
               for
               since
               they
               are
               
                 actually
                 possessed
              
               by
               some
               ,
               they
               may
               be
               
                 certainly
                 obtained
              
               by
               all
               .
            
             
               The
               
                 First
                 Grace
              
               most
               proper
               for
               Old-age
               
               is
               Knowledge
               .
               They
               have
               or
               might
               have
               a
               great
               measure
               of
               all
               kind
               of
               Knowledge
               ,
               having
               read
               so
               much
               in
               the
               Book
               of
               Nature
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               Book
               of
               Providence
               .
               But
               there
               is
               a
               nobler
               Object
               of
               their
               Knowledge
               ,
               which
               is
               God
               himself
               ,
               his
               Word
               and
               his
               Ways
               :
               Herein
               the
               Aged
               person
               hath
               been
               versed
               for
               a
               long
               time
               ,
               1
               Ioh.
               2.
               13.
               
               
                 I
                 write
                 unto
                 you
                 ,
                 Fathers
                 ,
                 because
                 you
                 have
                 known
                 him
                 that
                 is
                 from
                 the
                 beginning
                 .
              
               There
               is
               no
               
                 Truth
                 ,
                 Duty
                 ,
                 Case
                 ,
                 Sin
                 ,
              
               or
               Temptation
               ,
               but
               they
               have
               either
               heard
               ,
               or
               read
               something
               concerning
               it
               ,
               and
               that
               often
               ;
               and
               therefore
               must
               be
               supposed
               to
               have
               a
               more
               clear
               and
               distinct
               knowledge
               in
               all
               these
               things
               ,
               
               than
               younger
               people
               d
               .
               Young
               people
               think
               that
               they
               know
               much
               ,
               but
               Old
               people
               cannot
               chuse
               but
               sigh
               and
               smile
               at
               their
               ignorance
               .
               They
               find
               that
               the
               more
               Knowledge
               they
               have
               ,
               the
               more
               Ignorance
               they
               discover
               in
               themselves
               ;
               and
               wherein
               they
               have
               been
               confident
               in
               their
               younger
               years
               ,
               they
               see
               cause
               to
               alter
               their
               sentiments
               afterwards
               .
            
             
               For
               Knowledge
               is
               either
               Infused
               ,
               or
               Acquired
               by
               Study
               ,
               Reading
               and
               Converse
               .
               In
               these
               the
               Aged
               must
               needs
               out-strip
               the
               Young
               ,
               as
               having
               been
               much
               longer
               conversant
               in
               the
               use
               of
               them
               :
               and
               for
               the
               former
               ,
               the
               
                 Holy
                 Ghost
              
               doth
               commonly
               impart
               these
               Habits
               in
               the
               use
               of
               means
               ;
               and
               so
               every
               way
               the
               
                 Old
                 man
              
               hath
               the
               advantage
               in
               this
               accomplishment
               .
               Now
               Knowledge
               is
               that
               ,
               wherein
               the
               
                 Image
                 of
                 God
              
               partly
               consists
               ,
               it
               is
               the
               glory
               of
               Angels
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               the
               honour
               of
               Man.
               Those
               therefore
               were
               a
               strange
               sort
               of
               Friars
               in
               Italy
               ,
               that
               Luther
               writes
               of
               ,
               call'd
               
                 Fratres
                 Ignorantiae
              
               ,
               that
               took
               a
               solemn
               Oath
               ,
               that
               they
               would
               know
               nothing
               at
               all
               ,
               but
               answer
               to
               all
               questions
               with
               Nescio
               :
               unless
               men
               were
               resolved
               to
               renounce
               both
               Divinity
               and
               Humanity
               at
               once
               .
               No
               ,
               doubtless
               ,
               saving
               Knowledge
               is
               to
               the
               Soul
               ,
               as
               the
               Eye
               
               to
               the
               Body
               ,
               of
               great
               excellency
               and
               of
               great
               use
               .
               'T
               is
               this
               that
               Crowns
               the
               hoary
               head
               ,
               and
               conveys
               Beauty
               unto
               wrinkles
               ,
               Prov.
               14.
               18.
               
               
                 The
                 prudent
                 are
                 crowned
                 with
                 knowledge
                 .
              
               It
               s
               true
               ,
               many
               there
               are
               ,
               who
               have
               tasted
               of
               the
               
                 Tree
                 of
                 Knowledge
              
               ,
               that
               have
               never
               tasted
               of
               the
               
                 Tree
                 of
                 Life
              
               ;
               and
               knowledge
               of
               it self
               puffeth
               up
               ,
               so
               that
               a
               man
               may
               have
               
                 all
                 knowledge
              
               ,
               and
               yet
               no
               Charity
               ,
               1
               Cor.
               13.
               2.
               
               Yet
               as
               it
               is
               true
               ,
               there
               may
               be
               much
               knowledge
               without
               a
               grain
               of
               Grace
               ;
               so
               it
               is
               certain
               ,
               there
               cannot
               be
               one
               spark
               of
               Grace
               without
               Knowledge
               e
               .
               For
               how
               shall
               a
               Man
               know
               Sin
               ,
               unless
               he
               understand
               the
               
                 Law
                 of
                 God
              
               :
               how
               can
               he
               imbrace
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               aright
               ,
               except
               he
               know
               him
               ?
               or
               build
               for
               Heaven
               without
               a
               Foundation
               ?
            
             
               Now
               the
               Aged
               person
               hath
               lived
               long
               ,
               hath
               conversed
               both
               with
               Men
               and
               Books
               ,
               hath
               the
               Rust
               of
               natural
               Ignorance
               well
               scour'd
               off
               f
               ;
               and
               if
               he
               have
               not
               more
               Riches
               than
               others
               ,
               yet
               surely
               he
               hath
               more
               Knowledge
               ,
               especially
               if
               he
               hath
               
                 put
                 on
                 the
                 New
                 Man
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 renewed
                 in
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 after
                 the
                 Image
                 of
                 him
                 that
                 created
                 him
                 ,
              
               Colos.
               3.
               10.
               
               And
               therefore
               tho
               it
               be
               a
               Brutish
               thing
               in
               any
               body
               ,
               to
               be
               ignorant
               in
               those
               things
               that
               concern
               their
               Happiness
               ,
               yet
               it
               is
               intolerably
               absurd
               
               for
               one
               that
               is
               
                 Old
                 in
                 Years
              
               ,
               to
               be
               a
               
                 Child
                 in
                 understanding
              
               :
               to
               be
               like
               the
               
                 Old
                 man
              
               ,
               which
               Mr.
               Pemble
               tells
               of
               ,
               who
               ,
               tho
               by
               a
               probable
               computation
               ,
               he
               had
               heard
               
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 thousand
                 Sermons
              
               ,
               being
               above
               sixty
               years
               old
               ,
               yet
               being
               examined
               by
               a
               Minister
               on
               his
               Death-bed
               concerning
               his
               Knowledge
               of
               God
               ,
               he
               thought
               he
               was
               
                 a
                 good
                 Old
                 man
              
               ;
               concerning
               Christ
               ,
               that
               he
               was
               
                 a
                 towardly
                 young
                 Youth
              
               ;
               concerning
               his
               Soul
               ,
               that
               it
               was
               
                 a
                 great
                 Bone
                 in
                 his
                 Body
              
               ;
               and
               concerning
               his
               future
               Estate
               ,
               he
               said
               ,
               if
               he
               had
               done
               well
               ,
               he
               should
               be
               put
               into
               a
               pleasant
               green
               Meadow
               :
               what
               a
               woful
               thing
               is
               this
               ,
               that
               a
               constant
               Hearer
               ,
               and
               seeming
               Lover
               of
               the
               Word
               of
               God
               ,
               as
               this
               man
               was
               ,
               should
               live
               and
               dye
               in
               such
               gross
               Ignorance
               ?
               No
               Trade
               how
               difficult
               soever
               ,
               but
               seven
               or
               eight
               years
               will
               teach
               it
               ;
               what
               a
               shameful
               thing
               then
               is
               it
               to
               be
               sent
               into
               the
               world
               ,
               purposely
               to
               learn
               to
               be
               a
               
                 true
                 Christian
              
               ,
               and
               after
               fifty
               or
               sixty
               years
               to
               remain
               ignorant
               in
               the
               mysteries
               of
               it
               ?
               To
               
                 be
                 ever
                 learning
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 able
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 the
                 Truth
                 ,
              
               2
               Tim.
               3.
               7.
               
               On
               the
               other
               side
               ,
               Iosephus
               tells
               us
               ,
               speaking
               of
               the
               Iews
               ,
               Every
               one
               of
               our
               Nation
               being
               demanded
               of
               
                 our
                 Laws
              
               ,
               can
               answer
               as
               readily
               ,
               as
               
                 tell
                 his
                 own
                 Name
              
               ;
               learning
               it
               
               as
               soon
               as
               we
               come
               to
               the
               use
               of
               Reason
               ,
               it
               is
               imprinted
               in
               our
               minds
               .
               Certainly
               an
               ignorant
               Old
               person
               is
               the
               shame
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               yea
               ,
               of
               Humanity
               it self
               .
            
             
               Let
               it
               therefore
               be
               your
               Study
               that
               are
               ripe
               in
               years
               ,
               to
               be
               ripe
               in
               Iudgment
               ,
               to
               be
               well-grounded
               in
               the
               Knowledge
               of
               God
               and
               Godliness
               :
               whilest
               others
               are
               heaping
               up
               Riches
               ,
               do
               you
               treasure
               up
               Knowledge
               .
               The
               Knowledge
               of
               Natural
               things
               ,
               as
               also
               of
               Civil
               affairs
               will
               adorn
               you
               ;
               the
               least
               dram
               of
               this
               is
               more
               excellent
               than
               many
               Talents
               of
               Gold
               ;
               but
               the
               least
               grain
               of
               Spiritual
               and
               divine
               Knowledge
               ,
               is
               more
               valuable
               than
               all
               the
               Natural
               and
               Civil
               knowledge
               under
               Heaven
               .
               Hence
               it
               is
               reported
               of
               
                 Albertus
                 Magnus
              
               ,
               that
               ,
               before
               his
               Death
               ,
               he
               prayed
               that
               he
               might
               obtain
               the
               oblivion
               of
               all
               former
               vain
               knowledge
               ,
               which
               might
               hinder
               his
               happiness
               in
               the
               knowledge
               of
               Christ.
               Hear
               also
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               Yea
               ,
               
                 doubtless
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 count
                 all
                 things
                 but
                 loss
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 excellency
                 of
                 the
                 Knowledge
                 of
                 Christ
                 Iesus
                 my
                 Lord
                 ,
              
               Philip.
               3.
               8.
               
            
             
               Be
               not
               discouraged
               with
               the
               seeming
               impossibility
               of
               attaining
               a
               sufficient
               measure
               hereof
               .
               He
               that
               taught
               
                 Old
                 Nicodemus
              
               ,
               will
               teach
               you
               .
               Industry
               and
               Resolution
               will
               facilitate
               your
               atchievement
               .
               You
               must
               be
               convinced
               ,
               that
               Ignorance
               
               will
               never
               excuse
               those
               that
               have
               the
               means
               of
               Knowledge
               ;
               that
               tho
               God
               doth
               nor
               require
               the
               
                 same
                 degree
              
               of
               knowledge
               from
               all
               Christians
               ,
               but
               doth
               allow
               for
               mens
               
                 Education
                 ,
                 Parts
              
               and
               Imployments
               ;
               yet
               he
               doth
               indispensably
               require
               ,
               so
               much
               as
               is
               necessary
               to
               the
               forming
               of
               the
               new
               Creature
               ,
               to
               the
               necessary
               Doctrines
               and
               Duties
               of
               Christian
               Religion
               ;
               that
               neither
               the
               spiritually
               dumb
               ,
               nor
               the
               blind
               ,
               can
               enter
               into
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               Heaven
               .
               Awake
               therefore
               ye
               that
               sleep
               ,
               out
               of
               your
               stupid
               negligence
               ,
               and
               
                 Christ
                 will
                 give
                 you
                 light
              
               .
               Redeem
               some
               time
               daily
               for
               Reading
               ,
               Meditation
               and
               Prayer
               .
               If
               
                 thou
                 cryest
                 after
                 Knowledge
                 ,
                 and
                 liftest
                 up
                 thy
                 Voice
                 for
                 understanding
                 .
                 If
                 thou
                 seekest
                 her
                 as
                 Silver
                 ,
                 and
                 searchest
                 for
                 her
                 as
                 for
                 hidden
                 treasure
                 :
                 Then
                 thou
                 shalt
                 understand
                 the
                 fear
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 find
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               Prov.
               2.
               3
               ,
               4
               ,
               5.
               
               Especially
               improve
               the
               Lords-day
               to
               this
               end
               .
               There
               are
               variety
               of
               Books
               ,
               which
               handle
               the
               
                 Grounds
                 of
                 Religion
              
               ,
               some
               more
               briefly
               ,
               some
               more
               largely
               .
               Take
               not
               upon
               trust
               the
               Doctrines
               of
               your
               Salvation
               ,
               but
               endeavour
               to
               be
               able
               to
               give
               a
               
                 reason
                 of
                 the
                 hope
              
               that
               is
               in
               you
               .
               You
               should
               be
               able
               to
               instruct
               others
               ;
               for
               shame
               be
               not
               you
               Children
               in
               Knowledge
               
               your
               selves
               .
               And
               ye
               that
               are
               competently
               knowing
               ,
               should
               thirst
               for
               more
               ,
               and
               
                 grow
                 in
                 Grace
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 our
                 Lord
                 and
                 Saviour
                 Iesus
                 Christ
                 ,
              
               2
               Pet.
               3.
               18.
               
               This
               is
               the
               fittest
               Covetousness
               for
               an
               
                 Old
                 Man
              
               or
               Woman
               g
               :
               this
               will
               make
               you
               like
               unto
               God
               ,
               honoured
               of
               wise
               men
               ,
               and
               useful
               to
               all
               men
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               II.
               
            
             
               THE
               
                 Second
                 Grace
              
               proper
               for
               Old-age
               ,
               
               is
               Faith
               ,
               whereby
               the
               Soul
               
                 doth
                 embrace
              
               h
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
                 as
                 Mediator
              
               ,
               and
               also
               rely
               upon
               the
               Promises
               i
               of
               God
               for
               all
               good
               things
               needful
               .
               Now
               altho
               this
               Grace
               be
               needful
               for
               every
               Christian
               ,
               insomuch
               as
               he
               is
               said
               
                 to
                 live
                 by
                 Faith
              
               ,
               a
               life
               unknown
               to
               all
               unregenerate
               men
               ;
               yet
               it
               is
               or
               should
               be
               the
               particular
               Jewel
               of
               Old-age
               .
               For
               as
               
                 Gods
                 Word
              
               and
               Ordinances
               are
               the
               usual
               means
               to
               work
               Faith
               ,
               and
               herein
               young
               and
               old
               stand
               upon
               the
               same
               level
               ,
               they
               have
               equal
               capacity
               for
               the
               attaining
               of
               it
               :
               so
               still
               
                 further
                 Grounds
              
               and
               
                 longer
                 experience
              
               ,
               are
               proper
               helps
               for
               the
               strengthning
               and
               encreasing
               thereof
               .
               So
               that
               
               as
               Reason
               is
               much
               improved
               by
               Learning
               ,
               so
               is
               Faith
               by
               use
               and
               experience
               ,
               hereby
               Recumbence
               is
               advanced
               into
               Plerophory
               .
               Thus
               Abraham
               is
               represented
               ,
               Rom.
               4.
               19
               ,
               20.
               
               
                 Not
                 weak
                 in
                 Faith
              
               ,
               when
               he
               was
               an
               hundred
               years
               old
               ,
               and
               so
               
                 staggered
                 not
                 at
                 the
                 promise
                 of
                 God
                 through
                 unbelief
                 .
              
               Tho
               his
               years
               rendred
               the
               Promise
               very
               unlikely
               ,
               yet
               those
               years
               had
               taught
               him
               ,
               that
               the
               performance
               would
               be
               certain
               ,
               and
               so
               being
               
                 strong
                 in
                 Faith
                 ,
                 he
                 gave
                 Glory
                 to
                 God.
              
               As
               
                 they
                 have
                 heard
                 ,
                 so
                 have
                 they
                 seen
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 City
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               and
               what
               they
               have
               
                 often
                 seen
              
               ,
               they
               may
               
                 well
                 believe
              
               .
            
             
               They
               have
               seen
               
                 the
                 wicked
                 in
                 great
                 power
                 ,
                 flourishing
                 like
                 a
                 green
                 Bay-tree
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 suddenly
                 they
                 have
                 passed
                 away
              
               ;
               and
               therefore
               they
               are
               not
               so
               startled
               at
               the
               prosperity
               of
               ungodly
               men
               ,
               as
               younger
               people
               may
               be
               .
               They
               have
               also
               seen
               the
               
                 righteousness
                 of
                 the
                 upright
                 brought
                 forth
                 as
                 the
                 light
              
               ;
               and
               so
               are
               hir'd
               to
               believe
               ,
               that
               it
               shall
               be
               
                 well
                 with
                 the
                 righteous
              
               ,
               and
               it
               shall
               go
               
                 ill
                 with
                 the
                 wicked
              
               at
               length
               .
               They
               themselves
               have
               been
               in
               outward
               straits
               and
               dangers
               ,
               and
               then
               wonderfully
               preserved
               and
               provided
               for
               ,
               and
               doth
               not
               this
               strengthen
               their
               Faith
               ?
               And
               then
               in
               case
               of
               spiritual
               
               wants
               and
               troubles
               ,
               when
               their
               Spirit
               is
               overwhelmed
               ,
               the
               Old-man
               can
               say
               with
               
                 Asaph
                 ,
                 Psal.
              
               77.
               5.
               
               
                 I
                 have
                 considered
                 the
                 days
                 of
                 old
                 ,
                 the
                 years
                 of
                 ancient
                 times
                 ,
              
               and
               so
               prop
               up
               their
               Spirits
               in
               their
               greatest
               dejections
               .
               If
               you
               that
               are
               Old
               want
               Faith
               ,
               it
               is
               an
               arrant
               shame
               for
               you
               .
               For
               you
               have
               been
               so
               often
               told
               and
               assured
               of
               the
               Veracity
               ,
               the
               Power
               ,
               and
               the
               Goodness
               of
               God
               ;
               and
               then
               you
               have
               so
               often
               seen
               these
               Properties
               of
               his
               exemplified
               to
               others
               ,
               and
               to
               your selves
               ,
               so
               many
               wonders
               of
               Providence
               done
               in
               your
               remembrance
               ,
               that
               ye
               your selves
               must
               be
               the
               greatest
               wonder
               ,
               in
               case
               you
               do
               not
               believe
               and
               trust
               him
               .
               When
               your
               Soul
               is
               cast
               down
               ,
               you
               may
               do
               as
               David
               did
               ,
               remember
               God
               
                 from
                 the
                 Land
                 of
                 Iordan
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 Hermonites
                 ,
                 from
                 the
                 Hill
                 Mizar
                 :
              
               that
               is
               ,
               you
               may
               review
               the
               help
               and
               comfort
               which
               you
               have
               had
               in
               this
               and
               the
               other
               place
               of
               your
               Pilgrimage
               ,
               and
               so
               
                 hope
                 still
                 in
                 God
              
               ,
               that
               
                 the
                 Help
                 of
                 his
                 Countenance
                 will
                 be
                 the
                 Health
                 of
                 yours
                 .
              
               Psal.
               42.
               5
               ,
               6
               ,
               11.
               
            
             
               Learn
               therefore
               this
               life
               of
               Faith
               ;
               and
               endeavour
               as
               you
               grow
               weaker
               in
               body
               to
               grow
               stronger
               in
               Faith.
               1.
               
               For
               Temporal
               
               mercies
               .
               You
               may
               be
               tempted
               to
               fear
               want
               in
               your
               Old-age
               :
               here
               's
               now
               occasion
               for
               Faith
               ,
               whereby
               you
               are
               firmly
               to
               believe
               either
               that
               you
               shall
               want
               nothing
               ,
               or
               else
               
                 no
                 good
                 thing
              
               ,
               Psal.
               34.
               9
               ,
               10.
               
               That
               the
               Lord
               will
               either
               supply
               your
               wants
               ,
               or
               inrich
               you
               by
               your
               wants
               .
               It
               was
               a
               memorable
               saying
               of
               an
               
                 Ancient
                 pious
                 Woman
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 made
                 many
                 a
                 meal
                 upon
                 the
                 Promises
                 ,
                 when
                 I
                 have
                 wanted
                 bread
                 .
              
               And
               Christ
               hath
               said
               it
               ,
               that
               
                 Man
                 lives
                 not
                 by
                 bread
                 only
                 ,
                 but
                 by
                 every
                 word
                 that
                 cometh
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 mouth
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               Matth.
               4.
               4.
               
               So
               that
               a
               child
               of
               God
               shall
               never
               want
               a
               livelihood
               ,
               so
               long
               as
               there
               is
               a
               Promise
               in
               the
               
                 Book
                 of
                 God.
              
               But
               then
               he
               had
               need
               of
               Faith
               ,
               and
               the
               stronger
               the
               faith
               ,
               the
               chearfuller
               life
               he
               lives
               .
               For
               as
               by
               it
               he
               injoyes
               
                 God
                 in
                 all
                 things
              
               in
               case
               of
               plenty
               ,
               so
               by
               it
               he
               injoyes
               
                 all
                 things
                 in
                 God
              
               in
               case
               of
               want
               .
               2.
               
               For
               
                 Spiritual
                 blessings
              
               it
               concerns
               you
               to
               live
               by
               Faith
               
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               for
               
                 Pardon
                 ,
                 Grace
              
               and
               Comfort
               .
               You
               have
               bin
               long
               conversant
               with
               the
               Promises
               of
               God
               for
               these
               mercies
               ,
               and
               have
               had
               often
               Experiences
               of
               the
               Grace
               and
               Mercy
               of
               God
               unto
               you
               ;
               and
               so
               may
               conclude
               with
               the
               Psalmist
               ,
               
                 The
                 Lord
                 hath
                 bin
                 mindful
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 be
                 will
                 bless
              
               
               us
               ,
               Psal.
               115.
               12.
               
               He
               that
               forgave
               you
               
                 ten
                 thousand
              
               talents
               upon
               your
               first
               Repentance
               ,
               will
               readily
               forgive
               an
               hundred
               pence
               upon
               your
               second
               .
               And
               he
               that
               gave
               you
               
                 good
                 Desires
              
               ,
               when
               you
               were
               not
               worth
               a
               good
               thought
               ,
               will
               surely
               give
               you
               your
               Desires
               of
               more
               grace
               ,
               when
               your
               hearts
               are
               now
               fully
               set
               upon
               it
               .
               And
               he
               that
               spoke
               Peace
               to
               your
               Consciences
               ,
               when
               you
               were
               younger
               ;
               will
               restore
               unto
               you
               the
               joy
               of
               his
               Salvation
               ,
               as
               soon
               and
               as
               far
               as
               is
               good
               for
               you
               ,
               now
               you
               are
               older
               ;
               though
               at
               present
               you
               
                 walk
                 in
                 darkness
              
               ,
               and
               
                 see
                 no
                 light
              
               .
               For
               an
               old
               servant
               he
               never
               utterly
               casts
               off
               .
            
             
               
                 Cast
                 not
                 you
                 away
                 therefore
                 your
                 confidence
                 ,
                 which
                 hath
                 great
                 recompence
                 of
                 reward
              
               ;
               the
               dimmer
               the
               eye
               of
               your
               sense
               grows
               ,
               the
               clearer
               let
               the
               eye
               of
               your
               Faith
               become
               ;
               by
               which
               you
               may
               see
               ,
               as
               Moses
               did
               on
               mount
               Pisgah
               ,
               into
               the
               promised
               Land
               ,
               and
               may
               Comfort
               your
               hearts
               with
               the
               foretasts
               of
               Glory
               .
               By
               this
               Faith
               it
               was
               ,
               that
               Isaac
               when
               he
               was
               blind
               through
               Age
               ,
               blessed
               Iacob
               and
               Esau
               concerning
               things
               to
               come
               .
               By
               this
               
                 Faith
                 Iacob
              
               when
               he
               was
               dying
               for
               
                 Age
                 ,
                 blessed
                 both
                 the
                 Sons
                 of
                 Ioseph
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 worshipped
                 leaning
                 upon
                 the
                 top
                 of
                 his
              
               
               
                 Staff
                 ,
                 Heb.
              
               11.
               20
               ,
               21.
               
               In
               short
               ,
               nothing
               is
               more
               needful
               for
               the
               Old
               person
               ,
               whose
               limbs
               are
               weak
               ,
               eye-sight
               weak
               ,
               memory
               ,
               all
               weak
               ,
               than
               a
               strong
               and
               lively
               Faith.
               
            
             
               And
               this
               you
               must
               labour
               for
               by
               earnest
               and
               frequent
               Prayer
               ;
               for
               
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 asketh
                 ,
                 receiveth
              
               ;
               and
               
                 he
                 that
                 seeketh
                 ,
                 sindeth
              
               ;
               Cry
               out
               therefore
               with
               the
               Apostles
               ,
               Luk.
               17.
               5.
               
               
                 Lord
                 increase
                 our
                 faith
              
               ;
               and
               when
               you
               find
               it
               waver
               ,
               then
               cry
               again
               with
               the
               man
               ,
               Mark
               9.
               24.
               
               
                 Lord
                 ,
                 I
                 believe
                 ,
                 help
                 mine
                 unbelief
                 .
              
               Wee
               'l
               relieve
               a
               poor
               
                 Old
                 man
              
               ,
               when
               we
               pass
               by
               the
               younger
               ;
               and
               he
               that
               hath
               planted
               that
               Compassion
               in
               us
               ,
               hath
               much
               more
               in
               himself
               .
               And
               then
               consider
               often
               of
               the
               Truth
               and
               Faithfulness
               of
               God
               ,
               whose
               Word
               is
               as
               sure
               as
               Deed.
               For
               all
               his
               promises
               are
               
                 Yea
                 and
                 Amen
                 in
                 Christ.
              
               Which
               Promises
               you
               ought
               to
               store
               up
               and
               study
               ;
               instead
               of
               counting
               over
               your
               Coyn
               or
               surveying
               your
               Bonds
               ,
               review
               the
               rich
               and
               precious
               promises
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               clear
               your
               Interest
               in
               them
               ;
               and
               they
               will
               beget
               new
               blood
               and
               spirits
               in
               your
               Souls
               ,
               so
               that
               
                 your
                 youth
                 will
                 be
                 renewed
                 as
                 the
                 Eagles
                 .
              
               And
               as
               long
               as
               ye
               are
               able
               ,
               attend
               upon
               the
               Preaching
               of
               
                 Gods
                 Word
              
               ;
               
               for
               as
               Faith
               comes
               ,
               so
               it
               
                 comes
                 on
              
               by
               hearing
               .
               The
               same
               Texts
               ,
               the
               same
               Truths
               ,
               the
               same
               Promises
               which
               you
               have
               often
               read
               and
               heard
               ,
               will
               still
               afford
               new
               strength
               to
               your
               Faith
               and
               Hope
               ,
               as
               long
               as
               you
               live
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               III.
               
            
             
               THE
               
                 Third
                 Grace
              
               proper
               for
               Old-age
               
               is
               Wisdom
               :
               which
               we
               take
               here
               in
               the
               largest
               and
               yet
               
                 truest
                 sence
              
               ,
               not
               once
               regarding
               that
               meer
               worldly
               wisdom
               ,
               which
               is
               not
               only
               
                 earthly
                 and
                 selfish
              
               ,
               but
               wicked
               and
               devilish
               ;
               that
               is
               only
               skill'd
               in
               getting
               an
               Estate
               by
               hook
               or
               crook
               ,
               and
               in
               keeping
               it
               without
               respect
               to
               God
               or
               our
               Neighbour
               .
               No
               ,
               this
               cannot
               in
               any
               tolerable
               sence
               be
               called
               Wisdom
               .
               It
               's
               absolute
               folly
               to
               lose
               ,
               yea
               to
               venture
               a
               Soul
               ,
               for
               what
               may
               be
               utterly
               lost
               to
               morrow
               .
               But
               I
               speak
               here
               of
               true
               Wisdom
               in
               its
               latitude
               ,
               teaching
               men
               to
               live
               safely
               and
               comfortably
               here
               ,
               and
               happily
               hereafter
               ;
               as
               it
               fixes
               upon
               a
               right
               End
               ,
               and
               chuses
               and
               uses
               the
               proper
               Means
               to
               attain
               it
               .
               This
               Grace
               directs
               a
               man
               to
               make
               choice
               of
               God
               for
               his
               Happiness
               ,
               and
               
               then
               diligently
               to
               apply
               himself
               to
               know
               ,
               love
               ,
               serve
               and
               enjoy
               him
               .
               This
               also
               guides
               him
               in
               all
               his
               imployments
               in
               this
               world
               ,
               to
               attempt
               nothing
               but
               what
               is
               
                 possible
                 ,
                 honest
              
               and
               useful
               ;
               to
               chuse
               the
               fittest
               means
               for
               the
               attainment
               of
               his
               just
               ends
               ;
               to
               place
               his
               words
               and
               actions
               in
               their
               proper
               circumstances
               ;
               not
               alwayes
               to
               take
               the
               next
               ,
               but
               the
               safest
               way
               to
               his
               desires
               ;
               and
               in
               short
               to
               
                 order
                 his
                 affairs
                 with
                 discretion
              
               .
            
             
               And
               this
               is
               the
               crown
               of
               Old-age
               l
               :
               Every
               Aged
               person
               is
               or
               should
               be
               truely
               wise
               ;
               
                 multitude
                 of
                 years
                 should
                 teach
                 wisdom
                 ,
                 Iob
              
               32.
               7.
               
               The
               crown
               of
               youth
               is
               their
               strength
               ,
               but
               the
               glory
               of
               Old-age
               is
               their
               wisdom
               .
               And
               
                 wisdom
                 is
                 better
                 than
                 strength
              
               ,
               Eccl.
               9.
               16.
               
               
                 VVisdom
                 strengtheneth
                 the
                 wise
                 more
                 than
                 ten
                 mighty
                 men
                 in
                 a
                 city
                 ,
              
               Eccl.
               7.
               19.
               
               By
               this
               the
               Aged
               are
               better
               inabled
               to
               discharge
               their
               duties
               to
               Husbands
               ,
               Wives
               ,
               Children
               ,
               Servants
               and
               Neighbours
               ,
               than
               ordinarily
               younger
               people
               are
               ;
               to
               dispose
               Spiritual
               and
               Secular
               duties
               in
               their
               right
               places
               ;
               to
               temper
               and
               guide
               that
               zeal
               and
               affection
               ,
               which
               without
               it
               is
               foolish
               and
               dangerous
               .
               The
               Rashness
               of
               young
               Counsels
               is
               evident
               in
               the
               case
               of
               Rehoboam
               ,
               1
               King.
               12.
               who
               following
               
               the
               heady
               and
               fierce
               advice
               of
               his
               Young
               Courtiers
               ,
               lost
               
                 ten
                 Tribes
              
               in
               one
               day
               ,
               which
               the
               sage
               Counsel
               of
               his
               
                 Old
                 Counsellours
              
               had
               certainly
               preserved
               .
               And
               it
               is
               known
               ,
               how
               often
               the
               Common-wealths
               of
               Athens
               ,
               and
               Rome
               were
               indangered
               by
               the
               folly
               and
               rashness
               of
               young
               heads
               ,
               had
               they
               not
               bin
               ballasted
               by
               the
               Sober
               and
               wary
               Interposition
               of
               graver
               persons
               .
            
             
               Younger
               people
               may
               excell
               in
               feats
               of
               activity
               ,
               but
               the
               Ancient
               do
               exceed
               in
               the
               skill
               of
               managery
               m
               .
               And
               upon
               this
               account
               that
               famous
               Fabius
               was
               called
               Maximus
               ,
               and
               was
               esteemed
               more
               useful
               to
               his
               Countrey
               by
               being
               the
               Buckler
               ,
               than
               Marcellus
               who
               was
               the
               Sword
               of
               the
               Common-wealth
               .
               Young
               people
               indeed
               may
               sooner
               apprehend
               a
               business
               ,
               and
               may
               more
               strenuously
               execute
               it
               ;
               but
               the
               
                 Old
                 man
              
               by
               comparing
               and
               weighing
               all
               circumstances
               can
               make
               a
               better
               judgment
               of
               it
               ,
               and
               so
               give
               better
               directions
               for
               the
               execution
               of
               it
               n
               .
               As
               it
               is
               said
               of
               young
               Musicians
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               
                 Sing
                 tunes
              
               better
               ,
               but
               the
               
                 Old
                 Musician
              
               can
               
                 set
                 lessons
              
               better
               .
               The
               Aged
               have
               not
               only
               read
               and
               heard
               ,
               but
               also
               seen
               such
               variety
               of
               Actions
               and
               Events
               ,
               
               that
               it
               renders
               them
               much
               more
               circumspect
               and
               wary
               in
               their
               courses
               .
               This
               made
               that
               Roman
               soon
               answer
               the
               Consul
               o
               ,
               that
               boasted
               he
               had
               many
               Arms
               by
               him
               ;
               Yes
               ,
               said
               he
               ,
               
                 and
                 I
                 have
                 many
                 Years
              
               .
               And
               the
               wisest
               of
               men
               concludes
               ,
               Eccl.
               9.
               18.
               that
               
                 wisdom
                 is
                 better
                 than
                 weapons
                 of
                 war.
              
               And
               this
               is
               rarely
               found
               in
               Novices
               ,
               they
               are
               too
               young
               to
               look
               backward
               ,
               and
               too
               rash
               to
               look
               forward
               .
               But
               the
               Aged
               person
               being
               taught
               by
               things
               past
               ,
               hath
               a
               clearer
               sight
               of
               things
               present
               ,
               and
               consequently
               doth
               more
               cautiously
               provide
               for
               things
               future
               .
               Words
               and
               Shews
               and
               Appearances
               do
               more
               easily
               deceive
               the
               Young
               ;
               but
               the
               Old
               see
               through
               all
               such
               varnish
               ,
               and
               penetrate
               into
               the
               inside
               of
               men
               and
               things
               p
               :
               and
               so
               are
               strangely
               stupid
               ,
               if
               they
               be
               not
               much
               accomplished
               with
               this
               vertue
               .
               Miserable
               is
               that
               Old-age
               ,
               saith
               Cicero
               q
               ,
               that
               hath
               nothing
               grave
               besides
               
                 gray
                 hairs
                 and
                 wrinkles
              
               .
               But
               any
               man
               that
               hath
               made
               but
               common
               Observations
               of
               what
               hath
               fallen
               out
               ,
               with
               their
               Causes
               and
               Effects
               ,
               during
               the
               space
               of
               forty
               or
               fifty
               years
               ,
               must
               needs
               understand
               better
               ,
               VVhat
               ,
               and
               How
               ,
               and
               VVhen
               a
               thing
               is
               to
               be
               
               done
               ,
               than
               those
               that
               have
               neither
               read
               ,
               seen
               ,
               or
               observed
               half
               so
               much
               r
               .
               Hence
               that
               Expression
               ,
               Psal.
               119.
               100.
               
               
                 I
                 understand
                 more
                 than
                 the
                 ancients
              
               ;
               which
               implies
               ,
               that
               the
               Ancients
               have
               ordinarily
               the
               greatest
               stock
               of
               understanding
               .
               Hereupon
               Themistocles
               is
               said
               to
               be
               
                 sorry
                 to
                 dye
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 began
                 to
                 be
                 wise
                 ,
              
               being
               
               then
               an
               
                 hundred
                 and
                 seven
              
               years
               of
               age
               :
               which
               is
               the
               common
               fate
               of
               mankind
               ,
               to
               dye
               even
               just
               then
               when
               they
               begin
               to
               know
               how
               to
               live
               ;
               and
               therefore
               no
               man
               should
               deferr
               his
               careful
               endeavours
               to
               get
               wisdom
               ,
               since
               there
               is
               a
               price
               put
               into
               
                 our
                 hands
              
               for
               that
               end
               ,
               if
               we
               have
               
                 but
                 an
                 heart
                 to
                 it
              
               ,
               Prov.
               17.
               16.
               
            
             
               Let
               it
               therefore
               be
               your
               study
               to
               get
               and
               increase
               in
               all
               wisdom
               s
               :
               chiefly
               for
               the
               attaining
               everlasting
               happiness
               .
               For
               unto
               man
               God
               hath
               said
               ,
               
                 Behold
                 the
                 fear
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 wisdom
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 depart
                 from
                 evil
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 understanding
                 ,
              
               Job
               28.
               28.
               
               For
               as
               it
               would
               be
               curious
               folly
               to
               contrive
               a
               neat
               House
               ,
               and
               then
               set
               it
               upon
               a
               quick-sand
               ;
               so
               doubtless
               all
               the
               policy
               of
               worldly
               men
               to
               get
               riches
               and
               a
               name
               ,
               if
               they
               do
               not
               truly
               fear
               God
               ,
               is
               but
               like
               an
               
                 house
                 upon
                 the
                 sand
              
               ,
               or
               a
               
                 spiders
                 web
              
               in
               the
               cieling
               ,
               which
               will
               quickly
               
               vanish
               .
               It
               's
               true
               Wisdom
               for
               every
               man
               to
               chuse
               the
               
                 Chiefest
                 Good
              
               for
               his
               ultimate
               End
               ,
               and
               then
               to
               take
               
                 Gods
                 Counsel
                 how
              
               to
               obtain
               it
               .
               
                 I
                 have
                 seen
                 five
                 Princes
              
               ,
               (
               said
               Sir
               
                 Io.
                 Mason
              
               ,
               on
               his
               death-bed
               ,
               )
               and
               
                 bin
                 Privy
                 Counsellour
                 to
                 four
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 seen
                 the
                 most
                 remarkable
                 Observables
                 in
                 forreign
                 parts
                 ,
                 and
                 bin
                 present
                 at
                 most
                 State-transactions
              
               for
               
                 Thirty
                 years
                 together
              
               ,
               and
               
                 I
                 have
                 learned
                 this
                 ,
                 after
                 so
                 many
                 years
                 experience
                 ,
              
               that
               
                 Seriousness
                 is
                 the
                 greatest
                 VVisdom
                 ,
                 Temperance
                 the
                 best
                 Physick
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 that
                 a
                 good
                 Conscience
                 is
                 the
                 best
                 Estate
                 :
              
               yea
               ,
               
                 I
                 would
                 change
                 the
                 whole
                 life
                 I
                 have
                 lived
                 in
                 the
                 Palace
                 ,
                 for
                 one
                 hours
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 the
                 Chappel
                 .
              
               O
               that
               all
               young
               persons
               would
               believe
               and
               consider
               this
               sage
               Observation
               of
               a
               dying
               man
               !
               For
               judge
               your
               own
               selves
               ,
               Is
               it
               wisdom
               to
               
                 do
                 that
              
               daily
               and
               wittingly
               ,
               which
               must
               be
               undone
               ?
               To
               pretend
               the
               
                 End
                 ,
                 happiness
              
               ;
               and
               neglect
               the
               
                 Means
                 ,
                 holiness
              
               ?
               To
               maintain
               strong
               hope
               ,
               and
               yet
               to
               have
               no
               ground
               for
               it
               ?
               To
               chuse
               the
               worst
               of
               Evils
               ,
               before
               the
               chief
               Good
               ?
               To
               live
               in
               Sin
               ,
               and
               yet
               expect
               to
               dy
               in
               Christ
               ?
               To
               defer
               the
               
                 greatest
                 business
              
               ,
               till
               we
               have
               the
               
                 least
                 fit
                 time
              
               ,
               and
               strength
               to
               do
               it
               ?
               and
               yet
               this
               is
               the
               wisdom
               that
               passes
               currant
               in
               this
               world
               .
            
             
             
               Endeavour
               also
               to
               store
               your
               minds
               with
               Prudence
               to
               order
               your
               affairs
               aright
               .
               There
               is
               no
               time
               ,
               or
               place
               ,
               or
               business
               ,
               but
               there
               is
               use
               for
               this
               ;
               not
               such
               constant
               use
               for
               
                 Iustice
                 ,
                 Fortitude
              
               ,
               or
               many
               other
               vertues
               .
               This
               will
               render
               your
               gray
               hairs
               really
               comely
               .
               I
               had
               rather
               ,
               saith
               Nazianzen
               ,
               have
               one
               drop
               of
               Prudence
               ,
               than
               a
               Sea
               of
               worldly
               riches
               .
               Integrity
               and
               Wisdom
               are
               good
               Companions
               .
               A
               
                 Serpents
                 Eye
              
               is
               a
               singular
               ornament
               in
               a
               
                 doves
                 head
              
               .
               Hereby
               you
               will
               be
               useful
               to
               your selves
               ,
               helpful
               to
               others
               ,
               beneficial
               to
               all
               .
               Happy
               is
               that
               City
               ,
               said
               Plutarch
               ,
               where
               the
               counsels
               of
               Old
               men
               ,
               and
               the
               arms
               of
               Young
               men
               concurr
               for
               the
               Common
               good
               t
               .
               Your
               time
               will
               be
               rightly
               divided
               ,
               your
               household
               affairs
               calmly
               and
               constantly
               managed
               ,
               and
               your
               mind
               freed
               from
               the
               hurry
               and
               perturbation
               ,
               which
               fills
               the
               lives
               of
               other
               men
               .
               
                 Then
                 I
                 saw
                 that
                 wisdom
                 ,
                 excelleth
                 folly
                 ;
                 as
                 far
                 as
                 light
                 excelleth
                 darkness
                 ,
              
               Eccl.
               2.
               13.
               
               The
               first
               Direction
               which
               the
               Apostle
               gives
               to
               Old
               men
               ,
               is
               ,
               Tit.
               2.
               2.
               
               
                 That
                 the
                 aged
                 men
                 be
                 sober
                 ,
                 grave
              
               —
               The
               infirmity
               of
               your
               bodies
               should
               promote
               the
               sobriety
               of
               your
               minds
               u
               :
               and
               folly
               is
               no
               where
               less
               excusable
               than
               in
               an
               aged
               person
               .
            
             
             
               You
               should
               therefore
               pray
               incessantly
               unto
               God
               for
               this
               Blessing
               .
               Jam.
               1.
               5.
               
               
                 If
                 any
                 of
                 you
                 lack
                 wisdom
                 ,
                 let
                 him
                 ask
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 given
                 him
              
               .
               And
               improve
               your
               Thinking
               time
               ;
               for
               meditation
               inriches
               the
               mind
               ,
               and
               helps
               us
               to
               draw
               such
               Inferences
               from
               what
               we
               have
               read
               and
               heard
               and
               seen
               ,
               which
               will
               serve
               for
               Rules
               of
               practice
               in
               every
               case
               .
               And
               especially
               Converse
               with
               the
               Scripture
               ,
               which
               will
               make
               you
               
                 wise
                 to
                 Salvation
              
               .
               Surely
               there
               is
               no
               book
               under
               heaven
               ,
               which
               affords
               such
               Rules
               of
               
                 ture
                 Prudence
              
               for
               the
               conduct
               of
               our
               lives
               ,
               as
               the
               
                 Book
                 of
                 Proverbs
              
               .
               And
               still
               remember
               this
               ,
               that
               the
               more
               wisdom
               ,
               the
               liker
               you
               will
               be
               to
               God
               ,
               and
               the
               more
               useful
               you
               will
               be
               to
               men
               .
               And
               certainly
               Usefulness
               is
               next
               to
               the
               
                 fruition
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               the
               greatest
               happiness
               of
               man
               upon
               earth
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               IV.
               
            
             
               THE
               
                 Fourth
                 Grace
              
               that
               Old-age
               doth
               
               or
               should
               excell
               in
               ,
               is
               Patience
               .
               Which
               is
               a
               quiet
               and
               chearful
               undergoing
               whatever
               Difficulties
               ,
               or
               Troubles
               ,
               
               are
               incident
               to
               us
               in
               this
               world
               w
               .
               It
               extends
               indeed
               ,
               in
               its
               largest
               sence
               ,
               to
               comprehend
               ,
               both
               
                 VVaiting
                 Gods
              
               time
               for
               the
               Blessings
               we
               want
               ,
               and
               Bearing
               what
               crosses
               he
               inflicts
               upon
               us
               ,
               either
               by
               his
               Own
               hand
               or
               by
               Others
               .
               When
               we
               neither
               sink
               by
               Despondency
               ,
               nor
               rage
               by
               inordinate
               Passion
               either
               at
               the
               stone
               ,
               or
               at
               the
               hand
               that
               throws
               it
               .
               And
               this
               not
               by
               vertue
               of
               a
               
                 Stoical
                 insensibleness
              
               ,
               or
               of
               some
               
                 moral
                 Arguments
              
               which
               might
               quiet
               some
               of
               the
               Philosophers
               under
               pain
               or
               losses
               ,
               but
               could
               never
               do
               it
               under
               disgrace
               .
               But
               that
               Patience
               which
               is
               directed
               by
               the
               Example
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               strengthened
               by
               the
               Grace
               and
               Spirit
               of
               Christ
               ,
               keepeth
               the
               Soul
               from
               secret
               repining
               ,
               or
               open
               murmuring
               at
               any
               event
               ,
               saves
               from
               distraction
               at
               present
               and
               from
               ruine
               hereafter
               .
            
             
               And
               herein
               Old-age
               doth
               or
               should
               excel
               x
               .
               They
               have
               met
               with
               many
               troubles
               in
               their
               pilgrimage
               ;
               and
               the
               Scripture
               tells
               us
               ,
               that
               
                 tribulation
                 worketh
                 patience
              
               ,
               Rom.
               5.
               3.
               consequently
               ,
               the
               
                 more
                 troubles
              
               ,
               the
               
                 greater
                 patience
              
               .
               They
               have
               bin
               taught
               to
               wait
               for
               some
               Mercies
               which
               they
               have
               desired
               ,
               for
               many
               years
               ;
               and
               so
               have
               bin
               taught
               Patience
               ,
               which
               when
               they
               have
               well
               learned
               ,
               
               then
               the
               Mercy
               hath
               been
               conferr'd
               .
               They
               have
               been
               tryed
               with
               many
               Afflictions
               from
               the
               hand
               of
               God
               ,
               either
               upon
               their
               Bodies
               ,
               as
               Sickness
               ,
               Pain
               ,
               &c.
               sometimes
               by
               acute
               ,
               sometimes
               by
               chronical
               Distempers
               ;
               and
               these
               have
               exercised
               and
               taught
               them
               Patience
               ;
               or
               upon
               their
               Souls
               ,
               as
               Desertions
               ,
               or
               other
               Impressions
               of
               divine
               Displeasure
               ,
               and
               thereby
               have
               learned
               quietly
               to
               
                 wait
                 for
                 the
                 Salvation
                 of
                 God
              
               ;
               or
               by
               the
               Death
               of
               their
               dear
               Consorts
               or
               Children
               ;
               all
               which
               ,
               by
               the
               blessing
               of
               God
               concurring
               therewith
               ,
               have
               like
               continual
               burdens
               on
               the
               shoulder
               ,
               inur'd
               and
               strengthened
               them
               in
               this
               Excellent
               Grace
               .
               The
               Aged
               Person
               hath
               also
               had
               many
               provocations
               ,
               losses
               ,
               and
               injuries
               from
               Men
               ,
               which
               have
               both
               tried
               and
               tamed
               his
               mettle
               .
               He
               hath
               been
               either
               uncomfortably
               
               Match't
               ,
               whereby
               his
               Patience
               hath
               been
               put
               to
               it
               every
               day
               ;
               or
               cross'd
               in
               his
               Children
               ,
               or
               fix't
               near
               some
               unquiet
               Neighbour
               ;
               or
               harrass'd
               by
               a
               costly
               and
               tedious
               
                 suit
                 of
                 Law
              
               ;
               any
               of
               which
               have
               forced
               him
               to
               exercise
               this
               Grace
               :
               Or
               else
               he
               hath
               been
               smitten
               in
               his
               Reputation
               ,
               or
               maim'd
               by
               some
               great
               loss
               or
               disappointment
               in
               his
               Estate
               ,
               where
               he
               hath
               had
               no
               
                 Remedy
                 but
                 Patience
              
               .
               I
               know
               
               these
               things
               do
               too
               often
               work
               the
               
                 wrong
                 way
              
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               they
               produce
               fretfulness
               ,
               rage
               ,
               melancholy
               ,
               and
               other
               dismal
               effects
               ;
               but
               in
               the
               upright
               man
               ,
               they
               sortifie
               his
               Spirits
               ,
               they
               break
               the
               pride
               ,
               security
               and
               stubbornness
               of
               his
               Soul
               ,
               and
               make
               him
               by
               
                 patient
                 continuance
                 in
                 well-doing
                 ,
                 seek
                 for
                 glory
                 ,
                 honour
                 and
                 immortality
                 ,
              
               and
               so
               fit
               him
               for
               
                 Eternal
                 Life
              
               .
            
             
               And
               the
               Aged
               do
               or
               should
               exceed
               those
               that
               are
               young
               herein
               .
               For
               the
               tender
               shoulders
               of
               these
               cannot
               well
               bear
               these
               burdens
               :
               As
               Ephraim
               once
               ,
               so
               they
               are
               like
               
                 bullocks
                 unaccustomed
                 to
                 the
                 yoke
              
               ,
               which
               fret
               and
               fume
               ,
               and
               are
               gall'd
               under
               the
               aforesaid
               tryals
               :
               Thô
               the
               
                 Holy
                 Ghost
              
               hath
               told
               us
               ,
               that
               
                 it
                 is
                 good
                 for
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 bear
                 the
                 yoke
                 in
                 his
                 youth
                 :
              
               But
               commonly
               it
               is
               some
               tract
               of
               time
               ,
               before
               this
               yoke
               is
               quietly
               and
               evenly
               carried
               .
               
                 Old
                 age
              
               doth
               most
               perfectly
               teach
               this
               lesson
               .
               He
               that
               in
               his
               youth
               would
               quickly
               have
               answered
               the
               Lye
               with
               his
               Sword
               ,
               will
               then
               answer
               it
               with
               a
               smile
               .
               The
               tears
               which
               in
               our
               youth
               we
               spent
               upon
               any
               trivial
               occasion
               ,
               we
               then
               reserve
               for
               better
               purposes
               ;
               and
               we
               come
               to
               learn
               manners
               to
               wait
               Gods
               time
               for
               the
               mercies
               we
               
               desire
               .
               Time
               and
               trials
               have
               taught
               the
               Old-man
               to
               digest
               hard
               words
               ,
               and
               hard
               things
               ,
               rather
               than
               to
               fight
               it
               out
               .
               Good
               David
               could
               better
               bear
               
               Shimei's
               Curse
               when
               he
               was
               grown
               into
               years
               ,
               than
               
               Nabal's
               Uncharitableness
               ,
               when
               he
               was
               younger
               :
               Now
               it
               was
               nothing
               but
               kill
               and
               slay
               ,
               at
               least
               every
               Male
               in
               
               Nabal's
               house
               ;
               but
               afterwards
               ,
               so
               
                 let
                 him
                 Curse
                 ,
                 because
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 said
                 unto
                 him
                 ,
                 Curse
                 David
                 :
                 Who
                 shall
                 then
                 say
                 ,
                 Wherefore
                 hast
                 thou
                 done
                 this
                 ?
              
               2
               Sam.
               16.
               10.
               
               And
               those
               Disciples
               of
               our
               Saviour
               ,
               who
               in
               their
               younger
               years
               would
               have
               had
               Fire
               sent
               from
               Heaven
               ,
               to
               revenge
               the
               incivility
               of
               the
               Samaritans
               ,
               they
               in
               their
               riper
               years
               had
               learned
               ,
               when
               
                 reviled
                 to
                 bless
              
               ,
               when
               
                 persecuted
                 to
                 suffer
                 it
              
               ;
               and
               to
               bear
               all
               indignities
               not
               only
               with
               much
               patience
               ,
               2
               Cor.
               6.
               4.
               but
               
                 with
                 all
                 patience
              
               ,
               2
               Cor.
               12.
               12.
               
               Such
               is
               the
               effect
               of
               years
               and
               experience
               by
               the
               blessing
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               And
               you
               that
               are
               in
               years
               must
               be
               inexcusable
               ,
               if
               you
               be
               defective
               in
               this
               Grace
               ,
               because
               you
               have
               been
               for
               a
               long
               time
               Scholars
               under
               a
               
                 Patient
                 Master
              
               ,
               who
               
                 hath
                 lest
                 us
                 an
                 Example
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 follow
                 his
                 steps
                 ;
                 who
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 reviled
                 ,
                 reviled
                 not
                 again
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 suffered
                 ,
              
               
               
                 he
                 threatned
                 not
              
               ,
               1
               Pet.
               2.
               21
               ,
               23.
               
               You
               have
               also
               read
               and
               heard
               many
               convincing
               Discourses
               upon
               this
               Subject
               ;
               you
               have
               seen
               the
               folly
               and
               madness
               of
               Impatience
               ,
               and
               of
               Revenge
               in
               others
               ;
               and
               you
               have
               had
               so
               many
               Crosses
               of
               your
               own
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               the
               absurdest
               thing
               imaginable
               for
               you
               to
               be
               destitute
               hereof
               .
               No
               great
               wonder
               to
               see
               an
               unback't
               Colt
               to
               winch
               and
               curvet
               at
               the
               spur
               or
               whip
               ,
               but
               if
               the
               old
               tryed
               Beast
               do
               so
               ,
               he
               is
               better
               fed
               than
               taught
               .
               No
               ,
               you
               should
               be
               
                 Patterns
                 of
                 Patience
              
               to
               others
               .
               We
               may
               well
               feel
               things
               as
               
                 Mortal
                 men
              
               ,
               (
               saith
               Mr.
               Hooper
               )
               yet
               overcome
               them
               as
               
                 Christian
                 men
              
               .
               Outward
               Afflictions
               may
               prick
               us
               ,
               but
               yet
               they
               should
               not
               pierce
               us
               .
               The
               
                 Old
                 Soldier
              
               will
               not
               fret
               at
               hard
               Marches
               ,
               hard
               Weather
               ,
               hard
               Usage
               ,
               for
               he
               hath
               been
               beaten
               to
               them
               :
               The
               
                 Old
                 Mariner
              
               repines
               not
               at
               the
               boisterous
               Winds
               ,
               or
               the
               threatning
               Waves
               .
               You
               are
               too
               Nice
               my
               Brother
               ,
               saith
               Hierom
               ,
               if
               you
               grudge
               to
               be
               
                 Tried
                 below
              
               ,
               yet
               expect
               to
               be
               
                 Crown'd
                 above
              
               .
            
             
               Labour
               therefore
               to
               get
               and
               increase
               your
               stock
               of
               
                 Patience
                 :
                 Let
                 Patience
                 have
                 her
                 perfect
                 work
                 ,
                 that
                 ye
                 may
                 be
                 perfect
                 and
                 intire
                 ,
                 wanting
                 nothing
                 ,
              
               Jam.
               1.
               4.
               
               This
               Grace
               you
               will
               daily
               need
               ,
               and
               
               daily
               use
               .
               For
               we
               
                 have
                 need
                 of
                 Patience
                 ,
                 that
                 after
                 we
                 have
                 done
                 the
                 Will
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 receive
                 the
                 Promise
                 ,
              
               Heb.
               10.
               36.
               
               It
               will
               be
               like
               a
               Buckler
               ,
               to
               save
               you
               harmless
               from
               the
               evil
               of
               Affliction
               :
               Though
               you
               have
               Faith
               ,
               Vertue
               ,
               Knowledge
               ,
               Temperance
               ,
               yet
               ye
               must
               add
               unto
               these
               
                 Patience
                 ,
                 that
                 ye
                 may
                 never
                 fall
                 ,
              
               2
               Pet.
               1.
               6.
               
               This
               will
               not
               only
               bridle
               your
               Tongue
               ,
               but
               quiet
               your
               Mind
               ,
               and
               keep
               you
               ,
               when
               dispossest
               of
               all
               other
               things
               ,
               in
               possession
               of
               your
               own
               Souls
               y
               :
               For
               an
               impatient
               man
               ,
               whilst
               he
               is
               afflicted
               by
               another
               ,
               even
               then
               punishes
               himself
               ,
               and
               so
               is
               his
               own
               greatest
               tormenter
               .
               Alas
               !
               you
               must
               still
               expect
               a
               succession
               of
               troubles
               ,
               and
               unexpected
               crosses
               ,
               until
               your
               Course
               be
               finished
               ;
               and
               if
               you
               escape
               these
               from
               abroad
               ,
               yet
               you
               may
               find
               occasion
               enough
               for
               your
               Patience
               with
               your
               own
               Children
               and
               Servants
               ,
               and
               perhaps
               with
               
                 nearer
                 Relations
              
               ;
               and
               though
               you
               should
               miss
               of
               these
               ,
               yet
               your
               own
               Distempers
               will
               try
               your
               Patience
               ;
               when
               you
               can
               neither
               eat
               your
               meat
               ,
               nor
               live
               without
               it
               ;
               neither
               sleep
               with
               refreshment
               ,
               nor
               lye
               awake
               with
               ease
               ;
               neither
               endure
               company
               ,
               nor
               be
               contented
               alone
               ;
               when
               you
               will
               be
               weary
               of
               every
               place
               ,
               of
               
               every
               posture
               ,
               and
               without
               Patience
               ,
               weary
               of
               your self
               :
               And
               therefore
               it
               greatly
               concerns
               you
               to
               store
               your selves
               with
               this
               needful
               ,
               this
               useful
               Grace
               .
            
             
               And
               to
               that
               End
               ,
               Inure
               your selves
               unto
               it
               
                 by
                 degrees
              
               :
               Strive
               to
               digest
               lesser
               wrongs
               ,
               provocations
               and
               losses
               ,
               which
               will
               prepare
               you
               to
               be
               quiet
               under
               greater
               .
               Whilst
               others
               are
               endeavouring
               to
               out-wit
               ,
               or
               out-power
               their
               adversaries
               ,
               be
               you
               labouring
               to
               overcome
               your
               own
               resentments
               ,
               to
               conquer
               your selves
               :
               And
               then
               set
               before
               you
               that
               mirrour
               of
               Patience
               ,
               the
               
                 Lord
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               who
               alwayes
               had
               Right
               and
               Power
               on
               his
               side
               ,
               and
               yet
               patiently
               bore
               the
               anger
               of
               God
               ,
               the
               reproaches
               of
               Men
               ,
               and
               the
               rage
               of
               Devils
               .
               It
               is
               reported
               of
               that
               noble
               Elziarius
               ,
               that
               he
               would
               set
               himself
               to
               think
               of
               the
               Injuries
               done
               to
               Christ
               ,
               'till
               he
               was
               fully
               contented
               to
               digest
               his
               own
               :
               For
               alas
               ,
               each
               of
               us
               deserves
               infinitely
               greater
               ,
               and
               yet
               we
               suffer
               infinitely
               less
               than
               He
               did
               .
               And
               this
               prevailed
               with
               the
               
                 Apostle
                 Iames
              
               and
               other
               Martyrs
               to
               express
               such
               Patience
               at
               their
               Sufferings
               ,
               that
               even
               that
               convinced
               some
               of
               their
               very
               Persecutors
               to
               declare
               themselves
               Christians
               .
               Above
               all
               ,
               Pray
               earnestly
               to
               him
               who
               is
               called
               ,
               
               Rom.
               15.
               5.
               the
               
                 God
                 of
                 Patience
              
               ,
               for
               a
               sufficient
               portion
               of
               this
               Grace
               :
               No
               Philosophical
               Arguments
               will
               compose
               the
               Mind
               like
               the
               Grace
               of
               God.
               I
               have
               read
               of
               a
               
                 Learned
                 Man
              
               ,
               it
               was
               
                 Iustus
                 Lipsius
              
               ,
               that
               being
               on
               his
               Death-bed
               ,
               One
               of
               his
               Friends
               told
               him
               ,
               it
               was
               needless
               to
               suggest
               arguments
               of
               Patience
               to
               him
               that
               was
               so
               well
               read
               in
               the
               Writings
               of
               the
               Stoicks
               ;
               thereupon
               ,
               instead
               of
               an
               answer
               ,
               turns
               him
               to
               God
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 Da
                 mihi
                 ,
                 Domine
                 Iesu
                 ,
                 patientiam
                 Christianam
                 ;
                 Lord
                 Iesus
                 bestow
                 upon
                 me
                 the
                 Christian
                 Patience
                 !
              
               So
               will
               your
               Burdens
               be
               tolerable
               ,
               your
               Life
               amiable
               ,
               your
               Relations
               comfortable
               ,
               your
               Mind
               calm
               ,
               and
               your
               Body
               easie
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               V.
               
            
             
               THE
               
                 Fifth
                 Excellency
              
               that
               doth
               or
               
               should
               adorn
               Old-age
               ,
               is
               Stedfastness
               :
               Which
               is
               a
               fixed
               settledness
               of
               the
               Soul
               ,
               influencing
               our
               Life
               and
               Actions
               ;
               and
               is
               oppos'd
               to
               that
               Levity
               and
               Inconstancy
               which
               is
               incident
               to
               young
               persons
               .
               The
               Aged
               man
               is
               Stedfast
               in
               his
               Mind
               and
               Iudgment
               ,
               and
               not
               easily
               unhinged
               
               there
               ;
               he
               is
               Fixed
               in
               his
               Will
               ,
               and
               not
               easily
               charm'd
               or
               drawn
               from
               his
               well-chosen
               Objects
               .
               In
               respect
               of
               God
               and
               the
               things
               of
               Religion
               ,
               a
               person
               in
               years
               is
               or
               should
               be
               like
               a
               Rock
               ,
               unmoveable
               ,
               not
               like
               the
               Ship
               that
               is
               tossed
               to
               and
               fro
               .
               Having
               considered
               and
               weighed
               their
               Principles
               ,
               no
               worldly
               consideration
               ,
               no
               plausible
               harangues
               ,
               no
               loss
               or
               punishment
               will
               induce
               them
               easily
               to
               alter
               the
               same
               .
               In
               respect
               of
               Others
               ,
               their
               Friendship
               being
               grounded
               upon
               a
               firm
               bottom
               is
               constant
               ,
               and
               they
               have
               learned
               to
               overlook
               ordinary
               failings
               ,
               and
               to
               put
               the
               best
               sense
               on
               the
               words
               and
               actions
               of
               a
               Friend
               .
               So
               likewise
               their
               
                 Conjugal
                 Love
              
               ,
               though
               the
               frothy
               fondness
               of
               it
               be
               worn
               off
               ,
               yet
               the
               strength
               and
               substance
               of
               it
               is
               unquestionable
               and
               unalterable
               .
               And
               then
               as
               to
               Themselves
               ,
               their
               Passions
               are
               by
               long
               endeavours
               so
               moderated
               and
               regulated
               ,
               that
               as
               their
               temper
               is
               far
               more
               even
               and
               uniform
               ,
               than
               once
               it
               was
               ;
               so
               also
               their
               Actions
               and
               course
               of
               life
               are
               more
               steady
               and
               consistent
               ,
               than
               in
               the
               dayes
               of
               their
               Vanity
               .
            
             
               I
               will
               not
               contend
               that
               
                 all
                 Aged
              
               People
               excell
               in
               this
               Stedfastness
               ,
               especially
               when
               Dotage
               invades
               Old-age
               ;
               but
               that
               generally
               
               it
               is
               so
               ,
               and
               universally
               it
               should
               be
               so
               ;
               and
               particular
               exceptions
               do
               always
               confirm
               general
               conclusions
               :
               Nor
               do
               I
               conclude
               that
               all
               young
               People
               are
               light
               and
               inconstant
               ,
               but
               it
               is
               too
               manifest
               to
               be
               denyed
               ,
               that
               Childhood
               and
               Youth
               have
               usually
               the
               large
               Sails
               ,
               but
               Old-age
               hath
               the
               solid
               Ballast
               ,
               and
               and
               therefore
               doth
               sail
               more
               steadily
               and
               more
               safely
               .
               Every
               Wind
               will
               make
               impression
               on
               the
               Young
               Tree
               ,
               but
               the
               
                 Old
                 Oak
              
               stands
               firm
               against
               the
               Storms
               .
               The
               young
               Horse
               may
               go
               more
               nimbly
               ,
               but
               the
               tried
               Beast
               goes
               more
               stedfastly
               and
               surely
               .
               Youth
               is
               the
               unsettled
               age
               ;
               the
               Head
               unsettled
               ,
               the
               Heart
               unsettled
               ,
               and
               the
               Life
               unsettled
               .
               When
               the
               
                 Wise
                 man
              
               exhorts
               to
               
                 remember
                 our
                 Creator
                 in
                 the
                 days
                 of
                 our
                 Youth
                 ,
              
               Eccles.
               12.
               1.
               that
               
                 word
                 Youth
              
               comes
               of
               a
               root
               signifying
               Choice
               ;
               which
               seems
               to
               imply
               ,
               that
               Youth
               is
               a
               time
               wherein
               Persons
               are
               undetermined
               ;
               they
               have
               their
               Religion
               ,
               their
               Relations
               ,
               their
               Vocation
               to
               choose
               ;
               but
               when
               a
               man
               is
               crown'd
               with
               years
               ,
               then
               he
               is
               in
               a
               settled
               estate
               :
               Settled
               in
               Judgment
               ,
               settled
               in
               his
               Purposes
               ,
               settled
               in
               his
               Practice
               ,
               and
               commonly
               settled
               in
               his
               Comfort
               :
               When
               the
               Apostle
               Paul
               was
               near
               his
               End
               ,
               then
               he
               could
               
               say
               ,
               2
               Tim.
               1.
               12
               
               
                 I
                 know
                 whom
                 I
                 have
                 believed
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 am
                 perswaded
                 ,
              
               &c.
               
            
             
               For
               indeed
               the
               Constitution
               and
               Temper
               of
               the
               Aged
               disposeth
               them
               hereunto
               :
               Their
               Sanguine
               and
               Mercurial
               days
               are
               done
               ;
               their
               Phlegm
               and
               Melancholy
               further
               their
               Stedfastness
               ,
               either
               in
               good
               or
               evil
               .
               They
               have
               seen
               the
               World
               ,
               the
               vanities
               and
               varieties
               of
               men
               and
               things
               ,
               of
               opinions
               and
               practices
               ,
               they
               have
               
                 tried
                 all
                 things
              
               ,
               and
               therefore
               are
               likelier
               to
               
                 hold
                 fast
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 good
                 .
              
               And
               as
               there
               is
               a
               wearisomness
               of
               the
               Body
               ,
               so
               there
               is
               a
               certain
               weariness
               of
               the
               Mind
               ,
               which
               makes
               it
               desirous
               to
               be
               fixt
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               at
               rest
               .
               And
               having
               often
               heard
               ,
               read
               and
               pondered
               the
               things
               of
               Religion
               ,
               and
               also
               tasted
               the
               real
               comfort
               and
               sweetness
               in
               them
               ,
               they
               are
               not
               easily
               either
               flatter'd
               ,
               or
               frighted
               out
               of
               them
               .
               Their
               approach
               to
               Death
               adds
               also
               to
               their
               Constancy
               ;
               why
               should
               they
               through
               fear
               recede
               from
               their
               Principles
               ,
               that
               in
               a
               short
               time
               must
               dye
               of
               necessity
               ?
               Hence
               that
               saying
               of
               Archbishop
               
                 Whitgift
                 ,
                 Two
              
               things
               help
               men
               to
               be
               resolute
               in
               a
               
                 good
                 Cause
              
               ,
               namely
               Old-age
               and
               
                 Want
                 of
                 Issue
              
               .
               And
               it
               is
               recorded
               ,
               that
               when
               all
               the
               City
               of
               Athens
               yielded
               to
               the
               Tyranny
               of
               
                 Pisistratus
                 ,
                 Solon
              
               
               only
               oppos'd
               him
               ;
               and
               being
               interrogated
               by
               him
               ,
               what
               made
               him
               have
               such
               Confidence
               ,
               he
               answer'd
               ,
               
                 It
                 was
                 his
                 Old-age
              
               :
               He
               knew
               the
               Tyrant
               could
               not
               despise
               him
               of
               many
               years
               ;
               and
               he
               that
               cannot
               lose
               many
               years
               ,
               needs
               not
               fear
               other
               losses
               ;
               and
               so
               may
               well
               be
               stedfast
               and
               unmovable
               in
               his
               Duty
               .
            
             
               Let
               it
               be
               your
               Care
               therefore
               to
               be
               rooted
               and
               grounded
               in
               the
               Principle
               and
               Practice
               of
               true
               Piety
               :
               Be
               not
               like
               
                 Children
                 tossed
                 too
                 and
                 fro
                 with
                 every
                 wind
                 of
                 Doctrine
                 .
              
               It
               is
               an
               arrant
               shame
               for
               you
               that
               are
               Old
               ,
               to
               have
               your
               Religion
               to
               chuse
               ,
               or
               to
               change
               it
               every
               month
               :
               It
               is
               not
               for
               you
               to
               follow
               fashions
               in
               Religion
               :
               But
               you
               should
               be
               
                 rooted
                 and
                 built
                 up
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 stablished
                 in
                 the
                 Faith
                 as
                 ye
                 have
                 been
                 taught
                 ,
                 abounding
                 therein
                 with
                 thanksgiving
                 ,
              
               Colos.
               2.
               7.
               
               Ability
               and
               Stability
               should
               be
               your
               peculiar
               honour
               .
               Young
               Persons
               may
               have
               a
               land-flood
               of
               Devotion
               and
               Zeal
               :
               You
               ought
               to
               pass
               like
               a
               still
               and
               constant
               River
               ;
               you
               should
               be
               constant
               in
               Prayer
               ,
               in
               Watchfulness
               ,
               in
               Charity
               ,
               &c.
               
               While
               the
               goodness
               of
               many
               young
               People
               is
               
                 as
                 a
                 morning
                 cloud
              
               ,
               and
               as
               
                 the
                 early
                 dew
                 that
                 passeth
                 away
              
               ;
               your
               path
               should
               be
               as
               the
               
                 shining
                 light
              
               ,
               that
               
                 shineth
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 unto
                 the
              
               
               
                 perfect
                 day
              
               .
               As
               the
               the
               motion
               of
               
                 natural
                 bodies
              
               ,
               when
               they
               approach
               their
               center
               ,
               is
               more
               swift
               ;
               so
               your
               motions
               should
               withal
               be
               more
               steady
               .
               It
               was
               no
               honour
               to
               that
               
                 Noble
                 Marquess
              
               z
               ,
               who
               being
               askt
               how
               he
               could
               maintain
               his
               standing
               in
               the
               reign
               of
               
                 four
                 Princes
              
               ,
               who
               also
               were
               of
               different
               Sentiments
               in
               Religion
               ,
               to
               return
               this
               Answer
               ;
               he
               perform'd
               it
               by
               imitating
               the
               twining
               Willow
               ,
               and
               not
               the
               sturdy
               Oak
               .
               No
               ,
               it
               is
               impossible
               to
               be
               upright
               without
               Courage
               a
               .
               That
               's
               the
               happy
               man
               ,
               either
               young
               or
               old
               ,
               who
               is
               like
               
                 Athanasius
                 ,
                 Magnes
                 &
                 Adamas
              
               ;
               of
               a
               temper
               and
               converse
               to
               attract
               Love
               and
               Respect
               ;
               and
               yet
               of
               Principles
               and
               Resolutions
               to
               withstand
               ,
               in
               a
               good
               cause
               ,
               all
               opposition
               .
               The
               weakness
               of
               your
               Limbs
               and
               Senses
               ,
               should
               be
               compensated
               with
               stability
               and
               strength
               in
               your
               Spirit
               .
               The
               
                 Aged
                 mind
              
               alone
               grows
               young
               b
               .
               
                 We
                 faint
                 not
              
               ,
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               but
               
                 as
                 the
                 outward
                 man
                 perisheth
                 ,
                 so
                 should
                 your
                 inward
                 man
                 be
                 renewed
                 day
                 by
                 day
                 ,
              
               2
               Cor.
               4.
               16.
               
            
             
               For
               this
               purpose
               ,
               you
               should
               weigh
               and
               examine
               your
               Principles
               well
               .
               Those
               of
               Religion
               ,
               by
               the
               Rule
               of
               the
               Scriptures
               ;
               those
               of
               
                 humane
                 Life
              
               ,
               in
               the
               scales
               of
               
               Reason
               :
               and
               having
               once
               well
               fixt
               them
               ,
               alter
               them
               not
               upon
               every
               Suggestion
               .
               The
               manifest
               cause
               of
               most
               mens
               Unstedfastness
               ,
               both
               in
               Iudgment
               and
               Practice
               ,
               is
               their
               rash
               embracing
               of
               those
               Points
               that
               should
               have
               been
               well
               weighed
               at
               the
               first
               :
               for
               what
               they
               have
               swallowed
               down
               by
               Wholesale
               ,
               they
               will
               Vomit
               up
               again
               by
               Retail
               in
               time
               of
               tryal
               .
               My
               Lord
               Verulam's
               observation
               is
               very
               true
               ,
               
                 He
                 that
                 begins
                 in
                 doubts
                 ,
                 will
                 end
                 in
                 certainties
                 ;
                 and
                 he
                 that
                 begins
                 in
                 certainties
                 ,
                 will
                 end
                 in
                 doubts
                 .
              
               Add
               to
               this
               ,
               a
               conscionable
               Practice
               of
               your
               sound
               and
               honest
               Principles
               †
               .
               This
               will
               acquaint
               you
               with
               that
               comfort
               and
               sweetness
               ,
               which
               will
               stablish
               your
               mind
               in
               them
               more
               and
               more
               .
               A
               
                 rotten
                 Heart
              
               is
               apt
               to
               produce
               a
               
                 giddy
                 Head
              
               ;
               whereas
               righteousness
               both
               directs
               ,
               and
               keeps
               him
               that
               is
               upright
               in
               the
               way
               ,
               Prov.
               11.
               5.
               with
               chap.
               13.
               6.
               
               All
               the
               parts
               and
               learning
               in
               the
               World
               will
               not
               fix
               the
               Head
               and
               Heart
               ,
               like
               Sincerity
               :
               It
               is
               
                 good
                 that
                 the
                 Heart
                 be
                 established
                 with
                 Grace
                 ,
              
               Heb.
               13.
               9.
               
               Experience
               in
               Religion
               ,
               will
               make
               you
               stedfast
               in
               Religion
               .
               And
               lastly
               ,
               Pray
               earnestly
               unto
               God
               to
               make
               you
               stedfast
               .
               See
               how
               emphatically
               the
               
                 Apostle
                 Paul
              
               
               mentions
               this
               ,
               2
               Thes.
               2.
               17.
               
               
                 Now
                 our
                 Lord
                 Iesus
                 Christ
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 God
                 even
                 our
                 Father
                 —
                 stablish
                 you
                 .
              
               For
               we
               are
               weak
               Creatures
               ,
               yea
               ,
               Knowledge
               and
               Grace
               are
               but
               Creatures
               ;
               but
               earnest
               Prayer
               will
               ingage
               the
               help
               and
               support
               of
               
                 Almighty
                 God
              
               ,
               who
               can
               and
               will
               
                 stablish
                 ,
                 strengthen
                 ,
                 settle
                 you
                 ,
              
               1
               Pet.
               5.
               10.
               
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               VI.
               
            
             
               THE
               
                 Sixth
                 Grace
              
               wherein
               Old-age
               
               doth
               or
               snould
               excell
               ,
               is
               
                 Temperance
                 and
                 Sobriety
              
               c
               .
               That
               's
               the
               Injunction
               of
               the
               
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 Tit.
              
               2.
               2.
               
               
                 That
                 the
                 Aged
                 men
                 be
                 sober
                 ,
                 grave
                 ,
                 temperate
                 .
              
               By
               this
               Temperance
               ,
               I
               understand
               that
               Fruit
               of
               the
               Spirit
               which
               bridleth
               our
               inordinate
               affections
               in
               all
               outward
               mercies
               ;
               or
               more
               strictly
               ,
               which
               observes
               a
               right
               mean
               in
               desiring
               ,
               and
               using
               the
               
                 Pleasures
                 of
                 the
                 Senses
              
               :
               and
               so
               in
               respect
               of
               Meat
               ,
               it
               is
               Abstinence
               ;
               in
               respect
               of
               
                 Drinking
                 ,
                 Sobriety
              
               :
               in
               respect
               of
               other
               
                 carnal
                 pleasures
                 ,
                 Chastity
              
               .
               All
               these
               the
               Temperate
               man
               curbs
               by
               holy
               Reason
               ,
               and
               by
               holy
               Force
               .
               Hereby
               he
               sti●…es
               
               the
               inordinate
               Desire
               ,
               and
               restrains
               the
               Use
               within
               its
               due
               bounds
               ;
               he
               mortifies
               the
               unlawful
               ,
               and
               moderates
               the
               lawful
               pleasures
               and
               recreations
               of
               the
               Body
               ;
               He
               neither
               absolutely
               refuseth
               them
               ,
               nor
               inordinately
               desireth
               or
               useth
               them
               .
            
             
               Now
               this
               Grace
               is
               very
               proper
               ,
               tho
               not
               peculiar
               to
               Old-age
               .
               They
               especially
               do
               or
               ought
               to
               excell
               herein
               .
               There
               is
               indeed
               a
               Proverbial
               saying
               ,
               that
               
                 Wine
                 is
                 the
              
               
               
                 Milk
                 of
                 Old-men
              
               :
               some
               intemperate
               men
               there
               may
               be
               of
               every
               age
               ,
               but
               God
               forbid
               that
               this
               Proverb
               should
               be
               adaequate
               to
               Old-age
               .
               True
               it
               is
               ,
               that
               where
               there
               be
               the
               decays
               of
               Nature
               ,
               there
               is
               more
               need
               of
               reparation
               ,
               and
               that
               the
               most
               reviving
               means
               are
               expedient
               for
               that
               end
               .
               Whereupon
               Plato
               permits
               ancient
               
               persons
               to
               drink
               more
               liberally
               ,
               to
               alleviate
               their
               troubles
               ,
               and
               to
               soften
               their
               Spirits
               ,
               as
               Iron
               is
               softned
               by
               the
               Fire
               .
               But
               commonly
               the
               Aged
               are
               by
               
                 Gods
                 Grace
              
               ,
               weaned
               from
               the
               excesses
               of
               Youth
               .
               The
               
                 Lusts
                 of
                 the
                 Flesh
                 ,
                 the
                 Lust
                 of
                 the
                 Eyes
                 ,
              
               and
               the
               
                 Pride
                 of
                 Life
              
               have
               ,
               too
               usually
               ,
               their
               distinct
               Seasons
               of
               rule
               ,
               or
               at
               least
               molestation
               in
               the
               Soul
               of
               man.
               And
               the
               First
               having
               had
               its
               course
               in
               the
               time
               of
               Youth
               ,
               its
               reign
               is
               expired
               ,
               and
               the
               Aged
               must
               now
               combate
               th●…
               
               other
               Two
               as
               well
               as
               he
               can
               .
               The
               Decays
               of
               natural
               strength
               are
               great
               helps
               to
               the
               
                 Old-mans
                 Temperance
              
               ;
               he
               cannot
               ,
               if
               he
               would
               ,
               Eat
               and
               Drink
               ,
               and
               act
               his
               Lust
               as
               heretofore
               ;
               and
               altho
               this
               Inability
               doth
               not
               make
               him
               a
               Temperate
               man
               ,
               yet
               hereby
               the
               Discontinuance
               of
               the
               Acts
               weaken
               the
               Habit
               ;
               and
               his
               contentedness
               therewith
               ,
               and
               his
               hearty
               thankfulness
               for
               this
               reformation
               may
               be
               accounted
               
                 real
                 Temperance
              
               d
               :
               especially
               when
               he
               can
               reflect
               upon
               his
               former
               disorders
               with
               Grief
               ,
               Hatred
               and
               Shame
               .
               Now
               they
               find
               by
               experience
               ,
               that
               a
               man
               may
               live
               more
               comfortably
               ,
               and
               healthfully
               with
               less
               Meat
               ,
               less
               Drink
               ,
               and
               less
               Sleep
               ,
               than
               young
               people
               indulge
               themselves
               withal
               :
               and
               other
               carnal
               pleasures
               are
               indifferent
               to
               them
               ,
               because
               
                 desire
                 doth
                 fail
              
               :
               and
               it
               is
               much
               better
               and
               easier
               to
               want
               desires
               ,
               than
               to
               fulfill
               them
               ;
               as
               it
               is
               far
               better
               not
               to
               Itch
               ,
               than
               to
               have
               the
               pleasure
               of
               scratching
               where
               it
               itcheth
               .
            
             
               But
               now
               the
               pious
               
                 Old
                 person
              
               hath
               really
               
                 crucified
                 the
                 Flesh
                 with
                 the
                 Affections
                 and
                 Lusts
              
               ;
               His
               Sins
               did
               not
               leave
               him
               ,
               but
               he
               hath
               left
               them
               .
               They
               have
               not
               heard
               and
               read
               the
               Scripture
               so
               long
               in
               vain
               ,
               which
               every
               where
               disgraceth
               
               and
               condemneth
               all
               
                 excess
                 and
                 riot
                 ,
                 all
                 Chambering
                 and
                 Wantonness
                 ,
              
               and
               obligeth
               all
               Christians
               to
               
                 deny
                 themselves
              
               ,
               and
               to
               pluck
               out
               the
               
                 right
                 Eye
              
               that
               doth
               offend
               them
               .
               They
               have
               found
               by
               experience
               that
               as
               true
               Vertue
               ,
               so
               true
               Satisfaction
               is
               only
               found
               in
               a
               Mediocrity
               ;
               and
               that
               all
               extremes
               and
               inordinacies
               ,
               are
               offensive
               both
               to
               the
               Mind
               and
               Body
               .
               I
               
                 said
                 of
                 Laughter
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 mad
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 Mirth
                 ,
                 what
                 doth
                 it
                 ?
              
               Eccles.
               2.
               2.
               
               This
               was
               the
               Verdict
               which
               wise
               Solomon
               brought
               in
               his
               Old-age
               ,
               when
               he
               had
               
                 not
                 withheld
                 his
                 Heart
                 from
                 any
                 joy
                 ,
                 &c.
              
               yet
               then
               he
               concludes
               ,
               
                 all
                 was
                 vanity
                 and
                 vexation
                 of
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 was
                 no
                 profit
                 under
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
              
               Eccles.
               2.
               10.
               
               Besides
               ,
               they
               who
               have
               lived
               long
               ,
               have
               seen
               the
               woful
               Effects
               of
               Drunkenness
               ,
               Uncleanness
               ,
               and
               Luxury
               ;
               how
               many
               Bodies
               they
               have
               destroyed
               ,
               how
               many
               Estates
               and
               Families
               they
               have
               ruined
               ,
               and
               what
               small
               pity
               the
               miserable
               Spend-thrift
               meets
               with
               in
               those
               persons
               and
               places
               ,
               where
               he
               hath
               consumed
               his
               substance
               .
               These
               and
               such
               like
               observations
               have
               contributed
               to
               the
               Aged
               mans
               Sobriety
               ,
               they
               have
               been
               
                 Pillars
                 of
                 Salt
              
               to
               him
               .
            
             
               So
               that
               any
               Licenciousness
               in
               a
               person
               of
               Years
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               most
               pernicious
               to
               him
               ,
               
               so
               it
               is
               intolerable
               to
               him
               .
               It
               makes
               them
               the
               objects
               both
               of
               
                 laughter
                 ,
                 scorn
              
               ,
               and
               detestation
               .
               Every
               excess
               in
               them
               debilitates
               their
               Nature
               ,
               sullies
               their
               Reputation
               ,
               and
               shakes
               their
               Grace
               exceedingly
               .
               When
               
                 Old
                 people
              
               fall
               ,
               they
               fall
               with
               a
               great
               weight
               ,
               and
               are
               crush'd
               more
               than
               younger
               people
               ,
               and
               perhaps
               they
               have
               more
               difficulty
               to
               rise
               again
               .
               Far
               more
               excuses
               are
               found
               for
               the
               Lapses
               of
               young
               people
               ,
               than
               can
               be
               pretended
               by
               the
               Aged
               ;
               their
               faults
               are
               crimes
               ,
               and
               their
               crimes
               are
               prodigies
               e
               .
               As
               their
               Diseases
               ,
               so
               their
               Exorbitances
               are
               far
               more
               dangerous
               .
            
             
               Let
               it
               therefore
               be
               your
               constant
               care
               to
               keep
               your selves
               within
               the
               bounds
               of
               Temperance
               and
               Sobriety
               .
               And
               that
               both
               for
               Others
               sakes
               ,
               and
               for
               your
               Own.
               You
               should
               be
               examples
               ,
               O
               be
               not
               
                 stumbling
                 Blocks
              
               to
               younger
               people
               .
               Your
               vices
               may
               propagate
               when
               your
               persons
               are
               past
               it
               ;
               and
               those
               that
               are
               Eye
               or
               Ear-witnesses
               of
               your
               follies
               ,
               may
               derive
               the
               practice
               of
               them
               to
               the
               Child
               that
               is
               yet
               unborn
               ;
               and
               altho
               you
               may
               recover
               by
               true
               Repentance
               ,
               yet
               they
               may
               stumble
               upon
               you
               ,
               and
               fall
               and
               never
               rise
               again
               .
               Entail
               not
               a
               Curse
               upon
               your
               Posterity
               ,
               do
               not
               nourish
               in
               them
               ,
               
               that
               natural
               depravation
               ,
               which
               in
               equity
               you
               ought
               rather
               to
               cure
               .
               And
               for
               your
               Own
               sake
               be
               sober
               ,
               be
               vigilant
               ;
               for
               you
               are
               upon
               the
               confines
               of
               the
               everlasting
               World
               ;
               a
               World
               wherein
               all
               sensual
               enjoyments
               will
               be
               for
               ever
               out
               of
               date
               ;
               endeavour
               to
               go
               off
               the
               Stage
               without
               a
               Blemish
               .
               When
               some
               Courtiers
               were
               sent
               to
               S
               r
               
                 Fr.
                 Walsingham
              
               ,
               being
               sick
               and
               sad
               ,
               to
               make
               him
               merry
               ,
               
                 God
                 ,
                 said
                 he
                 ,
                 is
                 serious
                 in
                 his
                 Law
                 ,
                 
                   Iesus
                   Christ
                
                 was
                 serious
                 in
                 his
                 Death
                 ,
                 the
                 
                   Holy
                   Ghost
                
                 is
                 serious
                 in
                 his
                 dealing
                 with
                 our
                 Souls
                 ,
                 all
                 in
                 Heaven
                 and
                 Hell
                 are
                 serious
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 a
                 Man
                 that
                 hath
                 one
                 Foot
                 in
                 the
                 Grave
                 ,
                 
                   Laugh
                   and
                   Iest
                
                 ?
              
               Take
               warning
               by
               poor
               
                 Noah
                 ,
                 One
                 hours
                 Drunkenness
              
               discovered
               that
               ,
               which
               
                 Six
                 hundred
                 years
                 Sobriety
              
               had
               concealed
               .
               If
               his
               inexperience
               did
               in
               any
               degree
               excuse
               him
               ,
               you
               can
               make
               no
               such
               pretence
               .
               If
               you
               have
               any
               regard
               to
               the
               Health
               and
               Vigour
               of
               your
               Bodies
               ,
               to
               the
               quiet
               and
               welfare
               of
               your
               Souls
               ,
               to
               the
               pleasing
               and
               honouring
               of
               God
               ,
               bridle
               your
               appetite
               and
               check
               the
               pleasures
               of
               your
               Senses
               .
               In
               short
               ,
               there
               is
               ,
               as
               we
               observed
               before
               ,
               no
               better
               way
               to
               spin
               out
               your
               lives
               ,
               to
               make
               Old-age
               pleasant
               ,
               and
               Death
               easie
               ,
               than
               the
               exercise
               of
               
               this
               Vertue
               .
               The
               instance
               of
               Cornaro
               a
               learned
               and
               rich
               Venetian
               is
               common
               ,
               that
               with
               a
               sparing
               and
               orderly
               Diet
               lived
               to
               a
               great
               Age
               with
               little
               inconvenience
               .
               To
               deny
               a
               mans
               self
               ,
               is
               the
               way
               to
               please
               himself
               at
               length
               ;
               and
               by
               opposing
               the
               preternatural
               desires
               of
               the
               Body
               ,
               we
               contribute
               to
               the
               true
               happiness
               even
               of
               the
               Body
               it self
               .
            
             
               And
               here
               comes
               in
               the
               use
               and
               exercise
               of
               Mortification
               ,
               wherein
               tho
               a
               
                 wise
                 man
              
               may
               make
               some
               steps
               ,
               yet
               the
               work
               cannot
               be
               done
               without
               the
               assistance
               of
               
                 Gods
                 Holy
                 Spirit
                 .
                 If
                 ye
                 through
                 the
                 Spirit
                 mortify
                 the
                 deeds
                 of
                 the
                 Body
                 ,
                 ye
                 shall
                 live
                 ,
              
               Rom.
               8.
               13.
               
               Implore
               therefore
               the
               aid
               of
               this
               good
               Spirit
               ,
               who
               can
               make
               you
               mortally
               to
               hate
               that
               which
               you
               now
               do
               ardently
               love
               ;
               and
               will
               pluck
               up
               the
               roots
               of
               that
               ,
               whereof
               Morality
               doth
               only
               shave
               the
               Hair.
               Set
               the
               Spectacle
               of
               Death
               oft
               before
               you
               ,
               and
               of
               that
               
                 endless
                 Estate
              
               to
               which
               you
               are
               such
               near
               Neighbours
               ;
               and
               think
               how
               unsuitable
               a
               
                 vain
                 life
              
               is
               ,
               to
               a
               
                 serious
                 Death
              
               .
               Be
               much
               in
               Prayer
               ,
               and
               if
               need
               be
               add
               Fasting
               thereunto
               ,
               that
               your
               
                 moderation
                 may
                 be
                 known
                 unto
                 all
                 men
                 ,
              
               seeing
               undoubtedly
               to
               Old
               people
               ,
               
                 The
                 Lord
                 is
                 at
                 hand
              
               .
            
          
           
             
             
               SECT
               .
               VII
               .
            
             
               THE
               
                 Seventh
                 Grace
              
               proper
               for
               Old-age
               ,
               
               is
               Charity
               or
               Love.
               Not
               that
               sensual
               or
               
                 carnal
                 Love
              
               which
               is
               proper
               or
               rather
               common
               to
               Youth
               ,
               and
               which
               hath
               long
               since
               dropt
               off
               ,
               like
               Leaves
               ,
               in
               the
               Autumn
               of
               their
               Age
               ;
               but
               that
               Grace
               which
               disposeth
               the
               Heart
               to
               think
               the
               best
               ,
               the
               Tongue
               to
               speak
               the
               best
               ,
               and
               the
               whole
               man
               to
               promote
               the
               Welfare
               of
               Others
               .
               The
               Seat
               or
               chief
               Mansion
               of
               this
               ,
               is
               the
               Heart
               ,
               which
               being
               filled
               with
               this
               Grace
               ,
               it
               is
               diffused
               every
               way
               ,
               and
               the
               whole
               man
               is
               tinctur'd
               with
               it
               .
               It
               obligeth
               a
               man
               to
               Think
               the
               best
               of
               every
               man.
               
                 Charity
                 thinketh
                 no
                 evil
                 ,
                 believeth
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 hopeth
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 beareth
                 all
                 things
                 .
              
               By
               this
               we
               are
               ready
               to
               account
               the
               
                 Certain
                 good
              
               things
               in
               Others
               ,
               better
               than
               they
               are
               ;
               the
               
                 certain
                 Evils
              
               in
               others
               ,
               less
               than
               they
               are
               ;
               the
               good
               that
               is
               but
               doubtful
               in
               others
               ,
               
                 certain
                 ;
                 and
                 doubtful
                 Evils
                 ,
                 none
              
               f
               .
               And
               it
               rests
               not
               in
               Opinion
               ,
               but
               works
               by
               Desire
               ,
               whereby
               the
               Heart
               doth
               unfeignedly
               desire
               the
               
                 Temporal
                 ,
                 Spiritual
              
               and
               
               Eternal
               good
               of
               all
               men
               .
               Neither
               doth
               it
               rest
               there
               ,
               but
               shews
               it self
               in
               Endeavour
               ,
               and
               that
               both
               by
               Word
               and
               Deed
               ;
               speaking
               To
               them
               ,
               Of
               them
               ,
               For
               them
               to
               God
               and
               man
               what
               may
               conduce
               thereunto
               ;
               in
               their
               Lips
               is
               the
               
                 Law
                 of
                 kindness
                 .
                 Charity
                 vaunteth
                 not
                 it self
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 puffed
                 up
                 ,
                 doth
                 not
                 behave
                 it self
                 unseemly
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 easily
                 provoked
                 ,
              
               1
               Cor.
               13.
               5.
               
               Neither
               will
               Words
               satisfie
               it
               ,
               but
               doth
               actually
               help
               and
               cheerfully
               succour
               every
               Body
               ,
               as
               their
               occasion
               requires
               ,
               and
               his
               own
               ability
               extends
               .
            
             
               And
               in
               this
               Grace
               doth
               every
               
                 good
                 Old
              
               Man
               and
               Woman
               excell
               .
               This
               was
               the
               eminent
               Grace
               of
               the
               
                 Evangelist
                 Iohn
              
               in
               his
               Old-age
               ,
               for
               he
               lived
               longer
               than
               any
               of
               the
               Apostles
               ;
               and
               his
               Swan-like
               Song
               still
               was
               Love
               ,
               as
               is
               evident
               in
               all
               his
               Epistles
               :
               yea
               ,
               some
               
                 Church
                 Historians
              
               affirm
               ,
               that
               when
               he
               could
               go
               no
               longer
               by
               reason
               of
               his
               Age
               into
               the
               
                 Christian
                 Assemblies
              
               ;
               yet
               he
               was
               instant
               to
               be
               led
               or
               carried
               there
               ,
               where
               the
               substance
               of
               what
               he
               was
               able
               to
               say
               ,
               was
               ,
               
                 little
                 Children
                 ,
                 love
                 one
                 another
                 .
              
               And
               you
               may
               find
               ,
               how
               pathetical
               was
               
                 Paul
                 the
                 Aged
              
               in
               his
               tender
               charity
               to
               Onesimus
               ,
               Philem.
               9.
               
               
                 Being
                 such
                 a
                 one
                 as
                 Paul
                 the
                 Aged
                 ,
                 for
                 loves
                 sake
                 I
                 beseech
                 thee
                 for
                 my
                 Son
              
               
               Onesimus
               .
               And
               this
               Spirit
               did
               continue
               in
               the
               
                 Ancient
                 Christians
              
               in
               the
               Primitive
               times
               g
               ,
               who
               loved
               ,
               as
               Tertullian
               tells
               us
               ,
               as
               Brethren
               ,
               and
               were
               ready
               to
               dye
               for
               one
               another
               .
               We
               that
               did
               hate
               one
               another
               ,
               saith
               
                 Iustin
                 Martyr
              
               ,
               now
               do
               live
               familiarly
               together
               ,
               and
               do
               pray
               for
               our
               Enemies
               .
               In
               all
               Ages
               ,
               as
               men
               have
               increased
               in
               Piety
               ,
               they
               have
               increased
               in
               Charity
               ,
               and
               come
               to
               relent
               of
               their
               rigour
               and
               keenness
               .
               It
               was
               
                 Age
                 ,
                 Experience
              
               and
               Consideration
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               a
               Prison
               that
               melted
               
                 Bishop
                 Ridley
              
               to
               accost
               his
               
                 Brother
                 Hooper
              
               in
               this
               manner
               :
               
                 However
                 in
                 some
                 by-matters
                 and
                 circumstances
                 of
                 Religion
                 ,
                 your
                 wisdom
                 and
                 my
                 Simplicity
                 hath
                 a
                 little
                 jarred
                 ,
                 yet
                 now
                 I
                 sincerely
                 love
                 and
                 imbrace
                 you
                 .
              
               You
               know
               
                 Rehoboams
                 Old
                 Counsellours
              
               were
               for
               lenity
               ,
               when
               the
               young
               were
               stern
               and
               furious
               .
               It
               's
               true
               ,
               the
               natural
               tempers
               or
               painful
               distempers
               ,
               may
               incline
               some
               Old
               people
               to
               too
               much
               Acrimony
               ;
               yet
               all
               Aged
               people
               that
               are
               considerate
               ,
               have
               taken
               more
               degrees
               in
               Charity
               ,
               than
               young
               people
               have
               .
               It
               was
               an
               Old
               man
               in
               Gibeah
               that
               had
               more
               of
               this
               Grace
               ,
               than
               all
               the
               City
               besides
               ,
               Iudg.
               19.
               16.
               
            
             
               For
               besides
               the
               advantage
               they
               have
               
               had
               of
               Gods
               holy
               Ordinances
               ,
               the
               Scope
               whereof
               is
               to
               increase
               our
               Faith
               and
               Love
               h
               ;
               they
               have
               found
               by
               experience
               ,
               that
               the
               Life
               and
               Soul
               of
               Religion
               lies
               not
               in
               these
               lesser
               matters
               ,
               that
               have
               caused
               the
               greatest
               noise
               in
               the
               World
               ;
               that
               every
               difference
               in
               Religion
               makes
               not
               a
               different
               Religion
               :
               so
               that
               wheresoever
               they
               see
               
                 any
                 thing
                 of
                 Christ
              
               ,
               these
               they
               love
               .
               Their
               Consciousness
               of
               their
               own
               mistakes
               ,
               and
               of
               their
               own
               imperfections
               ,
               hath
               forced
               them
               to
               more
               charitable
               thoughts
               of
               others
               .
               They
               have
               observed
               ,
               that
               true
               Grace
               hath
               lived
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               great
               infirmities
               ;
               yea
               ,
               they
               have
               found
               this
               Flower
               in
               divers
               persons
               ,
               where
               they
               thought
               there
               had
               been
               nothing
               but
               VVeeds
               .
               Being
               conversant
               most
               at
               home
               in
               their
               
                 own
                 Souls
              
               ,
               they
               have
               in
               their
               long
               experience
               discovered
               so
               much
               Vanity
               and
               Iniquity
               there
               ,
               that
               they
               are
               are
               very
               charitable
               
                 Iudges
                 of
                 all
                 other
              
               persons
               .
               They
               grow
               like
               the
               famous
               Pliny
               ,
               who
               so
               past
               by
               others
               offences
               ,
               as
               if
               himself
               had
               been
               the
               greatest
               offender
               ;
               and
               yet
               was
               so
               severe
               to
               himself
               ,
               as
               if
               he
               would
               pardon
               no
               body
               :
               their
               
                 Charity
                 covers
                 a
                 multitude
                 of
                 Sins
                 .
              
               In
               short
               ,
               their
               Age
               and
               Afflictions
               have
               so
               happily
               humbled
               them
               ,
               that
               
               they
               are
               ready
               to
               esteem
               every
               one
               better
               than
               themselves
               ;
               and
               so
               they
               are
               far
               from
               that
               uncharitable
               Censoriousness
               ,
               which
               tears
               mens
               Names
               in
               pieces
               ,
               and
               keeps
               up
               a
               continual
               civil
               War
               among
               mankind
               .
            
             
               And
               then
               for
               other
               
                 Acts
                 of
                 Charity
              
               ,
               who
               should
               be
               more
               ready
               to
               Give
               
                 a
                 part
              
               ,
               than
               they
               that
               know
               they
               must
               shortly
               leave
               the
               whole
               ?
               who
               should
               be
               good
               in
               his
               Stewardship
               ,
               but
               he
               that
               is
               sure
               he
               must
               shortly
               be
               out
               of
               it
               ?
               But
               the
               noblest
               Charity
               is
               that
               which
               respects
               the
               Soul
               ,
               which
               consists
               in
               
                 Counselling
                 ,
                 Perswading
                 ,
                 Reproving
              
               and
               Praying
               for
               Others
               .
               And
               Old-age
               is
               evidently
               qualified
               for
               these
               above
               the
               young
               .
               Their
               Wisdom
               and
               Authority
               gives
               them
               a
               great
               advantage
               herein
               :
               and
               they
               have
               found
               by
               experience
               ,
               that
               sometimes
               a
               word
               of
               good
               Counsel
               and
               charitable
               Reproof
               
                 fitly
                 spoken
                 ,
                 hath
                 been
                 like
                 Apples
                 of
                 Gold.
              
               And
               then
               for
               Prayer
               ,
               it
               is
               observed
               that
               the
               Charity
               of
               young
               persons
               therein
               ,
               doth
               begin
               and
               end
               at
               themselves
               ;
               whereas
               the
               Prayers
               of
               the
               Aged
               are
               much
               imployed
               for
               the
               good
               of
               others
               .
               Few
               Children
               pray
               for
               their
               Parents
               ,
               as
               the
               Parents
               pray
               for
               their
               Children
               .
               Yea
               ,
               they
               have
               learned
               to
               love
               and
               pray
               for
               
               their
               Enemies
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               for
               their
               Friends
               ;
               and
               for
               the
               ungodly
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               for
               the
               godly
               .
               And
               the
               poorest
               Old
               Man
               or
               Woman
               may
               be
               rich
               ,
               in
               these
               acts
               of
               Charity
               .
            
             
               Therefore
               as
               
                 ye
                 abound
                 in
                 every
                 thing
                 ,
                 in
                 faith
                 ,
                 in
                 utterance
                 and
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 see
                 that
                 ye
                 abound
                 in
                 this
                 Grace
                 of
                 Charity
                 also
                 .
              
               It
               is
               the
               Apostles
               Exhortation
               ,
               2
               Cor.
               8.
               7.
               
               We
               use
               to
               say
               ,
               that
               in
               Winter
               the
               natural
               heat
               retreats
               inward
               ,
               and
               there
               resides
               about
               the
               vital
               parts
               :
               ye
               that
               are
               in
               the
               
                 winter
                 quarter
              
               of
               your
               life
               ,
               let
               this
               
                 warm
                 Grace
              
               dwell
               richly
               in
               your
               Hearts
               ,
               and
               then
               it
               will
               influence
               all
               your
               words
               and
               actions
               .
               It
               is
               the
               Image
               of
               God
               ,
               for
               
                 God
                 is
                 Love
              
               ;
               it
               is
               the
               fulfilling
               of
               the
               Law
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               the
               great
               command
               of
               the
               Gospel
               ;
               and
               tho
               you
               have
               Knowledge
               ,
               Faith
               ,
               Wisdom
               ,
               Riches
               ,
               &c.
               yet
               if
               you
               have
               not
               Charity
               ,
               you
               are
               nothing
               .
               You
               are
               going
               out
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               now
               is
               your
               time
               to
               exercise
               this
               Grace
               .
               In
               the
               World
               where
               you
               are
               going
               ,
               there
               will
               be
               no
               infirmities
               to
               cover
               ,
               no
               poor
               to
               relieve
               ,
               no
               injuries
               to
               forgive
               ,
               no
               ignorant
               persons
               to
               instruct
               ,
               no
               miserable
               Creature
               to
               pray
               for
               :
               and
               you
               have
               but
               a
               
                 short
                 time
              
               for
               these
               imployments
               .
               Yea
               ,
               perhaps
               you
               
               are
               reprieved
               all
               this
               while
               for
               these
               Services
               ;
               and
               to
               be
               useful
               in
               these
               and
               such
               like
               ways
               is
               the
               greatest
               happiness
               on
               Earth
               ,
               it
               is
               the
               next
               step
               to
               eternal
               Glory
               .
               Yea
               ,
               nothing
               should
               hire
               an
               Old
               person
               ,
               or
               make
               him
               content
               to
               live
               out
               of
               Heaven
               with
               such
               a
               Body
               of
               Sin
               about
               him
               ,
               but
               only
               that
               they
               may
               do
               God
               and
               Man
               that
               service
               ,
               which
               cannot
               be
               done
               in
               Heaven
               .
            
             
               And
               for
               the
               obtaining
               this
               sweet
               Grace
               ,
               the
               Scripture
               tells
               us
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               a
               
                 Fruit
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 Gal.
              
               5.
               22.
               and
               there
               it
               is
               ranked
               in
               the
               first
               place
               :
               It
               must
               be
               sought
               then
               in
               the
               
                 Word
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               vehicle
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ;
               where
               ,
               it
               being
               carefully
               read
               and
               heard
               ,
               we
               shall
               find
               an
               account
               of
               the
               infinite
               
                 love
                 of
                 God
              
               to
               us
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               stupendous
               
                 love
                 of
                 Christ.
              
               There
               we
               shall
               discern
               how
               nearly
               we
               are
               related
               to
               all
               men
               ,
               especially
               to
               all
               Christians
               ,
               and
               how
               unnatural
               it
               is
               for
               
                 one
                 hand
              
               to
               be
               unkind
               to
               
                 the
                 other
              
               .
               And
               in
               short
               ,
               we
               shall
               there
               find
               ,
               that
               Love
               and
               Charity
               is
               still
               the
               Character
               of
               good
               men
               ,
               and
               hatred
               and
               uncharitableness
               of
               the
               bad
               .
               And
               you
               must
               beg
               this
               Grace
               of
               God
               ,
               that
               the
               
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Love
              
               ,
               would
               plant
               this
               Grace
               of
               Love
               in
               your
               
               Hearts
               .
               You
               will
               feel
               your
               hearts
               warming
               as
               you
               are
               praying
               ,
               and
               the
               Lord
               will
               fill
               you
               with
               this
               
                 Charity
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 bond
                 of
                 perfectness
                 .
              
            
             
               And
               so
               I
               have
               done
               with
               the
               Vertues
               and
               Excellencies
               of
               Old-age
               :
               Whereby
               you
               may
               perceive
               that
               all
               Old
               things
               are
               not
               to
               be
               cast
               away
               :
               But
               as
               
                 Old
                 Wood
              
               is
               best
               to
               burn
               ,
               
                 Old
                 Wine
              
               best
               to
               drink
               ,
               
                 Old
                 Authors
              
               best
               to
               read
               ,
               and
               
                 Old
                 Friends
              
               best
               to
               trust
               ;
               so
               
                 Old
                 People
              
               ,
               if
               they
               have
               improved
               their
               Time
               aright
               ,
               are
               good
               for
               something
               i
               ;
               yea
               are
               eminently
               good
               for
               their
               Knowledge
               ,
               for
               their
               Faith
               ,
               for
               their
               Wisdom
               ,
               for
               their
               Patience
               ,
               for
               their
               Stedfastness
               ,
               for
               their
               Temperance
               ,
               and
               for
               their
               Charity
               .
               And
               so
               much
               for
               the
               
                 Fourth
                 Point
              
               concerning
               Old-age
               ,
               viz.
               The
               Graces
               most
               proper
               for
               it
               .
            
          
        
         
           
           
             
               CHAP.
               V.
            
             The
             Inconveniences
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             I
             Am
             come
             now
             in
             the
             Fifth
             place
             to
             
             examine
             the
             Inconveniences
             and
             Disadvantages
             of
             Old-age
             ;
             adding
             withall
             somewhat
             towards
             the
             Mitigation
             thereof
             ,
             as
             I
             pass
             along
             .
             Some
             here
             set
             themselves
             with
             immoderate
             vehemence
             to
             cry
             down
             Old-age
             ,
             and
             to
             load
             it
             with
             such
             intolerable
             Miseries
             ,
             as
             might
             affright
             one
             :
             And
             to
             this
             purpose
             they
             muster
             all
             the
             Evils
             which
             are
             either
             the
             effect
             of
             mens
             Vices
             ,
             or
             other
             separable
             Accidents
             of
             their
             Age
             ,
             and
             put
             all
             these
             upon
             its
             score
             to
             inflame
             the
             reckoning
             k
             :
             Insomuch
             that
             some
             of
             the
             
               Old
               Philosophers
            
             took
             upon
             them
             to
             quarrel
             with
             Providence
             ,
             for
             giving
             man
             Life
             ,
             and
             thereby
             involving
             him
             in
             a
             continual
             state
             of
             misery
             .
             And
             all
             this
             ,
             partly
             out
             of
             their
             Ignorance
             of
             mans
             
               Primitive
               happiness
            
             ,
             and
             
               woful
               fall
            
             ,
             and
             partly
             out
             of
             their
             dim-sightedness
             about
             his
             
               endless
               felicity
            
             ;
             about
             all
             which
             material
             
             points
             they
             lived
             in
             great
             uncertainty
             .
          
           
             Others
             on
             the
             Contrary
             have
             been
             ready
             so
             to
             mince
             the
             matter
             ,
             as
             if
             there
             were
             nothing
             in
             Old-age
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             desirable
             ,
             guilding
             its
             hairs
             and
             smoothing
             all
             its
             wrinkles
             ;
             as
             if
             the
             Spiritual
             advantage
             did
             annihilate
             the
             corporal
             burdens
             .
             The
             truth
             dwells
             ,
             as
             I
             conceive
             ,
             between
             these
             extremes
             :
             And
             it
             must
             be
             granted
             ,
             that
             as
             the
             dreggs
             of
             the
             purest
             Wines
             are
             left
             in
             the
             bottom
             ,
             so
             Old-age
             hath
             many
             Inconveniences
             peculiar
             to
             it
             l
             ;
             for
             which
             cause
             those
             dayes
             are
             called
             
               Evil
               dayes
            
             ,
             wherein
             the
             man
             hath
             
               no
               pleasure
            
             ,
             or
             with
             which
             he
             is
             
               greatly
               displeased
            
             m
             ,
             Eccles.
             12.
             1.
             
             But
             yet
             the
             same
             Old-age
             hath
             divers
             Priviledges
             to
             ballance
             them
             ;
             and
             their
             pressures
             are
             not
             properly
             Miseries
             ,
             because
             there
             is
             abundance
             of
             Comfort
             ,
             and
             Benefit
             ,
             which
             mitigate
             them
             n
             .
          
           
             We
             have
             an
             Elegant
             Description
             of
             many
             of
             them
             in
             that
             Twelfth
             Chapter
             of
             Ecclesiastes
             ,
             vers
             .
             2
             ,
             3
             ,
             &c.
             Then
             
               the
               Sun
            
             ,
             and
             
               the
               Light
            
             ,
             and
             
               the
               Moon
            
             ,
             and
             
               the
               Stars
               will
               be
               darkned
            
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             all
             
               Outward
               Comfort
            
             or
             Prosperity
             ,
             whether
             by
             Day
             or
             by
             Night
             will
             be
             eclypsed
             and
             withdrawn
             from
             us
             :
             And
             
               the
               clouds
               will
               return
               after
               the
               rain
               ,
            
             that
             is
             ,
             one
             bodily
             
             Distemper
             and
             
               outward
               Trouble
            
             will
             successively
             follow
             another
             .
             Then
             will
             
               the
               keepers
               of
               the
               house
               tremble
               ,
            
             that
             is
             ,
             the
             arms
             and
             hands
             which
             defend
             the
             Body
             ,
             will
             by
             reason
             of
             their
             cold
             and
             dry
             temper
             ,
             shake
             and
             quiver
             .
             And
             
               the
               strong
               men
               will
               bow
               themselves
               ,
            
             that
             is
             ,
             the
             thighs
             and
             leggs
             ,
             which
             have
             strongly
             born
             up
             the
             structure
             of
             the
             Body
             ,
             will
             be
             weak
             ,
             and
             need
             the
             support
             of
             a
             staff
             to
             assist
             them
             .
             And
             
               the
               grinders
               will
               cease
               ,
               because
               they
               are
               few
               ,
            
             that
             is
             ,
             the
             Teeth
             which
             chew
             and
             grind
             our
             meat
             ,
             will
             break
             ,
             rot
             ,
             and
             fall
             out
             ,
             so
             that
             being
             reduced
             to
             a
             few
             ,
             they
             will
             be
             unable
             to
             do
             their
             office
             .
             And
             
               those
               that
               look
               out
               of
               the
               windows
               ,
               will
               be
               darkened
               ,
            
             that
             is
             ,
             the
             Eye-sight
             will
             fail
             ,
             the
             Organs
             of
             the
             Eye
             ,
             through
             which
             ,
             as
             through
             a
             window
             ,
             the
             
               Soul
               looks
            
             out
             ,
             being
             dried
             up
             and
             weakned
             .
             And
             
               the
               doors
               shall
               be
               shut
               in
               the
               streets
               ,
            
             that
             is
             ,
             the
             Lips
             and
             Mouth
             will
             be
             disabled
             from
             speaking
             ,
             or
             eating
             .
             When
             
               the
               sound
               of
               the
               grinding
               is
               low
               ,
            
             that
             is
             ,
             Digestion
             which
             is
             furthered
             by
             chewing
             ,
             and
             perfected
             in
             
               Chylification
               ,
               Sanguification
            
             ,
             &c.
             will
             be
             obstructed
             .
             And
             
               he
               shall
               rise
               up
               at
               the
               voyce
               of
               the
               bird
               ,
            
             that
             is
             ,
             our
             Sleep
             will
             be
             so
             shallow
             ,
             that
             the
             least
             noise
             
             will
             awake
             us
             ,
             and
             so
             short
             ,
             that
             it
             will
             prevent
             the
             Cock-crowing
             .
             And
             
               all
               the
               daughters
               of
               musick
               shall
               be
               brought
               low
               ,
            
             that
             is
             ,
             our
             Ears
             will
             grow
             dull
             ,
             so
             that
             as
             we
             cannot
             so
             we
             
               care
               not
            
             for
             the
             sweetest
             musick
             .
             Also
             
               they
               shall
               be
               afraid
               of
               that
               which
               is
               high
               ,
            
             that
             is
             ,
             we
             shall
             by
             reason
             of
             
               weariness
               ,
               dizziness
            
             ,
             or
             short-windedness
             ,
             be
             afraid
             of
             mounting
             up
             to
             
               high
               places
            
             ,
             and
             attempting
             such
             
               high
               things
            
             ,
             as
             in
             youth
             we
             adventured
             upon
             .
             And
             
               fears
               shall
               be
               in
               the
               way
               ,
            
             that
             is
             ,
             we
             shall
             be
             afraid
             of
             and
             in
             our
             Iourneying
             ,
             lest
             we
             dash
             our
             weak
             and
             
               weary
               foot
            
             against
             a
             stone
             .
             And
             
               the
               almond-tree
               shall
               flourish
            
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             our
             Head
             will
             grow
             hoary
             ,
             like
             the
             
               almond
               tree
            
             which
             soon
             ripens
             .
             And
             
               the
               grashopper
               shall
               be
               a
               burden
               ,
            
             that
             is
             ,
             the
             
               least
               weight
            
             shall
             load
             our
             infirm
             Body
             ;
             yea
             we
             being
             then
             like
             enough
             to
             grashoppers
             ,
             will
             grow
             burdens
             to
             our selves
             and
             others
             .
             And
             
               desire
               shall
               fail
            
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             our
             Appetite
             to
             meat
             ,
             and
             our
             desire
             to
             Marriage-imbraces
             will
             be
             cooled
             and
             cease
             by
             degrees
             .
             At
             length
             
               the
               silver
               cord
               will
               be
               loosed
               ,
            
             that
             is
             ,
             the
             Chine-bone
             with
             its
             marrow
             ,
             and
             the
             Nerves
             and
             Fibres
             thereunto
             belonging
             will
             be
             resolved
             and
             weakned
             .
             And
             
               the
               golden
               bowl
               will
               be
               broken
               ,
            
             
             that
             is
             ,
             the
             vessel
             and
             membrane
             that
             contains
             the
             Brain
             ,
             which
             is
             aptly
             called
             golden
             ,
             both
             for
             its
             colour
             and
             value
             ,
             will
             at
             last
             be
             shattered
             .
             And
             
               the
               pitcher
               will
               be
               broken
               at
               the
               fountain
               ,
            
             that
             is
             ,
             the
             Veins
             will
             cease
             from
             doing
             their
             office
             ,
             at
             the
             
               right
               Ventricle
            
             of
             the
             Heart
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             
               fountain
               of
               life
            
             ,
             and
             so
             our
             
               blood
               stagnating
            
             we
             are
             soon
             extinguished
             .
             And
             
               the
               wheel
               will
               be
               broken
               at
               the
               cistern
               ,
            
             that
             is
             ,
             the
             
               great
               Artery
            
             which
             is
             knit
             to
             the
             
               left
               side
            
             of
             the
             Heart
             ,
             by
             which
             the
             Blood
             is
             derived
             into
             the
             parts
             ,
             ceases
             its
             action
             and
             the
             Pulse
             with
             it
             ,
             which
             are
             the
             immediate
             forerunners
             of
             Death
             .
             And
             then
             
               the
               Dust
               returns
               to
               the
               Earth
               as
               it
               was
               ,
               and
               the
               spirit
               returns
               unto
               God
               who
               gave
               it
               .
            
             Thus
             you
             see
             Mans
             Body
             ,
             like
             some
             curious
             Edifice
             ,
             first
             battered
             by
             various
             Storms
             ,
             at
             length
             the
             Roof
             and
             Walls
             decay
             ,
             and
             at
             last
             falls
             to
             the
             ground
             ,
             but
             our
             
               Blessed
               Redeemer
            
             hath
             provided
             for
             the
             Inhabitant
             an
             
               house
               not
               made
               with
               hands
               ,
               eternal
               in
               the
               Heavens
               .
            
          
           
             
             
               SECT
               .
               I.
               
            
             
               AND
               now
               let
               us
               more
               distinctly
               survey
               
               the
               Inconveniences
               of
               Old-age
               ;
               the
               chief
               whereof
               are
               these
               following
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               The
               
                 Aged
                 are
                 Deprived
                 of
                 many
                 Pleasures
                 .
              
               They
               cannot
               divert
               themselves
               by
               Hunting
               ,
               Hawking
               ,
               Fishing
               :
               They
               can
               neither
               well
               ride
               abroad
               ,
               nor
               walk
               about
               home
               .
               They
               have
               done
               with
               Visits
               ,
               and
               Feasts
               ,
               and
               Musick
               :
               All
               the
               recreations
               of
               sense
               are
               generally
               tastless
               to
               them
               .
               Yea
               ,
               they
               have
               scarce
               any
               pleasure
               in
               their
               meat
               ,
               and
               drink
               ,
               and
               sleep
               :
               So
               that
               their
               Condition
               seems
               to
               be
               sad
               and
               lamentable
               .
               And
               we
               have
               the
               substance
               of
               all
               this
               confessed
               by
               an
               
                 Old
                 man
              
               himself
               ,
               namely
               Barzillai
               ,
               2
               Sam.
               19.
               35.
               
               
                 I
                 am
                 this
                 day
                 fourscore
                 years
                 old
                 ;
                 and
                 can
                 thy
                 servant
                 tast
                 what
                 I
                 eat
                 ,
                 or
                 what
                 I
                 drink
                 ?
                 can
                 I
                 hear
                 any
                 more
                 the
                 voyce
                 of
                 singing
                 men
                 and
                 singing
                 women
                 ?
                 q.
                 d.
              
               These
               things
               will
               signifie
               nothing
               to
               me
               ;
               they
               have
               forsaken
               me
               ,
               and
               I
               value
               them
               as
               little
               .
               Here
               you
               have
               the
               Verdict
               which
               Barzillai
               brings
               in
               the
               Case
               .
               Yea
               instead
               of
               Pleasure
               ,
               a
               constant
               Sadness
               
               takes
               place
               in
               their
               Countenance
               without
               ,
               and
               ,
               as
               may
               be
               judged
               ,
               in
               their
               Hearts
               within
               .
               Sobs
               and
               sighs
               are
               the
               accent
               of
               their
               language
               ,
               and
               their
               complaints
               are
               frequently
               mixt
               with
               tears
               .
               Their
               Condition
               then
               must
               needs
               be
               miserable
               ,
               when
               they
               have
               such
               constant
               heaviness
               within
               ,
               and
               no
               recreation
               without
               to
               alleviate
               it
               .
               Company
               burdens
               them
               ,
               and
               Solitariness
               saddens
               them
               .
               Yea
               they
               are
               loth
               that
               any
               body
               should
               be
               merry
               about
               them
               :
               So
               that
               they
               seem
               to
               lead
               a
               dolorous
               life
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               estranged
               from
               all
               manner
               of
               Pleasure
               .
            
             
               Now
               Pleasure
               is
               the
               life
               of
               Life
               :
               What
               is
               Life
               without
               Delight
               ?
               why
               do
               men
               toyl
               to
               get
               Estates
               ,
               but
               for
               the
               pleasure
               they
               take
               in
               them
               ?
               why
               do
               others
               hunt
               for
               Applause
               ,
               and
               climb
               for
               Honour
               ,
               but
               to
               please
               their
               fancy
               and
               their
               humour
               ?
               even
               the
               Schollar
               would
               take
               leave
               of
               his
               Books
               ,
               if
               he
               had
               not
               Delight
               in
               them
               :
               So
               that
               Pleasure
               acts
               all
               mankind
               ,
               and
               rules
               the
               world
               .
               Now
               those
               years
               are
               lamentable
               ,
               wherein
               a
               man
               shall
               say
               ,
               
                 I
                 have
                 no
                 pleasure
                 in
                 them
                 .
              
               And
               this
               makes
               some
               Old
               People
               weary
               of
               their
               lives
               ,
               they
               reckon
               that
               a
               Life
               stript
               of
               joy
               and
               comfort
               ,
               is
               not
               worth
               the
               keeping
               .
            
             
             
               Nevertheless
               ,
               Old-age
               may
               support
               it self
               very
               well
               under
               this
               Inconvenience
               :
               Inasmuch
               ,
               as
               the
               Pleasures
               they
               are
               deprived
               of
               ,
               are
               
                 in
                 themselves
              
               and
               
                 to
                 their
                 experience
              
               ,
               dangerous
               Injoyments
               :
               For
               nothing
               is
               more
               apt
               to
               disorder
               and
               fully
               the
               Soul
               ,
               than
               
                 carnal
                 Pleasure
              
               .
               Those
               very
               Recreations
               which
               may
               be
               harmless
               in
               themselves
               ,
               yet
               too
               commonly
               lead
               to
               Intemperance
               ,
               to
               Lasciviousness
               ,
               to
               Quarrels
               ,
               and
               other
               mischiefs
               .
               Now
               if
               a
               Dish
               be
               never
               so
               palatable
               ,
               yet
               if
               there
               be
               but
               danger
               of
               Poyson
               in
               it
               ,
               no
               wise
               man
               will
               meddle
               with
               it
               :
               Therefore
               Tully
               brings
               in
               Cato
               congratulating
               with
               himself
               ,
               that
               he
               was
               delivered
               from
               the
               
                 slavery
                 of
                 Pleasure
              
               ,
               and
               concludes
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               a
               singular
               Priviledge
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               that
               it
               frees
               us
               from
               that
               which
               is
               most
               pernicious
               in
               youth
               o
               .
               And
               whatever
               regard
               weak
               men
               may
               have
               to
               these
               Vanities
               ,
               the
               wisest
               among
               the
               very
               Heathens
               have
               concluded
               ,
               that
               there
               is
               no
               plague
               so
               deadly
               to
               man
               as
               the
               
                 pleasures
                 of
                 the
                 body
              
               p
               .
               And
               that
               comes
               to
               pass
               through
               the
               depravation
               of
               our
               Natures
               ,
               whereby
               we
               can
               hardly
               enjoy
               them
               ,
               but
               we
               run
               mad
               upon
               them
               ;
               we
               exceed
               the
               limits
               ,
               and
               miss
               the
               ends
               which
               should
               be
               observed
               in
               the
               using
               of
               them
               .
               Wherefore
               
               Cicero
               tells
               of
               Sophocles
               ,
               who
               being
               ask●…d
               ,
               whether
               he
               did
               still
               converse
               with
               Womankind
               ,
               answered
               ,
               
                 The
                 Gods
                 have
                 done
                 better
                 for
                 me
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 willingly
                 left
                 that
                 furious
                 Master
              
               q
               .
               Indeed
               the
               greatest
               part
               of
               the
               Pleasures
               aforesaid
               ,
               do
               belong
               only
               to
               the
               brutal
               part
               of
               man
               ,
               and
               consequently
               the
               defect
               of
               them
               little
               concerns
               the
               Rational
               Creature
               .
               For
               ,
               as
               a
               late
               
                 worthy
                 Author
              
               r
               saith
               ,
               None
               can
               think
               God
               so
               unkind
               to
               his
               own
               Image
               in
               humane
               nature
               ,
               as
               in
               dispensing
               Felicity
               to
               assign
               the
               larger
               share
               to
               the
               Beast
               .
               No
               ,
               all
               these
               sensual
               Pleasures
               are
               so
               distracting
               ,
               or
               so
               fulsome
               ,
               or
               so
               transient
               ,
               that
               the
               utmost
               fruition
               of
               them
               ,
               cannot
               make
               a
               man
               happy
               ,
               nor
               the
               want
               of
               them
               miserable
               .
               And
               this
               is
               the
               more
               Evident
               ,
               in
               that
               the
               wisest
               men
               have
               found
               the
               
                 greatest
                 Pleasure
              
               ,
               in
               refusing
               those
               pleasures
               ;
               and
               as
               an
               Epicure
               hath
               eaten
               for
               his
               pleasure
               ,
               so
               many
               an
               Abstemious
               man
               hath
               profest
               ,
               that
               he
               hath
               forborn
               for
               his
               pleasure
               also
               .
            
             
               Again
               ,
               as
               the
               Aged
               person
               is
               deprived
               of
               these
               Pleasures
               ,
               so
               he
               is
               freed
               from
               any
               Desires
               after
               them
               .
               As
               his
               sensual
               Delights
               fail
               ,
               so
               his
               Desires
               to
               them
               fail
               also
               .
               As
               he
               hath
               not
               the
               Pleasure
               of
               
               Scratching
               ,
               so
               he
               is
               free
               from
               the
               trouble
               of
               Itching
               ,
               and
               what
               man
               ever
               complains
               of
               such
               a
               want
               ?
               We
               are
               never
               molested
               by
               the
               want
               of
               any
               thing
               ,
               which
               we
               do
               
                 not
                 desire
              
               s
               .
               Neither
               is
               Old-age
               without
               it's
               particular
               
                 Pleasures
                 .
                 Tully
              
               tells
               us
               of
               divers
               Old-men
               ,
               that
               diverted
               themselves
               with
               great
               delight
               in
               their
               Studies
               .
               And
               for
               those
               that
               have
               any
               smattering
               of
               Learning
               ,
               there
               is
               no
               Earthly
               Pleasure
               comparable
               to
               that
               of
               penetrating
               into
               the
               works
               of
               Creation
               and
               Providence
               ,
               of
               observing
               the
               
                 Natures
                 ,
                 Causes
              
               ,
               and
               Effects
               of
               those
               things
               ,
               the
               Surface
               whereof
               only
               is
               known
               to
               younger
               people
               .
            
             
               Furthermore
               ,
               the
               
                 Religious
                 Old
              
               person
               hath
               an
               unexpressible
               Pleasure
               in
               the
               Reflexion
               of
               a
               
                 well-spent
                 Life
              
               ,
               and
               upon
               the
               various
               Preservations
               and
               Deliverances
               ,
               which
               the
               Lord
               hath
               vouchsafed
               him
               ,
               out
               of
               many
               Temptations
               and
               Afflictions
               .
               They
               have
               also
               the
               solid
               comfort
               of
               seeing
               their
               Posterity
               grow
               up
               in
               the
               endowments
               of
               
                 Mind
                 ,
                 Body
              
               or
               Estate
               ;
               and
               so
               of
               a
               Generation
               after
               them
               to
               serve
               and
               honour
               God
               ,
               while
               the
               World
               stands
               .
            
             
               There
               are
               also
               several
               
                 honest
                 Recreations
              
               ,
               in
               which
               their
               Years
               do
               not
               hinder
               them
               .
               And
               however
               ,
               it
               can
               be
               no
               disparagement
               
               to
               them
               ,
               if
               they
               can
               take
               as
               much
               Pleasure
               in
               Reading
               and
               Meditating
               upon
               Gods
               Word
               ,
               as
               ever
               they
               did
               in
               any
               other
               Divertisement
               whatsoever
               t
               .
               This
               is
               certain
               ,
               that
               their
               Pleasures
               are
               more
               Pure
               ,
               more
               Sound
               ,
               more
               Strong
               ,
               and
               more
               Lasting
               ,
               than
               the
               frothy
               and
               unsatisfactory
               pleasures
               of
               Sense
               and
               Sin
               ,
               which
               are
               but
               
                 for
                 a
                 Season
              
               .
            
             
               Finally
               ,
               Sickness
               of
               Body
               or
               Trouble
               of
               Mind
               ,
               to
               both
               which
               the
               Young
               are
               equally
               obnoxious
               as
               the
               Old
               ,
               are
               able
               to
               divorce
               the
               youngest
               persons
               from
               all
               sensible
               Pleasures
               ,
               and
               to
               cloath
               their
               Faces
               with
               sadness
               :
               so
               that
               this
               Inconvenience
               must
               not
               be
               so
               appropriated
               to
               Old-age
               ,
               but
               that
               any
               Age
               may
               partake
               thereof
               .
               Even
               St.
               Augustine
               tells
               us
               ,
               that
               in
               his
               younger
               years
               ,
               he
               had
               contracted
               such
               sadness
               upon
               his
               Spirits
               upon
               occasion
               of
               his
               good
               Mothers
               Death
               ,
               that
               nothing
               could
               comfort
               him
               .
               He
               went
               into
               the
               Bath
               ,
               hoping
               for
               some
               refreshment
               thereby
               ,
               but
               his
               sorrow
               met
               him
               when
               he
               came
               out
               again
               .
               A
               thousand
               Accidents
               may
               fix
               such
               sorrow
               even
               upon
               young
               people
               ,
               which
               all
               the
               Pleasures
               in
               the
               World
               cannot
               remove
               .
            
             
               And
               tho
               the
               consideration
               of
               their
               own
               and
               others
               Sins
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               Effects
               
               of
               them
               ,
               do
               make
               them
               often
               sad
               ,
               yet
               there
               is
               both
               a
               
                 secret
                 comfort
              
               at
               the
               bottom
               of
               it
               ,
               and
               a
               
                 certain
                 Ioy
              
               at
               the
               end
               of
               it
               ;
               they
               know
               what
               belongs
               to
               the
               
                 Laughter
                 of
                 the
                 Soul
              
               ,
               and
               have
               frequent
               tasts
               of
               the
               
                 joy
                 that
                 is
                 unspeakable
              
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               II.
               
            
             
               A
               
                 Second
                 Inconvenience
              
               which
               attends
               
               Old-age
               ,
               is
               this
               ,
               
                 That
                 their
                 Strength
                 and
                 Beauty
                 is
                 decreased
              
               u
               .
               Those
               Arms
               and
               Hands
               which
               once
               were
               able
               and
               useful
               for
               any
               imployment
               ,
               are
               now
               scarce
               strong
               and
               steady
               enough
               to
               feed
               themselves
               .
               The
               Legs
               and
               Thighs
               that
               have
               carried
               them
               many
               a
               pleasant
               journey
               ,
               yea
               ,
               to
               many
               an
               holy
               Exercise
               ,
               are
               grown
               stiff
               and
               weak
               ,
               and
               grudge
               to
               carry
               them
               up
               Stairs
               to
               Bed.
               Yea
               ,
               that
               Back
               which
               was
               the
               support
               of
               the
               whole
               building
               ,
               and
               many
               a
               Load
               that
               was
               piled
               upon
               it
               ,
               begins
               to
               bow
               and
               bend
               ,
               and
               can
               scarce
               carry
               it self
               erect
               .
               Their
               Parts
               and
               Members
               in
               general
               are
               quite
               enervated
               and
               spent
               ,
               as
               if
               they
               were
               weary
               of
               their
               Imployment
               ;
               so
               that
               there
               seems
               to
               be
               
               left
               little
               of
               a
               Man
               but
               his
               Shape
               :
               according
               to
               the
               
                 Proverb
                 ,
                 Senex
                 est
                 ,
                 &
                 non
                 est
                 .
                 He
                 is
                 old
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 is
                 No-body
                 .
              
               Like
               some
               ruinated
               Palace
               ,
               here
               was
               the
               stately
               Porch
               ,
               there
               the
               fair
               Stair-case
               ,
               the
               shape
               of
               a
               fair
               Parlour
               below
               ,
               and
               the
               shadow
               of
               an
               handsome
               Chamber
               above
               :
               so
               here
               ,
               the
               Carkass
               of
               the
               Man
               remains
               ,
               but
               the
               Beauty
               is
               changed
               into
               wrinkles
               ,
               and
               the
               Strength
               into
               weakness
               .
               They
               had
               a
               pleasant
               prospect
               in
               their
               Glass
               ,
               but
               their
               Flesh
               hath
               bid
               them
               farewell
               ,
               their
               Roses
               and
               Lillies
               are
               withered
               ,
               and
               a
               wan
               duskishness
               hath
               taken
               possession
               :
               their
               Strength
               and
               Beauty
               are
               buried
               both
               together
               :
               So
               that
               it
               was
               a
               Saying
               among
               the
               
                 Romans
                 ,
                 Sexagenarius
                 de
                 ponte
                 dejiciendus
                 .
                 He
                 is
                 sixty
                 ,
                 make
                 away
                 with
                 him
                 .
              
            
             
               For
               when
               a
               mans
               Strength
               is
               gone
               ,
               he
               seems
               to
               be
               useless
               .
               He
               can
               neither
               defend
               himself
               ,
               nor
               help
               others
               .
               He
               can
               neither
               fight
               in
               War
               ,
               nor
               labour
               in
               Peace
               .
               Whether
               he
               be
               in
               the
               Temple
               ,
               or
               in
               the
               Campaign
               ;
               whether
               he
               be
               in
               the
               Shop
               or
               in
               the
               Field
               ;
               he
               is
               quickly
               weary
               .
               He
               that
               could
               run
               
                 to
                 Sin
              
               ,
               can
               hardly
               creep
               
                 to
                 Church
              
               .
               He
               that
               had
               Strength
               to
               vanquish
               his
               Adversary
               ,
               hath
               now
               scarce
               strength
               to
               wrestle
               with
               his
               Cough
               :
               
               and
               the
               burden
               of
               his
               discourse
               is
               ,
               
                 I
                 have
                 known
                 the
                 time
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 could
                 have
                 done
                 this
                 and
                 that
                 .
              
               Thus
               Milo
               that
               prodigious
               man
               of
               strength
               ,
               when
               coming
               in
               his
               Old-age
               to
               see
               them
               exercise
               in
               the
               
                 Olympick
                 Games
              
               ,
               is
               said
               to
               look
               down
               with
               tears
               on
               his
               own
               Arms
               ,
               and
               to
               cry
               ,
               
                 Alas
                 ,
                 these
                 now
                 are
                 dead
                 .
              
               Yet
               this
               Loss
               some
               Aged
               persons
               can
               better
               bear
               ,
               than
               Others
               can
               digest
               the
               decay
               of
               their
               Beauty
               .
               O
               to
               be
               lean
               ,
               withered
               ,
               and
               deformed
               vexeth
               them
               at
               the
               Heart
               .
               They
               cannot
               look
               upon
               themselves
               with
               Patience
               :
               and
               they
               conclude
               ,
               that
               when
               they
               be
               so
               unwelcome
               to
               themselves
               ,
               they
               must
               be
               unacceptable
               to
               
                 every
                 body
                 else
              
               ,
               Job
               14.
               20.
               
               
                 Thou
                 changest
                 their
                 Countenance
                 ,
                 and
                 sendest
                 them
                 away
                 .
              
            
             
               But
               yet
               neither
               of
               these
               Inconveniences
               are
               chargeable
               upon
               Old-age
               it self
               .
               For
               as
               Tully
               well
               observes
               x
               ,
               the
               defects
               of
               strength
               ,
               whereof
               we
               are
               sensible
               ,
               do
               rather
               proceed
               from
               the
               
                 Vices
                 of
                 our
                 Youth
              
               ,
               than
               from
               the
               
                 fault
                 of
                 Old-age
              
               .
               An
               intemperate
               Youth
               transmits
               a
               weak
               body
               unto
               the
               time
               of
               Old-age
               y
               ,
               and
               then
               we
               lay
               all
               the
               blame
               on
               
                 Age.
                 Galen
              
               in
               one
               place
               tells
               us
               ,
               About
               the
               28th
               .
               year
               of
               my
               Age
               ,
               when
               I
               knew
               there
               was
               a
               certain
               way
               to
               preserve
               Health
               ,
               I
               
               followed
               the
               same
               all
               my
               life
               after
               ,
               so
               that
               I
               was
               never
               Sick
               but
               of
               an
               Ague
               for
               a
               day
               ,
               and
               that
               seldom
               ,
               and
               thereby
               he
               was
               vegete
               and
               brisk
               at
               Sevenscore
               years
               of
               Age.
               And
               
                 M.
                 Valerius
                 Corvinus
              
               was
               strong
               enough
               to
               be
               the
               sixth
               time
               Consul
               ,
               when
               he
               was
               an
               hundred
               years
               old
               .
               Whereas
               on
               the
               contrary
               a
               Luxurious
               youth
               ,
               produces
               a
               loathsome
               Age.
               As
               the
               Thief
               in
               the
               Candle
               wasts
               it
               more
               than
               the
               Flame
               ;
               so
               any
               Intemperance
               or
               Incontinence
               ,
               doth
               wast
               the
               Strength
               and
               Beauty
               more
               than
               years
               .
            
             
               Neither
               is
               Old-age
               alone
               subject
               to
               these
               Evils
               .
               For
               one
               Weeks
               Sickness
               ,
               to
               which
               Youth
               is
               as
               lyable
               as
               Old-age
               will
               ruine
               your
               Strength
               and
               spoil
               your
               Beauty
               ,
               as
               much
               as
               twenty
               years
               time
               can
               do
               .
               How
               many
               are
               crippled
               in
               their
               Youth
               ?
               how
               commonly
               doth
               the
               Small-pox
               disfigure
               their
               beauty
               !
               David
               himself
               complains
               ,
               Psal.
               102.
               23.
               
               
                 He
                 weakened
                 my
                 strength
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 ;
                 he
                 shortned
                 my
                 dayes
                 .
              
               And
               he
               cries
               ,
               
                 O
                 my
                 God
                 ,
                 take
                 me
                 not
                 away
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 my
                 dayes
                 .
              
               So
               that
               these
               Decayes
               must
               not
               be
               impropriated
               to
               Old-age
               ;
               any
               Age
               may
               be
               afflicted
               with
               them
               as
               well
               as
               that
               .
            
             
               Neither
               is
               this
               Loss
               so
               insupportable
               ,
               if
               we
               consider
               the
               true
               Nature
               and
               Value
               
               of
               these
               Mercies
               .
               They
               are
               but
               bodily
               accomplishments
               ;
               they
               are
               not
               the
               endowments
               of
               the
               Soul.
               Many
               Brutes
               surpass
               the
               youngest
               in
               Strength
               ,
               and
               many
               Flowers
               surpass
               them
               in
               Beauty
               .
               Why
               should
               I
               ,
               saith
               
                 Cato
                 in
                 Tully
              
               ,
               now
               more
               desire
               the
               strength
               of
               a
               Young
               man
               ,
               than
               I
               should
               ,
               when
               young
               ,
               desire
               the
               strength
               of
               a
               Bull
               or
               Lyon
               ?
               There
               is
               the
               like
               absurdity
               in
               both
               these
               desires
               .
               Or
               as
               he
               saith
               in
               another
               place
               ,
               we
               may
               as
               reasonably
               in
               our
               Youth
               ,
               call
               back
               the
               State
               of
               Childhood
               ,
               which
               few
               will
               do
               ,
               as
               in
               Old-age
               to
               expect
               the
               Strength
               and
               Beauty
               of
               youth
               ,
               which
               is
               past
               and
               gone
               .
               You
               have
               ,
               if
               it
               be
               not
               your
               own
               fault
               ,
               the
               Priviledges
               proper
               to
               your
               Age
               ,
               and
               according
               to
               the
               
                 Old
                 Observation
              
               it
               is
               far
               better
               to
               want
               the
               
                 strength
                 of
                 Milo
              
               ,
               than
               the
               Wisdom
               of
               Pythagoras
               z
               .
               Every
               Age
               hath
               its
               peculiar
               Talent
               ,
               to
               have
               them
               in
               perfection
               is
               not
               to
               be
               expected
               upon
               Earth
               .
               We
               should
               be
               Thankful
               for
               the
               Strength
               and
               Features
               we
               have
               had
               ,
               and
               bewail
               our
               abuse
               of
               them
               ,
               and
               conclude
               ,
               'T
               is
               well
               
                 that
                 all
              
               our
               Comforts
               have
               not
               left
               us
               together
               .
            
             
               But
               the
               great
               support
               under
               these
               defects
               is
               ,
               As
               
                 the
                 outward
                 man
                 perisheth
                 ,
                 to
                 find
                 the
                 inward
                 man
                 renewed
                 day
                 by
                 day
                 :
              
               
               what
               the
               River
               loseth
               on
               the
               one
               side
               ,
               it
               gaineth
               on
               the
               other
               ,
               and
               then
               all
               's
               well
               enough
               :
               the
               inward
               man
               is
               the
               better
               man.
               Let
               strength
               and
               beauty
               go
               ,
               sith
               they
               will
               not
               stay
               ,
               strive
               that
               you
               may
               be
               Strong
               in
               Grace
               ,
               and
               Beautiful
               within
               .
               Those
               things
               may
               make
               you
               acceptable
               unto
               Men
               ,
               but
               these
               will
               render
               you
               lovely
               both
               unto
               God
               ,
               and
               to
               all
               
                 wise
                 men
              
               .
               When
               you
               can
               say
               with
               him
               in
               the
               Poet
               a
               ,
               tho
               my
               foot
               be
               slower
               ,
               yet
               my
               mind
               is
               swifter
               .
               When
               Severus
               the
               Emperour
               was
               sick
               of
               the
               Gout
               at
               York
               ,
               he
               was
               asked
               by
               one
               of
               his
               Nobles
               ,
               how
               he
               being
               so
               Lame
               ,
               could
               rule
               so
               vast
               an
               Empire
               ;
               he
               told
               him
               ,
               that
               he
               rul'd
               the
               Empire
               with
               his
               Brain
               ,
               not
               with
               his
               Feet
               .
               While
               the
               Head
               and
               Heart
               are
               strong
               ,
               it
               passeth
               less
               ,
               how
               it
               fares
               with
               the
               Arms
               and
               
                 Legs
                 .
                 Faith
                 ,
                 Hope
              
               and
               Charity
               are
               Beauties
               ,
               that
               will
               not
               fade
               b
               :
               and
               the
               decays
               of
               the
               Body
               do
               by
               the
               blessing
               of
               God
               ,
               further
               the
               true
               vigour
               of
               the
               Soul.
               For
               the
               Soul
               is
               a
               
                 distinct
                 Substance
              
               ,
               and
               as
               the
               House
               may
               be
               battered
               by
               a
               Tempest
               ,
               and
               yet
               the
               Inhabitant
               merry
               in
               't
               all
               the
               while
               :
               so
               an
               holy
               Soul
               may
               prosper
               very
               well
               ,
               tho
               the
               Body
               be
               lame
               and
               crazy
               .
               And
               this
               Decrease
               of
               Strength
               and
               Beauty
               are
               very
               useful
               ,
               to
               
               awaken
               the
               Soul
               from
               that
               Lethargy
               ,
               which
               is
               natural
               to
               it
               ;
               they
               deprive
               us
               only
               of
               that
               which
               is
               the
               fewel
               of
               our
               Lusts
               ,
               and
               of
               our
               security
               .
               Our
               strength
               hath
               not
               weaned
               us
               from
               the
               World
               ,
               God
               will
               try
               what
               feebleness
               will
               do
               .
               Briskness
               and
               Beauty
               hath
               been
               a
               snare
               ,
               these
               being
               removed
               ,
               perhaps
               He
               may
               now
               speak
               with
               you
               ,
               and
               be
               heard
               .
               When
               you
               
                 have
                 seen
                 an
                 end
                 of
                 all
                 perfection
                 ,
              
               then
               hee
               'l
               shew
               you
               that
               
                 his
                 Commandments
                 are
                 exceeding
                 broad
              
               ,
               Psal.
               119.
               96.
               
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               III.
               
            
             
               A
               
                 Third
                 Inconvenience
              
               upon
               
                 Old
                 people
              
               ;
               
               is
               ,
               
                 That
                 they
                 are
                 weakned
                 in
                 their
                 Faculties
                 .
              
               Their
               Apprehensions
               dull
               ,
               their
               Phantasy
               barren
               ,
               their
               Memories
               broken
               ,
               and
               their
               Affections
               dry
               .
               Formerly
               they
               could
               have
               penetrated
               into
               things
               ,
               they
               could
               have
               learn'd
               any
               thing
               ;
               now
               they
               are
               so
               clouded
               ,
               that
               they
               fumble
               at
               the
               plainest
               things
               .
               They
               could
               have
               soar'd
               by
               their
               Fancy
               ,
               and
               coin'd
               variety
               of
               notions
               ;
               which
               they
               found
               to
               be
               a
               great
               help
               to
               their
               devotion
               and
               otherwise
               ,
               
               but
               their
               Invention
               now
               is
               grown
               poor
               ,
               and
               their
               Notions
               flat
               .
               But
               the
               most
               sensible
               loss
               is
               of
               their
               Memory
               ,
               whereby
               formerly
               they
               could
               have
               produced
               things
               both
               new
               and
               old
               ;
               but
               now
               their
               Memory
               is
               so
               wofully
               shattered
               ,
               that
               this
               day
               forgets
               what
               yesterday
               said
               and
               did
               .
               O
               the
               excellent
               things
               that
               they
               have
               heard
               and
               read
               :
               and
               now
               they
               are
               
                 like
                 water
                 spilt
                 on
                 the
                 Ground
                 ,
              
               no
               notices
               left
               that
               ever
               such
               things
               had
               been
               within
               .
               Time
               was
               ,
               their
               Love
               and
               Zeal
               for
               God
               ,
               and
               their
               Hatred
               to
               Sin
               was
               
                 strong
                 as
                 Death
              
               ,
               and
               ardent
               as
               the
               
                 Coals
                 of
                 Fire
                 ,
                 which
                 hath
                 a
                 most
                 vehement
                 flame
                 :
                 many
                 waters
                 could
                 not
                 quench
                 it
                 .
              
               Their
               holy
               Ioys
               and
               Sorrows
               were
               transcendent
               ;
               penitential
               Tears
               were
               frequent
               with
               them
               :
               But
               now
               their
               Hearts
               are
               cold
               ,
               and
               their
               Eyes
               are
               dry
               .
               These
               Wheels
               of
               the
               Soul
               are
               gone
               ,
               and
               thereby
               their
               motion
               is
               sadly
               interrupted
               .
            
             
               Now
               this
               manifest
               stroke
               upon
               their
               Faculties
               ,
               is
               a
               very
               sensible
               Inconvenience
               .
               The
               Decay
               of
               the
               
                 Outward
                 man
              
               might
               be
               someway
               tolerable
               ,
               but
               this
               
                 inward
                 Decay
              
               sinks
               their
               Spirits
               .
               When
               holy
               David
               said
               ,
               Psal.
               6.
               2.
               
               
                 My
                 bones
                 are
                 vexed
              
               ,
               his
               distress
               was
               great
               ,
               but
               when
               he
               
               adds
               in
               the
               
                 next
                 verse
                 ,
                 my
                 Soul
                 also
                 is
                 sore
                 vexed
                 ,
              
               his
               case
               was
               more
               lamentable
               .
               What
               comfort
               can
               a
               man
               have
               ,
               when
               his
               Apprehension
               is
               grown
               blunt
               ?
               What
               's
               a
               Knife
               good
               for
               ,
               when
               the
               mettle
               is
               gone
               ?
               When
               a
               man
               can
               attain
               little
               ,
               and
               retain
               nothing
               ?
               The
               deficiency
               of
               these
               is
               a
               great
               impediment
               in
               all
               humane
               affairs
               ,
               but
               of
               greater
               consequence
               in
               Religious
               matters
               .
               The
               Communion
               which
               the
               Soul
               hath
               with
               God
               is
               in
               the
               
                 Word
                 and
                 Prayer
              
               .
               How
               disconsolate
               must
               the
               Heart
               be
               ,
               when
               one
               can
               remember
               almost
               nothing
               of
               what
               he
               reads
               or
               hears
               ?
               When
               his
               affections
               flagg
               ,
               and
               his
               words
               freeze
               in
               Prayer
               ?
               Why
               ,
               he
               thinks
               he
               has
               lived
               long
               enough
               ,
               he
               feels
               himself
               more
               than
               
                 half
                 dead
              
               already
               .
               The
               House
               is
               left
               standing
               ,
               but
               all
               the
               rich
               Furniture
               is
               gone
               ,
               and
               what
               can
               be
               said
               to
               mitigate
               this
               misery
               ,
               or
               to
               reconcile
               any
               body
               to
               Old-age
               ?
            
             
               To
               stop
               any
               further
               Impatience
               ,
               Consider
               ,
               1.
               
               That
               this
               great
               Decay
               in
               the
               Faculties
               doth
               not
               befall
               
                 every
                 Aged
              
               person
               .
               Divers
               there
               are
               and
               have
               been
               ,
               that
               retain
               the
               free
               use
               of
               their
               Faculties
               till
               they
               dye
               .
               How
               many
               doth
               Tully
               name
               ,
               as
               
                 Simonides
                 ,
                 Stesichorus
                 ,
                 Isocrates
                 ,
                 Hesiod
                 ,
                 Homer
                 ,
                 Pythagoras
                 ,
              
               
               
                 Democritus
                 ,
                 Socrates
                 ,
                 Plato
              
               ,
               &c.
               who
               lived
               long
               ,
               and
               yet
               continued
               a
               course
               of
               Studies
               as
               long
               as
               their
               life
               ?
               c
               And
               he
               tells
               us
               there
               particularly
               of
               Sophocles
               ,
               whose
               Sons
               accused
               him
               for
               a
               Dotard
               in
               his
               Old-age
               ,
               till
               he
               before
               the
               Iudges
               repeated
               the
               Tragedy
               of
               Oedipus
               ,
               which
               he
               had
               newly
               written
               ,
               and
               so
               was
               by
               them
               acquitted
               .
               And
               Seneca
               tells
               of
               himself
               then
               in
               years
               ,
               that
               he
               was
               able
               to
               repeat
               
                 Two
                 thousand
                 Names
              
               in
               Order
               ,
               so
               faithfully
               did
               his
               Memory
               stick
               to
               him
               in
               his
               Old-age
               .
               And
               there
               are
               many
               Instances
               every
               day
               of
               fresh
               and
               lively
               parts
               in
               withered
               Bodies
               .
               Yea
               ,
               for
               the
               most
               part
               we
               may
               observe
               that
               according
               to
               the
               
                 Old
                 saying
                 ,
                 Omnia
                 quae
                 curant
                 Senes
                 meminerunt
                 .
              
               What
               old
               people
               most
               regard
               ,
               they
               best
               remember
               .
               They
               seldom
               as
               Tully
               observes
               ,
               forget
               their
               Bonds
               ,
               their
               Mortgages
               ,
               what
               they
               owe
               ,
               or
               what
               is
               owing
               unto
               them
               ,
               or
               where
               they
               have
               laid
               up
               their
               Treasure
               .
               So
               that
               this
               charge
               lies
               not
               against
               all
               
                 Old
                 people
              
               ,
               nor
               in
               all
               cases
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               These
               Decays
               proceed
               not
               from
               
                 Old-age
                 only
              
               ,
               but
               many
               times
               from
               Sloth
               and
               Negligence
               .
               Their
               Faculties
               would
               continue
               more
               intire
               to
               them
               ,
               if
               they
               did
               exercise
               them
               with
               Study
               and
               Industry
               .
               
               but
               the
               best
               mettal
               will
               rust
               with
               disuse
               ,
               and
               the
               meanest
               by
               constant
               use
               will
               be
               kept
               bright
               and
               in
               good
               order
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               The
               blastingof
               Parts
               is
               not
               peculiar
               to
               Old-age
               .
               For
               many
               Diseases
               and
               other
               Accidents
               do
               often
               Eclypse
               our
               Faculties
               as
               well
               as
               Old-age
               .
               Witness
               
                 Messala
                 Corvinus
              
               ,
               who
               was
               so
               weakned
               in
               his
               Head
               ,
               that
               he
               forgot
               his
               
                 own
                 Name
              
               .
               Yea
               ,
               many
               a
               mans
               
                 bad
                 Morals
              
               have
               spoiled
               his
               good
               Intellectuals
               ,
               before
               he
               hath
               made
               one
               step
               into
               Old-age
               .
               And
               therefore
               this
               misery
               is
               not
               to
               be
               confin'd
               to
               Old-age
               ,
               which
               neither
               attends
               
                 all
                 old
              
               people
               ,
               nor
               only
               such
               ,
               nor
               meerly
               upon
               the
               account
               of
               their
               Age.
               
            
             
               4.
               
               There
               is
               this
               Comfort
               ,
               that
               tho
               all
               these
               Decays
               be
               the
               fruit
               of
               Sin
               ,
               yet
               in
               themselves
               they
               are
               rather
               Afflictions
               ,
               than
               Faults
               ,
               and
               so
               are
               more
               ordinable
               to
               our
               good
               .
               How
               much
               better
               is
               the
               Decay
               of
               our
               faculties
               ,
               than
               the
               
                 perver●…
                 use
              
               of
               them
               ?
               Nay
               ,
               how
               many
               thing●…
               may
               we
               afford
               to
               forget
               ,
               rather
               than
               chuse
               to
               remember
               ?
               Again
               ,
               as
               there
               may
               be
               quick
               Apprehension
               ,
               clear
               fancy
               ,
               and
               firm
               memory
               without
               one
               grain
               of
               Grace
               ;
               so
               there
               may
               be
               
                 strong
                 Graces
              
               ,
               where
               there
               are
               but
               
                 lame
                 Faculties
              
               .
               
               You
               may
               have
               a
               
                 warm
                 Heart
              
               ,
               tho
               you
               have
               but
               a
               
                 weak
                 Head.
              
               The
               Favour
               of
               God
               is
               not
               determin'd
               by
               our
               natural
               parts
               ,
               but
               is
               disposed
               according
               to
               his
               everlasting
               Covenant
               ;
               according
               to
               which
               he
               will
               require
               no
               more
               than
               he
               gives
               .
               He
               will
               welcome
               him
               that
               improveth
               his
               Two
               talents
               to
               Four
               ,
               with
               the
               same
               words
               as
               he
               was
               received
               ,
               that
               made
               Ten
               of
               his
               Five
               .
            
             
               And
               finally
               ,
               It
               is
               a
               Mercy
               that
               the
               use
               of
               your
               Faculties
               is
               not
               
                 wholly
                 lost
              
               ;
               that
               you
               are
               able
               ,
               in
               some
               measure
               ,
               to
               expound
               the
               
                 Book
                 of
                 Ecclesiastes
              
               concerning
               the
               Vanity
               of
               all
               things
               below
               ,
               though
               you
               cannot
               so
               clearly
               unfold
               the
               
                 Book
                 of
                 Canticles
              
               ;
               that
               you
               are
               able
               to
               understand
               and
               chuse
               the
               best
               things
               ;
               that
               you
               can
               press
               others
               ,
               to
               the
               things
               that
               you
               cannot
               now
               perform
               your selves
               .
               An
               
                 Old
                 man
              
               can
               direct
               ,
               though
               he
               cannot
               work
               .
               When
               David
               was
               almost
               spent
               ,
               yet
               if
               you
               read
               2
               Sam.
               22.
               
               〈◊〉
               23
               Chapters
               ,
               you
               will
               find
               his
               Last
               words
               were
               not
               in
               vain
               .
               In
               short
               ,
               in
               unavoidable
               Shipwracks
               ,
               as
               these
               are
               ,
               we
               must
               not
               vainly
               murmur
               at
               what
               we
               have
               lost
               ,
               but
               thankfully
               and
               diligently
               improve
               what
               we
               have
               left
               ;
               for
               it
               is
               certain
               ,
               that
               in
               this
               case
               habenti
               
               dabitur
               ;
               to
               him
               that
               hath
               and
               improveth
               what
               he
               hath
               ,
               it
               
                 shall
                 be
                 given
              
               ,
               and
               
                 he
                 shall
                 have
                 abundance
              
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               IV.
               
            
             
               A
               
                 Fourth
                 Inconvenience
              
               incident
               to
               
               Old-age
               ,
               is
               the
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 their
                 Senses
              
               ;
               and
               especially
               in
               ●…ose
               which
               are
               called
               
                 Senses
                 of
                 Discipline
                 ,
                 Seeing
              
               and
               Hearing
               ,
               by
               which
               as
               through
               windows
               Light
               is
               derived
               into
               the
               Soul.
               For
               as
               in
               Natural
               things
               nothing
               is
               found
               in
               the
               Understanding
               ,
               which
               was
               not
               before
               in
               the
               senses
               ;
               so
               in
               Spiritual
               things
               ,
               the
               Mysteries
               of
               Religion
               are
               not
               invented
               by
               our
               Minds
               ,
               but
               conveyed
               to
               us
               by
               the
               
                 sacred
                 Oracles
              
               .
               And
               therefore
               it
               is
               very
               probable
               that
               Satan
               beareth
               a
               particular
               spite
               to
               these
               ,
               as
               some
               have
               observed
               from
               the
               Persons
               possest
               by
               him
               ,
               whom
               he
               so
               frequently
               struck
               deaf
               ,
               and
               dumb
               ,
               and
               blind
               .
               But
               it
               is
               evident
               ,
               that
               as
               by
               these
               Doors
               sin
               entred
               into
               the
               Soul
               ,
               so
               we
               find
               our
               Decayes
               sooner
               in
               them
               ,
               than
               in
               our
               
                 other
                 Senses
              
               .
               The
               Eye
               it
               grows
               dim
               ,
               and
               the
               Ear
               it
               grows
               dull
               ,
               and
               both
               grow
               worse
               
               and
               worse
               ,
               and
               that
               without
               hopes
               of
               Cure.
               This
               was
               the
               case
               of
               the
               
                 Patriarch
                 Isaac
              
               ,
               Gen.
               27.
               1.
               
               
                 And
                 it
                 came
                 to
                 pass
              
               ,
               that
               
                 when
                 Isaac
                 was
                 old
                 and
                 his
                 Eyes
                 were
                 dim
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 he
                 could
                 not
                 see
                 ,
              
               &c.
               whereupon
               using
               his
               Hands
               for
               Eyes
               ,
               he
               was
               mistaken
               in
               his
               own
               Sons
               .
               Indeed
               the
               Degrees
               of
               these
               Decayes
               are
               different
               ,
               in
               some
               less
               ,
               in
               some
               greater
               :
               but
               as
               in
               Houses
               the
               Windows
               suffer
               first
               and
               most
               ;
               so
               in
               our
               
                 houses
                 of
                 Clay
              
               ,
               the
               Organs
               of
               sight
               and
               hearing
               ,
               do
               more
               or
               less
               ,
               wax
               out
               of
               tune
               ,
               before
               the
               Fabrick
               fall
               .
            
             
               Now
               the
               Decayes
               of
               the
               Eye
               and
               Ear
               are
               grievous
               Afflictions
               ;
               when
               one
               can
               scarce
               discern
               one
               thing
               ,
               or
               person
               ,
               or
               one
               letter
               from
               another
               ;
               to
               continue
               in
               a
               perpetual
               night
               or
               twilight
               ,
               how
               uncomfortable
               must
               it
               be
               ?
               Or
               ,
               to
               see
               people
               speak
               ,
               and
               yet
               scarce
               to
               hear
               what
               they
               say
               ,
               it
               is
               next
               to
               being
               buried
               alive
               .
               For
               man
               is
               a
               sociable
               creature
               ;
               and
               the
               
                 All-wise
                 God
              
               saw
               that
               it
               was
               
                 not
                 good
                 for
                 Adam
              
               himself
               ,
               
                 to
                 be
                 alone
              
               :
               but
               the
               Privation
               of
               these
               senses
               leaves
               a
               man
               to
               
                 himself
                 alone
              
               .
               He
               
                 sitteth
                 alone
                 and
                 keepeth
                 silence
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 hath
                 born
                 it
                 upon
                 him
                 .
              
               He
               is
               liable
               to
               be
               abused
               and
               injured
               both
               in
               word
               and
               deed
               ,
               and
               is
               
               uncapable
               to
               help
               himself
               .
               He
               is
               also
               rendred
               useless
               ;
               hereupon
               
                 T.
                 Manlius
                 Torquatus
              
               excused
               himself
               from
               the
               Consulship
               ,
               saying
               it
               was
               not
               fit
               he
               should
               be
               intrusted
               with
               the
               Lives
               and
               Fortunes
               of
               others
               ,
               that
               could
               not
               see
               or
               hear
               ,
               but
               with
               others
               eyes
               and
               ears
               :
               yea
               ,
               which
               is
               worst
               of
               all
               ,
               such
               persons
               are
               precluded
               from
               the
               
                 Means
                 of
                 Grace
              
               and
               Salvation
               .
               There
               is
               no
               better
               company
               sometimes
               than
               a
               good
               Book
               ,
               but
               they
               cannot
               see
               a
               letter
               .
               And
               then
               Faith
               comes
               by
               Hearing
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               preserved
               ,
               and
               increased
               by
               the
               same
               means
               ;
               but
               let
               them
               press
               never
               so
               near
               ,
               they
               can
               scarce
               hear
               a
               distinct
               word
               ,
               much
               less
               a
               whole
               sentence
               :
               and
               what
               a
               dry
               and
               dead
               Soul
               must
               that
               be
               ,
               that
               lives
               out
               of
               the
               road
               of
               these
               ordinary
               helps
               ?
            
             
               It
               is
               some
               Question
               whether
               of
               these
               losses
               is
               the
               greater
               ,
               of
               the
               Eye-sight
               or
               of
               the
               Hearing
               .
               And
               upon
               some
               accounts
               the
               latter
               seems
               to
               be
               the
               sadder
               loss
               of
               the
               two
               ;
               partly
               because
               God
               hath
               ordained
               Hearing
               ,
               to
               be
               the
               ordinary
               Means
               of
               Grace
               and
               Comfort
               :
               partly
               because
               there
               are
               no
               such
               ,
               at
               least
               no
               such
               ready
               and
               commodious
               Helps
               yet
               found
               out
               ,
               for
               the
               Dulness
               of
               the
               Ear
               ,
               as
               there
               are
               for
               the
               Dimness
               of
               the
               Eye
               .
               However
               ,
               
               the
               Decayes
               of
               either
               of
               them
               ,
               especially
               of
               Both
               these
               senses
               ,
               are
               a
               great
               Disadvantage
               ,
               and
               a
               heavy
               burden
               upon
               Old-age
               .
            
             
               Notwithstanding
               all
               this
               allegation
               ,
               Old-age
               is
               not
               altogether
               so
               miserable
               as
               it
               is
               painted
               .
               For
               there
               are
               many
               Aged
               People
               ,
               of
               whom
               it
               may
               be
               said
               ,
               as
               it
               was
               of
               
                 Moses
                 ,
                 Deut.
              
               34.
               7.
               
                 his
                 Eye
                 was
                 not
                 dim
                 ,
                 nor
                 his
                 natural
                 force
                 abated
                 :
              
               So
               it
               pleaseth
               the
               Lord
               to
               continue
               to
               many
               Aged
               persons
               d
               ,
               very
               great
               vivacity
               in
               both
               those
               Senses
               ,
               the
               greater
               cause
               they
               have
               to
               be
               thankfull
               for
               the
               same
               .
               But
               though
               it
               must
               not
               be
               denyed
               ,
               that
               for
               the
               most
               part
               Old-age
               is
               
                 dim
                 of
                 sight
              
               
               and
               
                 dull
                 of
                 hearing
              
               ;
               yet
               't
               is
               as
               true
               ,
               that
               even
               these
               decayes
               are
               incident
               to
               younger
               persons
               .
               How
               many
               young
               people
               may
               we
               meet
               with
               ,
               that
               are
               defective
               in
               one
               or
               other
               of
               them
               ?
               Some
               that
               are
               purblind
               ,
               others
               dim-sighted
               ,
               some
               from
               their
               birth
               ,
               some
               by
               casual
               accidents
               ,
               some
               by
               distempers
               :
               nay
               ,
               it
               is
               one
               of
               the
               wonders
               of
               Gods
               Providence
               ,
               that
               considering
               the
               folly
               and
               rashness
               of
               Children
               ,
               any
               of
               us
               carry
               our
               Eyes
               untouched
               unto
               elder
               years
               :
               so
               that
               neither
               is
               this
               affliction
               to
               be
               confined
               to
               Old-age
               .
               Yea
               ,
               if
               we
               grant
               that
               these
               Defects
               should
               
               unavoydably
               befall
               Old
               people
               ,
               yet
               they
               do
               not
               alwayes
               make
               them
               useless
               ,
               and
               then
               all
               's
               well
               enough
               .
               Even
               Blind
               and
               Deaf
               persons
               have
               bin
               more
               serviceable
               in
               their
               places
               ,
               than
               multitudes
               of
               some
               people
               ,
               that
               have
               their
               eyes
               and
               
                 ears
                 .
                 Tully
              
               tells
               of
               divers
               ,
               that
               were
               wholly
               dark
               ,
               yet
               Ornaments
               to
               their
               Countrey
               .
               In
               particular
               ,
               he
               relates
               of
               Appius
               ,
               that
               was
               old
               and
               blind
               ,
               yet
               retaining
               his
               Authority
               ,
               he
               governed
               a
               great
               Family
               with
               that
               dexterity
               ,
               that
               his
               Children
               feared
               him
               ,
               his
               Neighbours
               respected
               him
               ;
               and
               when
               a
               dishonourable
               Peace
               was
               likely
               to
               be
               made
               with
               Pyrrhus
               ,
               he
               caused
               himself
               to
               be
               carryed
               in
               his
               Chair
               to
               the
               Senate
               ,
               and
               there
               did
               effectually
               interpose
               to
               hinder
               it
               .
            
             
               But
               that
               which
               should
               chiefly
               support
               a
               wise
               and
               good
               man
               under
               these
               Decayes
               of
               the
               Senses
               ,
               is
               ,
               The
               comfortable
               review
               of
               the
               
                 right
                 use
              
               he
               hath
               made
               of
               them
               ,
               that
               he
               hath
               not
               us'd
               them
               as
               
                 Instruments
                 of
                 unrighteousness
                 unto
                 Sin
              
               ,
               but
               as
               the
               
                 Instruments
                 of
                 righteousness
                 unto
                 God
              
               ;
               or
               an
               hearty
               Grief
               for
               his
               Abuse
               of
               them
               :
               And
               the
               joyful
               Prospect
               of
               the
               Resurrection
               ,
               when
               all
               our
               Imperfections
               will
               be
               done
               away
               ,
               and
               
                 our
                 vile
                 bodies
                 made
                 like
                 Christs
                 glorious
                 body
                 .
              
               
               There
               's
               no
               body
               much
               grieved
               at
               the
               want
               of
               repair
               in
               a
               House
               which
               he
               is
               leaving
               ,
               when
               he
               is
               ready
               to
               go
               to
               one
               that
               will
               need
               reparation
               no
               more
               .
               Yea
               ,
               there
               is
               cause
               of
               Thankfulness
               ,
               that
               we
               have
               enjoyed
               the
               use
               of
               these
               
                 Senses
                 so
                 long
              
               ,
               whereas
               we
               might
               have
               bin
               born
               blind
               ,
               and
               deaf
               ,
               and
               dumb
               :
               but
               especially
               ,
               that
               God
               hath
               given
               us
               a
               
                 spiritual
                 Eye
              
               ,
               and
               an
               
                 inward
                 Ear.
              
               
               
                 Let
                 that
                 Soul
                 exceedingly
                 rejoyce
                 ,
                 said
                 Basil
                 ,
                 that
                 hath
                 an
                 Eye
                 to
                 discern
                 invisible
                 things
                 ,
                 even
                 to
                 behold
                 him
                 with
                 whom
                 it
                 shall
                 dwell
                 for
                 ever
                 .
              
               And
               thus
               Antony
               the
               Hermite
               comforted
               Didymus
               .
               
                 You
                 should
                 not
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 take
                 it
                 heavily
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 want
                 such
                 Eyes
                 as
                 Mice
                 and
                 other
                 brute
                 Animals
                 enjoy
                 ,
                 but
                 rather
                 reckon
                 your self
                 a
                 blessed
                 man
                 ,
                 in
                 having
                 such
                 eyes
                 as
                 Angels
                 have
                 ,
                 whereby
                 you
                 may
                 
                   behold
                   God
                   himself
                
                 .
              
               e
            
             
               And
               through
               the
               
                 Goodness
                 of
                 God
              
               it
               often
               falls
               out
               ,
               that
               these
               outward
               Defects
               are
               more
               than
               compensated
               with
               greater
               measures
               of
               Understanding
               and
               of
               Memory
               .
               He
               may
               well
               be
               contented
               to
               lose
               an
               Eye
               or
               Ear
               ,
               which
               must
               perish
               at
               last
               ,
               that
               in
               lieu
               thereof
               receives
               a
               greater
               portion
               of
               
                 Faith
                 ,
                 Love
                 ,
                 Wisdom
              
               and
               Patience
               ,
               and
               so
               becomes
               the
               
               better
               man
               ,
               and
               the
               better
               Christian.
               
            
             
               It
               is
               also
               some
               alleviation
               of
               this
               Affliction
               ,
               to
               consider
               that
               all
               these
               Visible
               things
               are
               but
               Vanity
               ,
               yea
               
                 vanity
                 of
                 vanities
              
               .
               That
               the
               
                 Eye
                 is
                 not
                 satisfied
                 with
                 seeing
                 ,
              
               nor
               
                 the
                 Ear
                 filled
                 with
                 hearing
                 ,
                 Eccles.
              
               1.
               2.
               8.
               
               And
               that
               whose
               wants
               his
               Sight
               or
               Hearing
               ,
               escapes
               many
               a
               Temptation
               ,
               which
               do
               frequently
               surprize
               the
               Soul
               through
               those
               Windows
               :
               and
               that
               ,
               as
               at
               other
               times
               ,
               so
               especially
               in
               the
               
                 Service
                 of
                 God.
              
               How
               often
               doth
               the
               
                 Heart
                 walk
                 after
                 the
                 Eyes
              
               ,
               and
               so
               steal
               away
               from
               God
               ?
               How
               apt
               is
               every
               noise
               ,
               to
               disorder
               the
               Soul
               ?
               so
               that
               as
               we
               are
               deprived
               of
               the
               comfort
               of
               these
               Senses
               ,
               so
               we
               are
               freed
               from
               the
               snares
               that
               attend
               them
               .
               And
               the
               Answer
               is
               not
               to
               be
               forgotten
               which
               Maris
               the
               
                 Godly
                 Bishop
                 of
                 Chalcedon
              
               gave
               to
               
                 Iulian
                 the
                 Apostate
              
               ,
               who
               upbraided
               him
               ,
               that
               his
               God
               had
               not
               cured
               him
               of
               his
               Blindness
               ;
               which
               was
               ,
               That
               he
               praised
               his
               God
               with
               all
               his
               heart
               for
               his
               Blindness
               ,
               whereby
               he
               was
               kept
               from
               seeing
               such
               an
               ungracious
               face
               ,
               as
               his
               was
               .
            
             
               And
               lastly
               ,
               let
               us
               that
               feel
               these
               Decayes
               ,
               greatly
               magnify
               the
               Lord
               ,
               who
               hath
               directed
               us
               to
               the
               use
               of
               Glasses
               and
               Spectacles
               ,
               whereby
               we
               have
               in
               a
               
               manner
               new
               Eyes
               put
               into
               our
               Heads
               ,
               and
               are
               inabled
               to
               read
               ,
               and
               write
               ,
               and
               work
               ,
               even
               to
               the
               very
               Sun-set
               of
               our
               Lives
               .
               This
               is
               so
               great
               a
               Mercy
               ,
               that
               we
               should
               do
               well
               to
               take
               thankfull
               notice
               of
               it
               ,
               every
               time
               we
               use
               them
               ,
               to
               the
               Praise
               of
               God
               ,
               who
               is
               the
               
                 Father
                 of
                 Lights
              
               ,
               and
               from
               whose
               
                 holy
                 Spirit
              
               comes
               the
               knowledge
               of
               
                 witty
                 Inventions
              
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               V.
               
            
             
               THE
               
                 Fifth
                 Inconvenience
              
               incident
               to
               
               Old-age
               is
               ,
               
                 That
                 it
                 is
                 burdened
                 with
                 Distemper
                 and
                 Pain
                 .
              
               Thus
               
                 Asa
                 ,
                 2
                 King.
              
               15.
               23.
               in
               
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 his
                 Old-age
                 was
                 diseased
                 in
                 his
                 feet
                 .
              
               Then
               Aches
               and
               Diseases
               take
               possession
               of
               every
               part
               .
               Megrims
               and
               Dizziness
               seize
               on
               the
               
                 Head
                 ;
                 Catarrhs
                 ;
                 Ptisick
              
               and
               Astma's
               on
               the
               
                 Lungs
                 ;
                 Palsyes
              
               on
               the
               
                 Nerves
                 ;
                 Weakness
              
               and
               Pain
               on
               the
               Back
               and
               
                 Loins
                 ;
                 Gravell
              
               and
               Stone
               on
               the
               Reins
               and
               Bladder
               :
               The
               Gout
               on
               the
               Ioynts
               ;
               The
               
                 Hypochondriack
                 Melancholy
              
               on
               the
               Spleen
               ;
               The
               Colick
               on
               the
               Gutts
               ;
               and
               lastly
               ,
               a
               Dropsy
               or
               an
               Hectick
               ,
               which
               carry
               the
               
               man
               away
               .
               So
               that
               an
               Aged
               person
               is
               
               a
               very
               Hospital
               ,
               and
               Old-age
               is
               it self
               an
               incurable
               Disease
               ,
               and
               any
               other
               added
               to
               it
               makes
               the
               case
               desperate
               .
               Some
               of
               them
               indeed
               speed
               better
               than
               others
               ,
               but
               usually
               if
               they
               escape
               Acute
               diseases
               ,
               some
               Chronical
               distemper
               attends
               them
               to
               their
               Graves
               .
            
             
               Now
               this
               is
               a
               very
               
                 sensible
                 Inconvenience
              
               :
               None
               of
               these
               afflictions
               
                 are
                 joyous
                 ,
                 but
                 grievous
              
               with
               a
               witness
               .
               They
               vex
               and
               torment
               the
               Body
               ,
               that
               a
               man
               hath
               no
               mind
               to
               live
               ,
               and
               yet
               no
               power
               to
               dye
               .
               Hear
               Iob
               ,
               c.
               7.
               20.
               
               
                 I
                 am
                 a
                 burden
                 to
                 my self
                 .
              
               Job
               10.
               1.
               
               
                 My
                 soul
                 is
                 weary
                 of
                 my
                 life
                 .
              
               The
               Old
               person
               cries
               out
               with
               him
               ,
               Iob
               16.
               12.
               
               
                 I
                 was
                 at
                 ease
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 hath
                 broken
                 me
                 asunder
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 taken
                 me
                 by
                 my
                 neck
                 and
                 shaken
                 me
                 to
                 pieces
                 ;
                 —
                 he
                 cleaveth
                 my
                 reins
                 asunder
                 ,
                 and
                 doth
                 not
                 spare
                 ,
                 he
                 poureth
                 out
                 my
                 gall
                 upon
                 the
                 ground
                 .
                 He
                 breaketh
                 me
                 with
                 breach
                 upon
                 breach
                 ,
              
               &c.
               
               These
               Distempers
               and
               Pain
               imbitter
               all
               
                 worldly
                 comforts
              
               ;
               House
               ,
               goods
               ,
               Money
               ,
               Friends
               ,
               Relations
               ,
               they
               are
               all
               dead
               to
               a
               man
               that
               is
               sick
               and
               in
               pain
               .
               They
               deprive
               a
               man
               of
               himself
               ,
               he
               hath
               Ears
               and
               Eyes
               ,
               but
               no
               comfortable
               use
               of
               them
               :
               those
               things
               that
               used
               to
               refresh
               him
               ,
               now
               offend
               him
               ;
               his
               Meat
               ,
               
               Chair
               ,
               his
               Bed
               tires
               him
               ;
               his
               Friends
               ,
               their
               absence
               offends
               him
               ,
               and
               he
               is
               disturb'd
               with
               their
               presence
               ;
               poor
               wretch
               !
               he
               is
               not
               well
               ,
               and
               nothing
               is
               well
               about
               him
               ,
               as
               to
               the
               giddy
               all
               things
               turn
               round
               .
               These
               also
               waste
               his
               Estate
               ,
               what
               will
               not
               one
               spend
               for
               ease
               and
               health
               ?
               one
               Remedy
               is
               commended
               and
               used
               ,
               and
               then
               another
               ;
               one
               Physician
               employed
               ,
               and
               then
               another
               ;
               
                 skin
                 for
                 skin
              
               ,
               all
               shall
               go
               for
               Life
               and
               Health
               .
               Yea
               ,
               these
               have
               a
               sad
               influence
               upon
               the
               Soul.
               When
               it
               is
               lodg'd
               in
               a
               ruinous
               body
               ,
               it
               is
               stifled
               within
               it self
               for
               want
               of
               motion
               ,
               and
               move
               it
               cannot
               ,
               or
               but
               lamely
               for
               want
               of
               Organs
               f
               .
               It
               is
               like
               a
               traveller
               with
               a
               
                 tired
                 Horse
              
               ;
               he
               spurs
               and
               strains
               ,
               but
               his
               Horse
               is
               foundred
               ;
               so
               here
               ,
               the
               Soul
               would
               pray
               ,
               and
               meditate
               ,
               and
               flie
               upward
               ,
               but
               the
               dead
               weight
               of
               a
               crazy
               Body
               hinders
               ;
               so
               that
               both
               
                 his
                 flesh
                 upon
                 him
                 hath
                 pain
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 his
                 Soul
                 within
                 him
                 doth
                 mourn
                 ,
              
               Job
               14.
               22.
               
            
             
               But
               yet
               this
               Burden
               is
               not
               to
               be
               appropriated
               to
               Old-age
               ,
               as
               if
               they
               and
               they
               only
               were
               the
               subject
               of
               distempers
               and
               of
               pain
               .
               For
               ,
               if
               we
               observe
               it
               ,
               we
               shall
               find
               Diseases
               more
               common
               yea
               and
               more
               dangerous
               among
               Young
               people
               ,
               than
               among
               Old
               g
               .
               In
               the
               
                 Sacred
                 Story
              
               you
               will
               
               meet
               with
               more
               young
               People
               brought
               to
               our
               Saviour
               for
               Cure
               ,
               than
               Old.
               There
               was
               
                 Iairus
                 daughter
              
               ,
               there
               was
               the
               
                 Noblemans
                 son
              
               ,
               there
               was
               the
               
                 Syrophenicians
                 daughter
              
               ,
               and
               then
               the
               
                 Centurions
                 servant
              
               ,
               with
               many
               others
               .
               In
               contagious
               Diseases
               it
               's
               evident
               that
               they
               are
               sooner
               infected
               ,
               and
               every
               Register
               will
               inform
               us
               ,
               that
               a
               far
               greater
               number
               of
               Infants
               and
               Young
               People
               are
               yearly
               carried
               to
               their
               long
               home
               ,
               than
               of
               Aged
               Persons
               .
               And
               then
               for
               Casualties
               ,
               there
               are
               far
               more
               of
               young
               and
               middle-aged
               persons
               ,
               that
               are
               slain
               and
               taken
               captives
               ,
               than
               of
               the
               Old.
               
            
             
               Neither
               are
               
                 all
                 Aged
              
               people
               so
               laden
               with
               these
               
                 pains
                 and
                 distempers
              
               ;
               many
               of
               them
               having
               a
               very
               convenient
               measure
               of
               health
               to
               their
               lives
               end
               .
               Thus
               Tully
               brings
               in
               Cato
               at
               
                 eighty
                 four
              
               years
               of
               age
               declaring
               ,
               that
               notwithstanding
               these
               years
               ,
               he
               was
               well
               enough
               to
               appear
               in
               the
               Senate
               ,
               to
               defend
               his
               Client
               ,
               and
               to
               entertain
               his
               Friends
               :
               And
               Masinissa
               ,
               King
               of
               Mauritania
               ,
               that
               at
               fourscore
               and
               ten
               years
               old
               ,
               he
               would
               not
               be
               perswaded
               to
               ride
               in
               his
               journeys
               ,
               or
               to
               be
               covered
               on
               his
               head
               in
               the
               hardest
               frost
               ,
               or
               sharpest
               storm
               .
               And
               one
               of
               the
               old
               men
               mentioned
               in
               
               the
               first
               chapter
               ,
               made
               nothing
               of
               walking
               twenty
               miles
               to
               dine
               with
               a
               Relation
               ,
               when
               he
               was
               above
               an
               hundred
               years
               old
               .
               Neither
               are
               these
               Diseases
               always
               the
               fruits
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               but
               rather
               of
               an
               heedless
               and
               intemperate
               youth
               .
               This
               layes
               up
               such
               crudities
               ,
               surfeits
               and
               noxious
               humours
               ,
               which
               lurk
               in
               us
               till
               Old-age
               ,
               and
               then
               seize
               upon
               us
               ;
               and
               then
               we
               find
               fault
               with
               the
               Choler
               in
               our
               Stomack
               ,
               but
               forget
               the
               
                 sweet
                 meats
              
               which
               have
               caused
               it
               .
               So
               that
               this
               Inconvenience
               doth
               neither
               befall
               
                 all
                 Old
              
               People
               ,
               nor
               only
               them
               ,
               nor
               only
               upon
               the
               account
               of
               their
               Old-age
               .
            
             
               The
               best
               Supports
               however
               for
               the
               Aged
               under
               their
               Maladies
               ,
               are
               a
               
                 deep
                 Study
              
               on
               the
               
                 Wisdom
                 ,
                 Power
                 ,
                 Goodness
              
               ,
               and
               Promises
               of
               God.
               His
               Wisdom
               ,
               whereby
               he
               knows
               what
               condition
               is
               best
               for
               us
               .
               His
               Power
               ,
               whereby
               he
               hath
               all
               Diseases
               at
               his
               Command
               ,
               as
               the
               Centurion
               had
               his
               servants
               .
               His
               Goodness
               ,
               whereby
               he
               pities
               us
               more
               than
               the
               tenderest
               Parent
               doth
               his
               weak
               Child
               ;
               who
               also
               
                 knoweth
                 our
                 frame
                 ,
                 and
                 remembers
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 but
                 dust
                 ,
              
               Psal.
               103.
               13
               ,
               14.
               
               His
               Promises
               ,
               that
               he
               will
               not
               afflict
               without
               need
               ,
               Lam.
               3.
               33.
               that
               he
               
                 will
                 correct
              
               in
               measure
               ,
               Jer.
               30.
               11.
               that
               
               he
               will
               not
               
                 leave
                 us
              
               ,
               Psal.
               23.
               4.
               that
               all
               shall
               work
               for
               the
               best
               ,
               Rom.
               8.
               28.
               that
               he
               will
               cease
               ,
               when
               his
               good
               Ends
               are
               accomplished
               ,
               Lam.
               3.
               22.
               
            
             
               And
               then
               we
               should
               revolve
               the
               great
               Benefit
               and
               use
               of
               them
               .
               For
               by
               our
               Distempers
               the
               Lord
               is
               pleased
               to
               shew
               us
               more
               effectually
               the
               frailty
               of
               our
               Condition
               ,
               the
               
                 Evil
                 of
                 sin
              
               ,
               the
               Vanity
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               and
               many
               other
               Lessons
               that
               are
               not
               commonly
               learn'd
               otherwise
               .
               It
               's
               plain
               ,
               that
               these
               are
               fair
               warnings
               to
               us
               to
               provide
               a
               
                 better
                 house
              
               for
               the
               Soul
               ,
               that
               will
               endure
               .
               In
               this
               Disease
               ,
               said
               
                 Old
                 Olevian
              
               ,
               I
               have
               learned
               to
               know
               aright
               what
               sin
               is
               ,
               and
               what
               the
               Majesty
               of
               God
               is
               .
               Nay
               ,
               said
               that
               
                 Learned
                 Rivet
              
               near
               his
               death
               ,
               I
               have
               learned
               more
               Divinity
               in
               these
               
                 Ten
                 dayes
              
               of
               my
               Sickness
               ,
               than
               in
               
                 Fifty
                 years
              
               before
               ;
               it
               hath
               sent
               me
               home
               into
               my self
               .
               And
               now
               who
               would
               not
               be
               Content
               with
               such
               useful
               Discipline
               ?
               To
               conclude
               ,
               try
               it
               who
               will
               ,
               there
               is
               no
               Condition
               of
               Life
               without
               some
               
                 Inconvenience
                 .
                 Marriage
              
               is
               desired
               ,
               they
               are
               S.
               
               Basil's
               words
               h
               ,
               but
               how
               many
               troubles
               in
               it
               ?
               Children
               are
               long'd
               for
               ,
               but
               how
               many
               griefs
               with
               them
               ?
               rich
               People
               are
               counted
               happy
               ,
               but
               how
               many
               thorns
               
               are
               found
               there
               ?
               These
               are
               the
               tributes
               of
               Life
               ,
               which
               if
               a
               man
               know
               how
               to
               bear
               patiently
               ,
               his
               Soul
               will
               be
               bettered
               ,
               and
               his
               Vertues
               adorned
               .
               Our
               business
               is
               to
               prepare
               for
               them
               beforehand
               ,
               to
               lay
               up
               a
               stock
               of
               Prayers
               ,
               of
               Patience
               ,
               of
               Promises
               ,
               of
               Faith
               ,
               of
               Evidences
               ;
               and
               when
               they
               come
               ,
               to
               
                 possess
                 our
                 Souls
                 in
                 patience
              
               ,
               to
               resign
               up
               our selves
               to
               the
               holy
               will
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               if
               we
               cannot
               turn
               off
               this
               our
               Burden
               ,
               to
               carry
               it
               with
               all
               the
               ease
               and
               satisfaction
               we
               can
               ;
               and
               to
               keep
               a
               sound
               mind
               ,
               if
               we
               cannot
               have
               a
               sound
               body
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               VI.
               
            
             
               A
               
                 Sixth
                 Inconvenience
              
               in
               Old-age
               ,
               is
               ,
               
               
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 broken
                 with
                 Crosses
                 and
                 outward
                 Troubles
                 .
              
               These
               ,
               though
               they
               meet
               us
               in
               every
               stage
               of
               our
               life
               ,
               yet
               a
               whole
               troop
               of
               them
               commonly
               fall
               upon
               us
               in
               Old-age
               .
               Then
               doth
               Poverty
               often
               come
               as
               
                 an
                 armed
                 man
              
               :
               His
               getting
               dayes
               are
               gone
               ,
               now
               his
               spending
               time
               is
               come
               :
               And
               if
               he
               have
               need
               of
               much
               ,
               and
               yet
               hath
               little
               in
               store
               ,
               he
               seems
               to
               be
               in
               a
               miserable
               Condition
               .
               
               The
               
                 Cynick
                 Philosopher
              
               ,
               when
               he
               was
               asked
               ,
               what
               was
               the
               most
               calamitous
               Creature
               in
               the
               world
               ,
               confidently
               answered
               ,
               
                 It
                 was
                 an
                 indigent
                 Old
                 person
                 .
              
               Likewise
               every
               body
               is
               ready
               to
               injure
               and
               run
               down
               the
               Aged
               ,
               reckoning
               that
               they
               are
               least
               able
               to
               defend
               themselves
               .
               For
               as
               to
               the
               weakest
               part
               of
               the
               body
               ,
               there
               is
               a
               confluence
               of
               all
               humours
               ,
               which
               settle
               there
               ,
               so
               very
               often
               it
               falls
               out
               ,
               that
               a
               combination
               of
               troubles
               seize
               upon
               Aged
               people
               ,
               Ioh.
               21.
               18.
               
               
                 Verily
                 ,
                 verily
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 unto
                 thee
                 ,
                 when
                 thou
                 wast
                 young
                 thou
                 girdedst
                 thy self
                 ,
                 and
                 walkedst
                 whither
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 :
                 but
                 when
                 thou
                 shalt
                 be
                 old
                 ,
                 thou
                 shalt
                 stretch
                 forth
                 thy
                 hands
                 ,
                 and
                 another
                 shall
                 gird
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 carry
                 thee
                 whither
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 not
                 .
              
            
             
               And
               of
               these
               Troubles
               ,
               the
               sharpest
               are
               from
               their
               Relations
               ;
               the
               Disobedience
               of
               some
               ,
               or
               the
               Death
               of
               others
               .
               How
               doth
               the
               pride
               ,
               prodigality
               or
               wilfulness
               of
               Children
               or
               Grand-children
               provoke
               ,
               and
               grieve
               the
               hoary
               head
               !
               And
               how
               many
               Aged
               persons
               see
               husband
               ,
               wife
               ,
               children
               ,
               and
               other
               dear
               Friends
               ,
               and
               Relations
               posted
               to
               the
               grave
               before
               them
               ,
               which
               do
               each
               of
               them
               ,
               as
               it
               were
               ,
               tear
               away
               a
               piece
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               leave
               him
               as
               
                 a
                 sparrow
                 alone
                 upon
                 the
              
               
               house-top
               ?
               In
               short
               ,
               Old-age
               is
               recorded
               as
               the
               Sink
               of
               mans
               life
               ,
               into
               which
               run
               all
               the
               miseries
               incident
               to
               humane
               nature
               .
            
             
               And
               that
               which
               makes
               this
               Burden
               more
               grievous
               ,
               is
               ,
               That
               these
               seize
               upon
               the
               persons
               when
               their
               strength
               is
               spent
               ,
               their
               
                 spirits
                 low
              
               ,
               and
               their
               bodily
               
                 infirmities
                 many
              
               .
               They
               are
               within
               sight
               of
               the
               shore
               ,
               and
               yet
               in
               danger
               to
               be
               sunk
               and
               wrack'd
               ,
               with
               the
               storms
               which
               beat
               upon
               them
               .
               When
               they
               had
               thought
               all
               their
               troubles
               had
               been
               blown
               over
               ,
               it
               frets
               them
               sore
               to
               meet
               them
               again
               .
               And
               especially
               ,
               if
               they
               have
               had
               plenty
               and
               prosperity
               in
               the
               course
               of
               their
               lives
               ,
               their
               
                 straits
                 ,
                 losses
              
               and
               troubles
               ,
               now
               aggravate
               their
               affliction
               .
            
             
               Now
               to
               Mitigate
               these
               Pressures
               we
               must
               know
               ,
               1.
               
               That
               these
               Crosses
               are
               common
               to
               all
               .
               As
               they
               do
               not
               infallibly
               attend
               
                 all
                 Aged
              
               persons
               ,
               for
               many
               have
               fair
               weather
               all
               their
               journey
               long
               ;
               so
               they
               befall
               
                 all
                 mankind
              
               indifferently
               in
               every
               part
               of
               life
               .
               If
               these
               be
               Miseries
               ,
               there
               's
               no
               mortal
               man
               without
               his
               Misery
               .
               We
               are
               in
               this
               World
               ,
               as
               Israel
               was
               in
               the
               Wilderness
               ,
               who
               had
               no
               day
               without
               a
               Cloud
               ,
               but
               then
               they
               had
               no
               night
               without
               a
               
                 glympse
                 of
                 light
              
               .
               Where
               
               dwells
               the
               man
               ,
               or
               of
               what
               Cloth
               is
               his
               coat
               made
               ,
               who
               hath
               not
               met
               with
               straits
               ,
               and
               with
               vexations
               ?
               that
               hath
               not
               buried
               many
               of
               his
               Relations
               and
               Friends
               ?
               so
               that
               we
               must
               quarrel
               with
               every
               age
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               Old-age
               ,
               yea
               with
               the
               
                 Providence
                 of
                 God
              
               by
               this
               argument
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               These
               Crosses
               and
               Losses
               are
               absolutely
               
                 Hurtful
                 to
                 none
              
               .
               They
               are
               not
               properly
               and
               intirely
               
                 Evils
                 .
                 Criminal
              
               evils
               are
               real
               Evils
               ,
               poenal
               Evils
               are
               not
               so
               .
               These
               
                 fluunt
                 a
                 summo
                 bono
              
               ,
               are
               inflicted
               by
               Him
               that
               is
               eminently
               
                 Good
                 ;
                 ducunt
                 ad
                 summum
                 bonum
                 ,
              
               they
               guide
               and
               help
               us
               towards
               the
               greatest
               
                 Good
                 ;
                 erant
                 in
                 summo
                 Bono
                 ,
              
               they
               were
               upon
               him
               who
               was
               intirely
               
                 Good.
                 Prosperity
              
               hath
               ,
               but
               Adversity
               hath
               never
               hurt
               a
               good
               man.
               Yea
               some
               of
               the
               Heathens
               i
               have
               been
               bold
               to
               judge
               those
               men
               miserable
               ,
               that
               have
               never
               met
               with
               any
               troubles
               .
               They
               are
               our
               Physick
               ,
               which
               may
               disturb
               us
               ;
               but
               Sin
               is
               our
               Poyson
               ,
               which
               will
               destroy
               us
               .
               The
               
                 bitterest
                 Physick
              
               is
               better
               than
               the
               
                 sweetest
                 Poyson
              
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               They
               are
               Useful
               to
               those
               that
               are
               good
               .
               Though
               they
               be
               briars
               ,
               thorns
               and
               thistles
               in
               themselves
               ,
               yet
               by
               the
               
               blessing
               of
               God
               ,
               they
               prove
               sweet-bryars
               and
               holy-thistles
               to
               holy
               men
               .
               How
               many
               things
               do
               we
               count
               Evil
               ,
               that
               are
               most
               wholsom
               for
               us
               ?
               They
               Exercise
               our
               Faith
               ,
               our
               Wisdom
               ,
               our
               Patience
               ,
               and
               the
               tryal
               of
               these
               is
               more
               precious
               than
               
                 of
                 fine
                 gold
              
               .
               They
               teach
               us
               ,
               as
               was
               said
               of
               Diseases
               ,
               many
               lessons
               more
               effectually
               ,
               than
               the
               Word
               it self
               without
               them
               can
               do
               .
               The
               Chyrurgeon
               and
               the
               Executioner
               do
               both
               bind
               men
               ,
               but
               to
               different
               Ends
               ;
               the
               one
               doth
               it
               to
               bereave
               of
               life
               ,
               the
               other
               to
               preserve
               it
               k
               .
               When
               the
               good
               man
               is
               
                 bound
                 in
                 fetters
                 ,
                 and
                 holden
                 in
                 cords
                 of
                 affliction
                 ,
                 Then
                 the
                 Lord
                 sheweth
                 them
                 their
                 work
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 transgressions
                 that
                 they
                 have
                 exceeded
                 .
                 He
                 openeth
                 also
                 their
                 ears
                 to
                 discipline
                 ,
              
               Job
               36.
               8
               ,
               9.
               
            
             
               4.
               
               These
               Crosses
               and
               Afflictions
               are
               most
               fit
               for
               
                 Old
                 men
              
               .
               They
               are
               or
               should
               be
               ●…ost
               strong
               to
               bear
               them
               ;
               they
               have
               〈◊〉
               a
               
                 long
                 Summer
              
               ,
               to
               lay
               up
               for
               a
               
                 sharp
                 Winter
              
               :
               If
               they
               have
               not
               stored
               up
               a
               great
               deal
               of
               Faith
               and
               Patience
               ,
               they
               have
               
                 slept
                 in
                 harvest
              
               :
               They
               also
               have
               been
               trained
               ,
               and
               inur'd
               to
               them
               before
               this
               time
               of
               day
               ,
               by
               long
               experience
               .
               They
               have
               received
               much
               good
               at
               the
               
                 hands
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
              
               ,
               and
               therefore
               
               may
               the
               better
               receive
               evil
               .
               As
               Cato
               in
               Tully
               answers
               Caecilius
               ,
               who
               objected
               this
               against
               Old-age
               ,
               that
               living
               long
               a
               man
               sees
               many
               displeasing
               and
               uncomfortable
               events
               ;
               Yea
               ,
               said
               he
               ,
               and
               perhaps
               many
               comfortable
               things
               also
               l
               .
               But
               the
               true
               and
               only
               Remedy
               against
               this
               Inconvenience
               ,
               is
               Faith
               and
               Patience
               ;
               which
               the
               wise
               God
               hath
               largely
               prescribed
               in
               the
               
                 11th
                 .
                 and
                 12th
                 .
                 Chapters
                 of
                 the
                 Hebrews
                 .
              
               By
               these
               a
               sound
               Christian
               shall
               not
               only
               bear
               these
               Onsets
               ,
               but
               overcome
               them
               ,
               and
               adorn
               the
               hoary
               head
               with
               trophies
               .
               We
               cannot
               ,
               saith
               a
               Foreigner
               to
               Christianity
               ,
               change
               the
               course
               of
               things
               ,
               but
               we
               can
               take
               a
               good
               heart
               ,
               a
               masculine
               spirit
               ,
               to
               bear
               
                 sad
                 accidents
              
               with
               
                 substantial
                 courage
              
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               reconciled
               to
               Providence
               m
               .
               And
               presently
               again
               ,
               It
               is
               our
               best
               way
               to
               abide
               what
               we
               cannot
               amend
               ,
               and
               to
               attend
               God
               without
               murmuring
               ,
               from
               whom
               all
               ailments
               come
               ;
               for
               it
               is
               an
               ill
               Soldier
               that
               follows
               his
               Commander
               grumbling
               n
               .
               But
               we
               have
               a
               more
               sure
               
                 word
                 of
                 prophecy
              
               ,
               Rom.
               8.
               28.
               
               
                 All
                 things
              
               ,
               mark
               it
               ,
               
                 all
                 things
                 work
                 together
                 for
                 good
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 love
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 called
                 according
                 to
                 his
                 purpose
                 :
              
               Which
               blessed
               word
               ,
               if
               it
               be
               understood
               ,
               believed
               and
               
               considered
               ;
               and
               our
               love
               to
               God
               and
               effectual
               calling
               evinced
               ,
               is
               alone
               able
               ,
               
                 Gods
                 spirit
              
               accompanying
               it
               ,
               to
               settle
               ,
               quiet
               ,
               and
               comfort
               our
               hearts
               under
               all
               troubles
               whatsoever
               .
            
             
               Let
               it
               therefore
               be
               the
               chief
               care
               of
               all
               Aged
               Persons
               to
               
                 make
                 their
                 calling
                 and
                 election
                 sure
                 ,
              
               to
               strengthen
               their
               Faith
               in
               God
               ,
               and
               by
               their
               hope
               to
               travel
               into
               the
               other
               World
               ;
               for
               then
               only
               will
               our
               afflictions
               feel
               
                 light
                 ,
                 while
                 we
                 look
                 not
                 at
                 things
                 seen
                 ,
                 but
                 at
                 things
                 unseen
                 .
              
               The
               thoughts
               of
               the
               grave
               will
               mortifie
               us
               to
               
                 things
                 seen
              
               ,
               and
               the
               thoughts
               of
               the
               Countrey
               beyond
               the
               grave
               will
               realize
               the
               
                 unseen
                 World
              
               ,
               and
               then
               our
               troubles
               will
               be
               easie
               ,
               and
               our
               crosses
               blessings
               .
               The
               sight
               of
               the
               approaching
               shore
               ,
               will
               make
               an
               Aged
               Person
               bear
               the
               present
               storms
               with
               chearfulness
               ,
               knowing
               that
               he
               shall
               shortly
               be
               well
               ,
               either
               
                 under
                 Heaven
              
               ,
               or
               
                 in
                 Heaven
                 :
                 None
                 of
                 these
                 things
                 move
                 me
                 ,
                 neither
                 count
                 I
                 my
                 life
                 dear
                 unto
                 my self
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 I
                 may
                 finish
                 my
                 course
                 with
                 joy
                 ,
              
               Act.
               20.
               24.
               
            
          
           
             
             
               SECT
               .
               VII
               .
            
             
               THE
               
                 Seventh
                 Inconvenience
              
               that
               is
               
               charged
               on
               Old-age
               is
               ,
               
                 That
                 it
                 is
                 attended
                 with
                 Contempt
                 .
              
               Old
               People
               commonly
               are
               despis'd
               ,
               especially
               when
               they
               are
               not
               supported
               with
               
                 good
                 Estates
              
               .
               Most
               People
               avoid
               them
               ,
               and
               treat
               them
               as
               
                 superfluous
                 Creatures
              
               .
               For
               the
               generality
               of
               men
               do
               value
               others
               not
               for
               their
               Wisdom
               ,
               or
               
                 real
                 Vertue
              
               ,
               but
               either
               for
               some
               likeness
               of
               disposition
               ,
               or
               some
               usefulness
               .
               Now
               the
               Ancient
               are
               not
               ,
               by
               the
               disparity
               of
               their
               years
               ,
               so
               complaisant
               ,
               nor
               by
               their
               disability
               so
               helpful
               as
               heretofore
               ;
               and
               thereupon
               they
               are
               contemned
               by
               younger
               people
               :
               Especially
               also
               when
               they
               are
               grown
               decrepit
               ,
               and
               confin'd
               to
               their
               chairs
               or
               chambers
               ;
               then
               are
               they
               an
               eye-sore
               to
               their
               successors
               ,
               who
               secretly
               wish
               them
               well
               in
               Heaven
               ,
               or
               any
               where
               out
               of
               their
               way
               upon
               Earth
               .
               It
               is
               too
               evident
               ,
               how
               unpleasing
               their
               groans
               ,
               their
               coughing
               ,
               and
               their
               other
               weaknesses
               are
               .
               They
               that
               can
               brook
               the
               peevishness
               ,
               and
               the
               uncleanliness
               of
               their
               
               Children
               ,
               cannot
               bear
               with
               it
               in
               their
               Parents
               :
               All
               their
               former
               parts
               and
               pains
               are
               forgotten
               ,
               and
               they
               are
               beheld
               ,
               as
               last
               years
               Almanacks
               ,
               wholly
               out
               of
               date
               .
            
             
               Now
               this
               is
               a
               sore
               Affliction
               ,
               and
               touches
               man
               or
               woman
               to
               the
               quick
               .
               For
               such
               as
               have
               been
               regarded
               and
               reverenced
               ,
               to
               be
               neglected
               and
               despised
               ,
               grates
               even
               the
               most
               ingenuous
               spirits
               .
               Iob
               29.
               30.
               
               
                 Unto
                 me
                 men
                 gave
                 ear
                 ,
                 and
                 waited
                 ,
                 and
                 kept
                 silence
                 at
                 my
                 counsel
                 :
                 but
                 now
                 they
                 that
                 are
                 younger
                 than
                 I
                 ,
                 have
                 me
                 in
                 derision
                 ;
                 they
                 abhor
                 me
                 ,
                 they
                 flee
                 from
                 me
                 ,
              
               &c.
               
               
                 Miserrimum
                 est
                 fuisse
                 felicem
              
               .
               The
               respects
               and
               honour
               that
               one
               hath
               formerly
               had
               ,
               makes
               his
               
                 present
                 contempt
              
               more
               intolerable
               .
               Not
               but
               that
               a
               good
               man
               is
               
                 satisfied
                 with
                 himself
              
               ;
               but
               he
               is
               aware
               ,
               that
               hereby
               he
               is
               rendred
               unuseful
               to
               others
               :
               For
               when
               the
               Person
               is
               despised
               ,
               his
               Example
               nor
               his
               Counsel
               ,
               let
               them
               be
               never
               so
               profitable
               ,
               will
               be
               regardable
               or
               useful
               :
               He
               passes
               for
               an
               old
               Dotard
               ,
               and
               there
               's
               an
               end
               .
               The
               truth
               is
               ,
               every
               man
               would
               be
               beloved
               ,
               and
               in
               some
               sort
               esteemed
               ,
               but
               when
               on
               the
               contrary
               ,
               he
               perceives
               that
               he
               is
               
                 nothing
                 set
                 by
              
               ,
               what
               should
               he
               do
               in
               this
               world
               ?
               That
               man
               is
               a
               burden
               to
               
               himself
               ,
               who
               discerns
               that
               he
               is
               a
               burden
               to
               
                 every
                 body
                 else
              
               .
            
             
               But
               yet
               as
               we
               have
               observed
               in
               
                 other
                 Cases
              
               ,
               This
               Inconvenience
               is
               not
               peculiar
               to
               Old-age
               ,
               as
               if
               they
               only
               were
               despised
               ,
               or
               set
               at
               nought
               :
               For
               they
               that
               will
               contemn
               them
               ,
               will
               set
               light
               by
               any
               other
               sober
               and
               wise
               Person
               also
               ,
               yea
               they
               will
               contemn
               
                 God
                 himself
              
               .
               Plain
               is
               the
               connexion
               ,
               Levit.
               19.
               32.
               
               
                 Thou
                 shalt
                 rise
                 up
                 before
                 the
                 hoary
                 head
                 ,
                 and
                 honour
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 the
                 old
                 man
                 ,
                 and
                 fear
                 thy
                 God
                 :
                 I
                 am
                 the
                 Lord.
              
               They
               that
               will
               despise
               an
               Ancient
               Person
               upon
               that
               score
               ,
               will
               despise
               the
               
                 Ancient
                 of
                 dayes
              
               himself
               ;
               so
               that
               they
               are
               not
               alone
               under
               this
               Inconvenience
               .
               Neither
               is
               this
               
                 Contempt
                 universal
              
               ;
               some
               young
               persons
               have
               that
               Wisdom
               ,
               which
               teacheth
               them
               to
               value
               ,
               and
               respect
               their
               Elders
               .
               Thus
               Tully
               again
               brings
               in
               Cato
               answering
               Caecilius
               ,
               who
               had
               said
               ,
               that
               there
               was
               nothing
               more
               miserable
               in
               Old-age
               ,
               than
               to
               find
               themselves
               odious
               to
               others
               ;
               nay
               ,
               sayes
               Gato
               ,
               I
               believe
               such
               Old
               men
               as
               we
               ,
               are
               very
               acceptable
               to
               such
               young
               men
               as
               you
               ,
               Scipio
               and
               Lelius
               :
               And
               so
               goes
               on
               ,
               shewing
               that
               look
               as
               
                 Old
                 men
              
               take
               pleasure
               in
               vertuous
               young
               men
               ,
               though
               far
               inferiour
               to
               them
               ,
               in
               age
               and
               wisdom
               ;
               
               so
               all
               Iudicious
               young
               men
               take
               delight
               ,
               and
               yield
               great
               respect
               to
               grave
               and
               Ancient
               men
               :
               And
               thus
               Plato
               brings
               in
               Socrates
               saying
               ,
               I
               love
               to
               hear
               the
               Discourses
               of
               Old
               men
               ,
               seeing
               they
               have
               already
               traced
               the
               way
               that
               I
               must
               go
               .
               And
               most
               commonly
               those
               Ancient
               People
               meet
               with
               most
               Contempt
               ,
               who
               by
               their
               Frowardness
               or
               otherwise
               do
               lessen
               themselves
               ,
               and
               alienate
               the
               respects
               of
               others
               from
               them
               ;
               or
               such
               as
               have
               lived
               meerly
               to
               themselves
               ,
               without
               regard
               to
               the
               good
               of
               others
               :
               Or
               else
               ▪
               perhaps
               to
               repay
               into
               their
               own
               bosoms
               that
               neglect
               and
               contempt
               ,
               which
               they
               heretofore
               have
               been
               guilty
               of
               ,
               either
               to
               their
               Parents
               ,
               or
               other
               Seniors
               .
            
             
               But
               however
               it
               be
               ,
               this
               Inconvenience
               is
               not
               the
               fault
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               but
               rather
               of
               such
               
                 undutiful
                 Relations
              
               ,
               who
               have
               forgotten
               the
               
                 Law
                 of
                 Nature
              
               ;
               or
               of
               such
               inconsiderate
               people
               ,
               as
               never
               foresee
               that
               the
               case
               will
               e're
               long
               be
               their
               own
               ;
               and
               they
               must
               look
               for
               the
               same
               measure
               ,
               which
               they
               have
               meted
               to
               others
               ,
               to
               be
               repaid
               into
               their
               bosoms
               .
               The
               Infirmities
               of
               Old
               People
               should
               rather
               breed
               Pity
               ,
               than
               Contempt
               :
               Inasmuch
               as
               though
               ,
               by
               reason
               of
               their
               Age
               ,
               they
               are
               become
               
                 twice
                 Children
              
               ,
               yet
               even
               their
               
               
                 Angels
                 behold
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 their
                 heavenly
                 Father
                 .
              
               And
               though
               ,
               by
               reason
               of
               their
               impotence
               or
               poverty
               ,
               they
               cannot
               vindicate
               their
               just
               Authority
               ,
               or
               punish
               their
               Contemners
               ;
               yet
               God
               will
               certainly
               take
               their
               parts
               ,
               and
               revenge
               their
               wrongs
               .
            
             
               In
               the
               mean
               time
               they
               must
               comfort
               themselves
               in
               the
               Favour
               and
               Protection
               of
               the
               
                 most
                 High
              
               ,
               in
               the
               Promises
               which
               he
               hath
               made
               ,
               in
               the
               Iudgment
               and
               esteem
               which
               he
               hath
               of
               them
               ,
               in
               the
               Integrity
               of
               their
               hearts
               ,
               in
               the
               former
               Usefulness
               of
               their
               Lives
               o
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               Hopes
               they
               have
               to
               be
               shortly
               out
               of
               the
               reach
               either
               of
               envy
               or
               contempt
               .
               What
               matter
               is
               it
               for
               the
               esteem
               of
               a
               company
               of
               worms
               ,
               when
               a
               man
               is
               well
               accounted
               of
               among
               the
               Angels
               ?
               how
               easily
               may
               he
               want
               the
               respects
               of
               Men
               ,
               that
               enjoys
               the
               smiles
               of
               God
               ?
               Alas
               we
               are
               but
               strangers
               in
               this
               world
               ,
               and
               therefore
               must
               not
               grudge
               to
               be
               
                 strangely
                 used
              
               ;
               he
               greatly
               forgets
               himself
               ,
               and
               the
               countrey
               to
               which
               he
               is
               travelling
               ,
               that
               is
               much
               concern'd
               either
               with
               the
               Admiration
               ,
               or
               Contempt
               of
               foolish
               men
               .
            
             
               Yet
               it
               should
               be
               the
               Care
               of
               all
               Ancient
               people
               ,
               to
               use
               all
               good
               Means
               to
               prevent
               ,
               as
               much
               as
               may
               be
               ,
               this
               Inconvenience
               ;
               to
               wit
               ,
               to
               watch
               against
               
               all
               
                 Peevishness
                 ,
                 Covetousness
                 ,
                 Envy
              
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               other
               aforesaid
               Vices
               of
               Old-age
               :
               For
               there
               is
               nothing
               doth
               so
               much
               vilifie
               ,
               yea
               nullifie
               a
               person
               as
               sin
               .
               And
               then
               to
               study
               and
               practise
               
                 Wisdom
                 ,
                 Patience
              
               and
               Charity
               ,
               and
               those
               other
               Graces
               before
               specified
               :
               For
               there
               is
               nothing
               doth
               so
               much
               command
               Regard
               as
               the
               
                 Image
                 of
                 God.
              
               Sincere
               Piety
               will
               procure
               respect
               ,
               more
               than
               birth
               or
               riches
               ;
               and
               you
               have
               seldom
               seen
               Old
               People
               despised
               but
               for
               some
               real
               or
               supposed
               failings
               .
               
                 Particular
                 instances
              
               do
               never
               invalidate
               ,
               but
               establish
               general
               Rules
               ;
               and
               that
               is
               ,
               
                 Them
                 that
                 honour
                 me
                 I
                 will
                 honour
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 that
                 despise
                 me
                 ,
                 shall
                 be
                 lightly
                 esteemed
                 ,
              
               1
               Sam.
               2.
               30.
               
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               VIII
               .
            
             
               THe
               
                 Eighth
                 Infelicity
              
               of
               Old-age
               is
               ,
               
               
                 That
                 it
                 is
                 Disabled
                 from
                 Service
                 ,
              
               and
               rendered
               incapable
               of
               doing
               good
               in
               their
               Generation
               .
               Which
               though
               it
               be
               an
               Effect
               of
               some
               of
               the
               former
               ,
               yet
               is
               a
               distinct
               Affliction
               .
               When
               the
               Faculties
               are
               impaired
               ,
               the
               Strength
               exhausted
               ,
               Pains
               and
               Diseases
               inflicted
               ,
               
               alas
               !
               what
               Service
               can
               such
               a
               one
               do
               for
               the
               Church
               !
               how
               little
               for
               the
               Common-wealth
               !
               how
               little
               for
               their
               own
               Family
               ?
               Hence
               the
               
                 Levites
                 ,
                 Numb
              
               .
               8.
               at
               Fifty
               were
               discharged
               from
               the
               substance
               of
               their
               work
               .
               Hence
               the
               Soldier
               at
               Sixty
               was
               
                 Miles
                 emeritus
              
               .
               For
               how
               should
               the
               
                 Head
                 ,
                 Heart
              
               or
               Hand
               be
               serviceable
               ,
               that
               are
               shatter'd
               with
               breach
               upon
               breach
               ?
               His
               useful
               dayes
               are
               done
               :
               He
               must
               now
               be
               
                 labouring
                 for
                 Life
              
               ,
               who
               before
               
                 liv'd
                 for
                 Labour
              
               .
               They
               see
               things
               out
               of
               order
               in
               the
               places
               where
               they
               live
               ,
               but
               they
               cannot
               amend
               them
               .
               He
               that
               formerly
               could
               have
               
                 Studied
                 many
                 hours
              
               ,
               is
               spent
               now
               with
               a
               
                 few
                 minutes
              
               ;
               and
               those
               that
               have
               served
               at
               the
               altar
               ,
               are
               now
               glad
               to
               sit
               by
               the
               fire
               .
               Hence
               the
               old
               
                 Roman
                 Proverb
              
               beforementioned
               ,
               
                 Sexagenarios
                 de
                 ponte
                 dejiciendos
              
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               Let
               those
               that
               are
               sixty
               years
               old
               be
               turn'd
               off
               the
               bridge
               :
               Their
               work
               is
               done
               ,
               they
               live
               to
               no
               purpose
               .
            
             
               Now
               this
               is
               a
               heavy
               Trouble
               to
               a
               Good
               man
               ,
               yea
               to
               any
               Ingenuous
               man.
               Such
               do
               know
               ,
               that
               Usefulness
               is
               the
               End
               ,
               and
               Happiness
               of
               Life
               :
               Take
               that
               away
               ,
               and
               what
               is
               Life
               good
               for
               ?
               A
               man
               is
               thenceforth
               but
               a
               Cypher
               ,
               yea
               
               and
               worse
               ;
               for
               he
               eats
               ,
               and
               drinks
               ,
               and
               troubles
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               no
               way
               helps
               the
               Inhabitants
               of
               it
               .
               Hereupon
               in
               a
               
                 certain
                 Countrey
              
               ,
               it
               s
               said
               ,
               that
               the
               Old
               people
               ,
               when
               they
               found
               themselves
               decrepit
               ,
               went
               into
               an
               adjacent
               Climate
               ,
               where
               by
               the
               quality
               of
               the
               Air
               they
               were
               soon
               extinguished
               :
               Which
               Remedy
               is
               not
               to
               be
               liked
               ,
               though
               their
               sense
               of
               unserviceableness
               is
               to
               be
               remarked
               .
               For
               Plato
               p
               could
               say
               ,
               The
               more
               beneficial
               we
               can
               be
               to
               mankind
               ,
               the
               liker
               we
               are
               to
               God.
               To
               become
               therefore
               disabled
               from
               Service
               ,
               is
               Death
               to
               an
               active
               useful
               spirit
               .
               Besides
               ,
               as
               Imployment
               makes
               improvement
               ,
               so
               on
               the
               other
               side
               Rest
               breeds
               Rust
               ,
               and
               they
               that
               leave
               off
               the
               Acts
               ,
               lose
               the
               Habits
               ,
               and
               become
               more
               empty
               and
               insignificant
               ,
               than
               ever
               they
               were
               before
               .
               Upon
               all
               which
               accounts
               this
               Disability
               is
               a
               most
               disconsolate
               Affliction
               ,
               and
               sufficient
               of
               it self
               to
               sink
               their
               weak
               spirits
               with
               despair
               .
            
             
               But
               as
               we
               have
               observed
               in
               other
               Cases
               ,
               this
               Grievance
               is
               not
               peculiar
               to
               Old-age
               .
               But
               people
               of
               all
               Ages
               have
               divers
               ways
               become
               unable
               to
               serve
               their
               generation
               .
               Some
               by
               the
               
                 hand
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               inflicting
               such
               Distempers
               on
               their
               Minds
               or
               Bodies
               ,
               as
               have
               made
               them
               useless
               in
               
               their
               places
               .
               Some
               by
               the
               Procurement
               of
               Men
               ,
               by
               whom
               many
               in
               the
               prime
               of
               their
               time
               have
               been
               laid
               aside
               ;
               sometimes
               justly
               ,
               sometimes
               unjustly
               ,
               and
               all
               opportunity
               taken
               from
               them
               of
               doing
               good
               in
               the
               World.
               Neither
               are
               all
               Aged
               persons
               rendred
               useless
               :
               For
               many
               there
               be
               of
               both
               Sexes
               ,
               that
               persevere
               in
               well-doing
               to
               the
               last
               .
               Cato
               pleaded
               causes
               ,
               when
               he
               was
               past
               fourscore
               years
               ,
               and
               Isocrates
               wrote
               excellent
               things
               at
               fourscore
               and
               fourteen
               years
               of
               age
               .
               And
               not
               only
               the
               Tongues
               ,
               but
               the
               Hands
               of
               very
               many
               Old
               people
               are
               found
               as
               nimble
               to
               
                 good
                 works
              
               ,
               as
               of
               younger
               Persons
               .
               They
               that
               have
               been
               useful
               in
               their
               strength
               ,
               will
               scarce
               ever
               become
               useless
               in
               their
               
                 weakness
                 .
                 Plutarch
              
               observes
               that
               an
               industrious
               Bee
               ,
               never
               degenerates
               into
               a
               Drone
               ,
               in
               its
               Old-age
               .
               Too
               many
               there
               be
               of
               every
               Age
               that
               live
               only
               to
               themselves
               ,
               that
               neither
               
                 Serve
                 God
              
               ,
               nor
               
                 observe
                 Man
              
               ,
               but
               in
               order
               to
               their
               own
               Interest
               ,
               or
               Appetite
               :
               These
               are
               good
               for
               nothing
               ,
               young
               or
               old
               ;
               but
               they
               that
               understand
               ,
               and
               embrace
               the
               true
               Ends
               of
               life
               ,
               will
               be
               useful
               one
               way
               or
               other
               ,
               to
               their
               lives
               end
               .
            
             
               And
               the
               great
               Service
               that
               the
               Ancient
               
               do
               perform
               ,
               is
               by
               their
               sage
               Advice
               .
               When
               the
               Levites
               were
               at
               fifty
               releas'd
               from
               the
               labour
               of
               the
               Sanctuary
               ,
               they
               are
               said
               yet
               to
               be
               Iudges
               in
               their
               Cities
               .
               So
               that
               although
               they
               cannot
               do
               that
               service
               ,
               which
               younger
               persons
               may
               ,
               yet
               they
               do
               greater
               :
               For
               the
               greatest
               things
               are
               compassed
               ,
               not
               by
               strength
               ,
               but
               counsel
               .
               They
               cannot
               be
               counted
               useless
               ,
               says
               Tully
               ,
               that
               prescribe
               to
               the
               more
               raw
               and
               ignorant
               their
               work
               .
               Like
               as
               a
               Pilot
               ,
               who
               thô
               he
               run
               not
               up
               and
               down
               the
               Ship
               ,
               but
               sits
               at
               the
               helm
               ,
               yet
               is
               the
               most
               useful
               person
               in
               the
               ship
               :
               So
               the
               
                 Aged
                 head
              
               is
               the
               most
               useful
               part
               in
               a
               family
               or
               Commonwealth
               ,
               though
               it
               be
               confined
               to
               the
               
                 fire
                 side
              
               q
               Hence
               Homer
               brings
               in
               Agamemnon
               ,
               wishing
               rather
               for
               ten
               Nestor's
               ,
               an
               Aged
               wise
               man
               among
               the
               Greeks
               ,
               than
               so
               many
               
               Ajax's
               ,
               who
               was
               a
               man
               of
               Arms
               ,
               for
               the
               winning
               of
               Troy.
               And
               it
               is
               well
               known
               ,
               that
               the
               grand
               Magistrates
               both
               in
               Greece
               and
               Rome
               were
               the
               Ancients
               of
               their
               Cities
               ;
               and
               thereupon
               they
               were
               called
               Senators
               ,
               and
               the
               great
               Council
               of
               Rome
               ,
               The
               Senate
               ,
               being
               composed
               of
               Aged
               men
               .
            
             
               Yea
               if
               they
               should
               by
               reason
               of
               their
               
               Age
               be
               wholly
               unserviceable
               ,
               yet
               their
               Example
               is
               useful
               .
               To
               see
               a
               man
               or
               woman
               deprived
               of
               all
               outward
               comfort
               and
               respect
               ,
               and
               laden
               with
               heavy
               Distempers
               ,
               yet
               patient
               and
               
                 thankful
                 ,
                 serious
              
               and
               devout
               ,
               it
               is
               a
               powerful
               Lecture
               to
               all
               the
               spectators
               ;
               and
               may
               teach
               them
               to
               
                 be
                 doing
              
               their
               own
               great
               work
               with
               all
               their
               might
               ,
               to
               be
               thankful
               to
               God
               for
               their
               present
               strength
               and
               ease
               ,
               to
               beware
               of
               slothfulness
               and
               selfishness
               :
               That
               when
               they
               arrive
               at
               that
               decrepit
               estate
               ,
               they
               may
               have
               the
               
                 pleasant
                 prospect
              
               of
               a
               
                 fruitful
                 life
              
               behind
               them
               ,
               and
               the
               
                 joyful
                 prospect
              
               of
               a
               
                 blessed
                 life
              
               before
               them
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               IX
               .
            
             
               THe
               
                 Ninth
                 Disadvantage
              
               of
               Old-age
               
               is
               ,
               
                 That
                 it
                 is
                 unfit
                 for
                 Religious
                 Exercises
                 .
              
               When
               we
               are
               in
               years
               ,
               we
               are
               indisposed
               to
               Prayer
               and
               Fasting
               ,
               to
               Hearing
               or
               Reading
               ,
               and
               in
               general
               to
               all
               such
               Spiritual
               Imployments
               ,
               wherein
               the
               Soul
               and
               Body
               must
               concurr
               .
               They
               need
               these
               Helps
               as
               much
               as
               Others
               ,
               and
               perhaps
               desire
               them
               as
               much
               as
               Others
               ;
               
               but
               the
               dead
               weight
               of
               a
               
                 crazy
                 body
              
               sinks
               down
               the
               towring
               of
               their
               
                 precious
                 Souls
              
               .
               To
               
                 will
                 is
                 present
                 with
                 them
              
               ,
               but
               how
               to
               perform
               the
               same
               ,
               they
               
                 find
                 not
              
               ;
               and
               no
               wonder
               ,
               having
               not
               only
               a
               
                 law
                 of
                 sin
              
               within
               them
               ,
               but
               a
               
                 body
                 of
                 death
              
               without
               them
               .
               Their
               senses
               are
               grown
               weak
               ,
               their
               faculties
               weak
               ,
               their
               spirits
               weak
               :
               How
               then
               should
               they
               wrestle
               with
               God
               in
               Prayer
               ,
               or
               continue
               instant
               therein
               ?
               Let
               the
               Rider
               be
               never
               so
               good
               a
               Horsman
               ,
               yet
               he
               must
               travel
               as
               his
               Horse
               will
               give
               him
               leave
               :
               So
               let
               the
               Soul
               be
               never
               so
               active
               ,
               it
               can
               operate
               only
               as
               the
               organs
               of
               the
               body
               will
               permit
               it
               .
               Instead
               of
               taking
               pains
               about
               their
               Souls
               ,
               they
               are
               forc'd
               to
               prop
               up
               their
               decrepit
               bodies
               .
               Their
               weaknesses
               keep
               them
               in
               bed
               ,
               while
               the
               holy
               zeal
               of
               others
               is
               burning
               in
               Devotion
               .
               And
               as
               the
               Old
               woman
               in
               Plautus
               being
               askt
               why
               she
               went
               no
               faster
               ,
               answer'd
               ,
               because
               she
               carried
               so
               great
               a
               load
               ,
               to
               wit
               of
               
                 eighty
                 four
                 years
              
               on
               her
               back
               ;
               so
               the
               load
               on
               Old
               peoples
               back
               either
               hinders
               them
               from
               coming
               to
               holy
               Assemblies
               ,
               or
               else
               causes
               them
               to
               travel
               thither
               very
               slowly
               ;
               so
               that
               they
               are
               constrained
               to
               live
               ,
               in
               a
               mannet
               ,
               
                 without
                 God
                 in
                 the
                 world
              
               .
            
             
             
               Now
               this
               Affliction
               to
               an
               holy
               heart
               is
               a
               very
               heavy
               burden
               .
               When
               a
               poor
               man
               is
               cut
               short
               in
               all
               his
               other
               Comforts
               ,
               and
               as
               it
               were
               besieged
               with
               all
               the
               Calamities
               of
               this
               life
               ;
               yet
               while
               he
               hath
               this
               River
               of
               
                 Gods
                 Ordinances
              
               free
               and
               open
               ,
               thereby
               he
               receives
               continual
               supplies
               from
               Heaven
               ,
               the
               
                 streams
                 thereof
                 make
                 glad
                 the
                 City
                 of
                 God
                 :
              
               But
               when
               this
               is
               stopt
               ,
               the
               Soul
               grows
               sad
               ,
               and
               dry
               ,
               and
               barren
               .
               Hence
               holy
               David
               in
               his
               Exile
               ,
               never
               mentioning
               his
               temporal
               losses
               ,
               yet
               cries
               out
               ,
               Psal.
               42.
               4.
               
               
                 When
                 I
                 remember
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 I
                 pour
                 out
                 my
                 soul
                 in
                 me
                 :
                 for
                 I
                 had
                 gone
                 with
                 the
                 multitude
                 to
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 God.
              
               This
               went
               nearest
               to
               his
               heart
               .
               For
               when
               a
               man
               is
               harras'd
               with
               cares
               and
               troubles
               all
               the
               week
               long
               ,
               yet
               he
               is
               relieved
               and
               refreshed
               in
               his
               approach
               unto
               God
               upon
               his
               
                 own
                 Day
              
               :
               But
               with
               the
               decrepit
               
                 Old
                 man
              
               ,
               every
               day
               is
               alike
               ,
               and
               his
               Soul
               is
               left
               destitute
               of
               spiritual
               supplies
               in
               an
               ordinary
               way
               .
               And
               this
               Affliction
               is
               saddest
               of
               all
               ,
               when
               by
               disuse
               of
               the
               means
               of
               Grace
               ,
               the
               Soul
               grows
               stupid
               and
               unconcern'd
               in
               the
               matter
               ;
               as
               without
               special
               Grace
               ,
               we
               shall
               be
               apt
               to
               be
               :
               So
               that
               the
               misery
               is
               great
               in
               the
               want
               ,
               and
               greater
               when
               insensible
               
               of
               the
               want
               .
               No
               great
               wonder
               therefore
               that
               when
               all
               these
               miseries
               meet
               together
               ,
               a
               man
               cry
               out
               with
               
                 Iob
                 ,
                 I
                 would
                 not
                 live
                 always
                 .
              
               So
               that
               
                 Tiberius
                 Caesar
              
               had
               a
               saying
               ,
               as
               Plutarch
               tells
               us
               ,
               that
               it
               was
               a
               shameful
               thing
               for
               a
               man
               that
               was
               past
               sixty
               ,
               to
               stretch
               out
               his
               hand
               to
               a
               Physician
               ;
               reckoning
               that
               it
               was
               fit
               he
               should
               then
               be
               content
               to
               dye
               .
            
             
               But
               yet
               ,
               if
               we
               weigh
               the
               matter
               well
               ,
               the
               Case
               of
               Ancient
               people
               is
               not
               so
               desperate
               as
               it
               seems
               .
               For
               to
               proceed
               in
               our
               
                 former
                 Method
              
               ,
               it
               is
               evident
               that
               many
               others
               besides
               the
               Aged
               are
               cut
               short
               in
               the
               
                 means
                 of
                 Grace
              
               ;
               some
               willingly
               in
               Factories
               beyond
               the
               Seas
               ,
               some
               willfully
               by
               their
               own
               Atheism
               and
               Ungodliness
               ,
               some
               unwillingly
               by
               Distempers
               and
               other
               hindrances
               .
               And
               on
               the
               other
               side
               ,
               divers
               Ancient
               people
               have
               been
               capable
               to
               attend
               the
               Service
               of
               God
               even
               to
               their
               dying
               day
               .
               Thus
               Ahijah
               ,
               though
               his
               
                 Eyes
                 were
                 set
                 for
                 Age
              
               ,
               yet
               was
               enabled
               to
               prophecy
               to
               
               Ieroboam's
               wife
               .
               And
               Iacob
               could
               
                 worship
                 God
                 ,
                 leaning
                 on
                 the
                 top
                 of
                 his
                 Staff.
              
               And
               St.
               Iohn
               was
               an
               Evangelist
               ,
               when
               he
               was
               an
               hundred
               years
               old
               .
               And
               there
               was
               Anna
               ,
               a
               widdow
               of
               about
               
                 fourscore
                 and
              
               
               
                 four
                 years
              
               ,
               yet
               
                 departed
                 not
                 from
                 the
                 Temple
                 ,
                 but
                 served
                 God
                 with
                 fastings
                 and
                 prayers
                 night
                 and
                 day
                 ,
              
               Luk.
               2.
               37.
               
               So
               that
               
                 all
                 Aged
              
               persons
               are
               not
               precluded
               from
               spiritual
               exercises
               .
            
             
               And
               though
               they
               should
               become
               unable
               to
               frequent
               the
               
                 Publick
                 Ordinances
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               yet
               they
               may
               pray
               ,
               and
               sigh
               ,
               and
               meditate
               in
               their
               chambers
               ;
               and
               these
               ,
               proceeding
               from
               a
               sincere
               and
               sensible
               Soul
               ,
               are
               most
               acceptable
               unto
               God.
               As
               for
               the
               
                 external
                 Acts
              
               of
               Religion
               ,
               they
               avail
               nothing
               without
               faith
               and
               love
               ,
               which
               lodge
               in
               the
               heart
               .
               The
               
                 immanent
                 Acts
              
               of
               the
               Soul
               ,
               which
               are
               to
               understand
               ,
               to
               meditate
               ,
               to
               will
               ,
               and
               to
               desire
               ,
               do
               most
               perfect
               the
               same
               .
               And
               where
               the
               Deed
               cannot
               be
               done
               ,
               God
               doth
               accept
               the
               will
               for
               the
               Deed.
               The
               weakest
               and
               poorest
               
                 Old
                 man
              
               or
               woman
               may
               have
               high
               meditations
               under
               a
               low
               roof
               ,
               and
               a
               large
               heart
               within
               narrow
               walls
               .
            
             
               No
               Aged
               person
               therefore
               should
               be
               discouraged
               by
               their
               Inability
               for
               
                 Gods
                 Service
              
               ;
               since
               
                 He
                 knoweth
                 their
                 frame
              
               ,
               he
               
                 remembreth
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 but
                 dust
                 .
              
               The
               Lord
               hath
               said
               ,
               
                 When
                 the
                 poor
                 and
                 needy
                 seek
                 water
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 none
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 tongue
                 faileth
                 for
                 thirst
                 :
                 I
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
              
               
               
                 hear
                 them
                 ,
                 I
                 the
                 God
                 of
                 Israel
                 will
                 not
                 forsake
                 them
                 .
                 I
                 will
                 open
                 Rivers
                 in
                 high
                 places
                 ,
                 and
                 fountains
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 the
                 valleys
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 make
                 the
                 Wilderness
                 a
                 pool
                 of
                 water
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 dry
                 Land
                 springs
                 of
                 water
                 ,
              
               Isa.
               41.
               17
               ,
               18.
               
               In
               the
               want
               of
               
                 ordinary
                 supplies
              
               ,
               I
               will
               provide
               them
               with
               
                 extraordinary
                 supports
              
               :
               the
               wilderness
               shall
               produce
               a
               
                 pool
                 of
                 water
              
               rather
               than
               any
               Child
               of
               God
               shall
               dy
               for
               thirst
               .
               When
               they
               cannot
               
                 wait
                 upon
                 God
              
               as
               before
               ,
               he
               will
               wait
               to
               be
               gracious
               to
               them
               ,
               he
               will
               come
               to
               them
               ,
               and
               teach
               ,
               and
               comfort
               them
               .
               If
               indeed
               a
               man
               be
               inwardly
               pleased
               ,
               that
               his
               weakness
               excuseth
               him
               from
               his
               Devotions
               ,
               he
               hath
               cause
               to
               blame
               himself
               ;
               but
               if
               he
               hath
               the
               same
               desires
               and
               holy
               affections
               with
               others
               ,
               the
               old
               Law
               shall
               stand
               ;
               to
               wit
               ,
               
                 he
                 that
                 stayes
                 by
                 the
                 Stuffe
                 ,
                 shall
                 part
                 the
                 Spoil
                 ,
                 with
                 him
                 that
                 goes
                 out
                 to
                 battel
                 .
              
               You
               have
               a
               trade
               going
               in
               every
               Ship
               ,
               an
               Interest
               in
               every
               holy
               Assembly
               in
               the
               World.
               
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               X.
               
            
             
               THE
               Tenth
               and
               
                 last
                 Inconvenience
              
               in
               
               Old-age
               ,
               is
               ,
               
                 That
                 they
                 are
                 Terrified
                 with
                 the
                 approach
                 of
                 Death
                 .
              
               For
               Death
               is
               a
               word
               hard
               of
               digestion
               to
               any
               man.
               
               The
               Philosopher
               counted
               it
               of
               all
               dreadfull
               things
               the
               
                 most
                 Terrible
              
               .
               And
               Mr.
               Latimer
               observes
               of
               Hezekiah
               ,
               that
               he
               was
               more
               afraid
               of
               Death
               ,
               than
               of
               all
               
                 Senacheribs
                 Army
              
               .
               Now
               Old-age
               is
               a
               near
               neighbour
               to
               it
               ,
               and
               the
               aspect
               of
               it
               alwayes
               before
               them
               ,
               is
               not
               very
               pleasant
               .
               Most
               men
               ,
               saith
               Seneca
               ,
               are
               miserably
               tost
               between
               the
               
                 fear
                 of
                 Death
              
               and
               the
               
                 miseries
                 of
                 Life
              
               ,
               are
               unwilling
               either
               to
               live
               or
               dy
               r
               .
               Especially
               they
               who
               have
               had
               their
               portion
               in
               this
               life
               ,
               and
               have
               made
               no
               provision
               for
               a
               better
               .
               This
               made
               Lewis
               11
               th
               of
               France
               to
               charge
               all
               about
               him
               ,
               to
               
                 forbear
                 the
                 mention
                 of
                 Death
              
               .
               The
               strict
               Account
               which
               follows
               it
               ,
               and
               the
               long
               Eternity
               which
               follows
               that
               ,
               makes
               Death
               a
               most
               serious
               matter
               .
               No
               wonder
               if
               the
               hand
               tremble
               ,
               when
               it
               is
               going
               to
               take
               that
               Cup
               ,
               which
               will
               mend
               or
               end
               them
               .
               Now
               the
               Old
               man
               is
               at
               the
               door
               of
               this
               fatal
               place
               .
               Though
               a
               Casualty
               may
               bring
               Death
               suddenly
               ,
               though
               a
               sickness
               may
               bring
               it
               probably
               ,
               yet
               Old-age
               brings
               it
               certainly
               s
               .
               Peradventure
               there
               are
               fifty
               weeks
               or
               dayes
               remaining
               in
               their
               life
               ,
               peradventure
               but
               
                 forry
                 five
              
               ;
               perhaps
               but
               forty
               ,
               but
               thirty
               ,
               yea
               but
               twenty
               ,
               as
               Abraham
               said
               of
               Sodom
               ;
               nay
               ,
               since
               it
               is
               dubious
               every
               moment
               ,
               and
               
               no
               mortal
               man
               knows
               at
               what
               Wat●…
               of
               the
               Night
               he
               shall
               be
               called
               ,
               the
               〈◊〉
               person
               that
               is
               but
               a
               
                 step
                 from
                 death
              
               ,
               must
               be
               
                 through
                 fear
                 of
                 Death
                 in
                 continual
                 bondage
                 .
              
            
             
               But
               the
               Lyon
               is
               not
               so
               terrible
               as
               he
               is
               painted
               ,
               neither
               is
               Death
               so
               formidable
               as
               it
               is
               by
               many
               represented
               .
               Though
               it
               be
               against
               the
               Desires
               of
               Nature
               ,
               yet
               it
               is
               not
               against
               the
               Series
               of
               Nature
               t
               .
               For
               if
               we
               consult
               this
               ,
               we
               find
               Autumn
               kindly
               after
               Summer
               ,
               and
               Winter
               after
               Autumn
               ;
               and
               Death
               is
               as
               natural
               after
               Old-age
               .
               And
               the
               
                 Light
                 of
                 Nature
              
               taught
               some
               of
               the
               Heathens
               to
               reckon
               the
               worthy
               men
               ,
               especially
               that
               are
               dead
               ,
               to
               be
               most
               truly
               alive
               ,
               in
               that
               while
               we
               live
               in
               this
               world
               ,
               the
               Soul
               is
               imprison'd
               in
               the
               body
               ,
               and
               is
               set
               at
               liberty
               by
               Death
               .
               Thus
               Xenophon
               brings
               in
               Cyrus
               discoursing
               to
               his
               Children
               on
               his
               Death-bed
               .
               
                 Think
                 not
                 ,
                 O
                 my
                 Sons
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 leave
                 you
                 quite
                 ,
                 and
                 am
                 lost
                 when
                 I
                 dye
                 ;
                 perhaps
                 you
                 will
                 not
                 see
                 me
                 ,
                 neither
                 do
                 you
                 now
                 see
                 the
                 most
                 Essential
                 part
                 of
                 me
                 ,
                 nor
                 never
                 did
                 :
                 only
                 by
                 my
                 actions
                 you
                 believed
                 it
                 was
                 in
                 this
                 body
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 will
                 live
                 out
                 of
                 this
                 body
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 in
                 it
                 .
              
               u
               And
               if
               Pagans
               set
               so
               light
               by
               Death
               ,
               what
               notion
               should
               
               we
               Christians
               have
               of
               it
               ,
               that
               can
               look
               more
               clearly
               beyond
               it
               ?
               It
               is
               styl'd
               a
               
                 falling
                 asleep
              
               ,
               and
               what
               's
               more
               welcome
               to
               an
               Aged
               person
               than
               a
               
                 sound
                 sleep
              
               ?
               And
               from
               that
               Expression
               ,
               1
               Thess.
               4.
               an
               
                 Old
                 Toletan
                 ▪
                 Council
              
               ordained
               that
               the
               dead
               should
               be
               followed
               with
               Psalms
               of
               Praise
               to
               their
               Graves
               .
            
             
               In
               short
               ,
               1.
               
               
                 All
                 Aged
              
               People
               are
               not
               oppressed
               with
               the
               fear
               of
               Death
               .
               Too
               few
               there
               are
               that
               think
               at
               all
               of
               it
               .
               Men
               generally
               
                 put
                 far
                 from
                 them
                 the
                 evil
                 day
              
               ;
               and
               it
               will
               be
               an
               evil
               day
               to
               such
               as
               put
               it
               far
               from
               them
               .
               Most
               people
               can
               think
               of
               any
               place
               in
               the
               Parish
               rather
               than
               the
               Church-yard
               ;
               yea
               ,
               I
               doubt
               it
               be
               one
               of
               the
               Faults
               of
               the
               Aged
               to
               think
               seldom
               of
               Death
               ,
               and
               they
               who
               think
               little
               of
               it
               ,
               are
               in
               no
               danger
               of
               being
               frighted
               with
               its
               thoughts
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               Young
               have
               the
               
                 same
                 reason
              
               to
               be
               concern'd
               about
               Dying
               as
               the
               Old.
               For
               Youth
               hath
               more
               wayes
               to
               Death
               than
               Age
               hath
               .
               And
               far
               more
               dye
               in
               their
               Youth
               ,
               than
               that
               dye
               for
               Age.
               It
               's
               true
               ,
               they
               hope
               to
               live
               longer
               ,
               but
               their
               hopes
               have
               no
               good
               ground
               at
               all
               .
               They
               have
               neither
               Promise
               nor
               Experience
               to
               build
               their
               hopes
               upon
               .
               And
               in
               Young
               Peoples
               Death
               ,
               they
               being
               in
               their
               strength
               ,
               
               Nature
               receives
               a
               more
               
                 violent
                 shock
              
               ,
               whereas
               the
               Aged
               are
               more
               quietly
               extinguished
               ,
               like
               a
               Candle
               in
               the
               Socket
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               No
               
                 good
                 man
              
               need
               be
               affrighted
               at
               the
               
                 approach
                 of
                 Death
              
               .
               For
               the
               power
               and
               sting
               of
               Death
               is
               utterly
               taken
               away
               by
               our
               
                 Saviours
                 Death
              
               ,
               and
               so
               it
               can
               do
               us
               no
               hurt
               w
               .
               A
               Child
               of
               God
               doth
               not
               so
               much
               as
               tast
               Death
               .
               The
               true
               Believer
               now
               hath
               not
               to
               do
               with
               Death
               ,
               but
               with
               its
               shadow
               ,
               with
               a
               toothless
               Dog
               ,
               with
               a
               dead
               Lyon
               ,
               with
               a
               Wasp
               without
               a
               Sting
               ,
               with
               a
               conquer'd
               Enemy
               .
               What
               man
               in
               his
               wits
               is
               afraid
               after
               a
               
                 tempestuous
                 Voyage
              
               ,
               that
               he
               is
               drawing
               nigh
               his
               Haven
               .
               It
               was
               a
               sweet
               saying
               of
               S.
               Ambrose
               ,
               near
               his
               end
               :
               
                 I
                 have
                 not
                 so
                 lived
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 am
                 ashamed
                 to
                 live
                 among
                 you
                 ,
                 neither
                 do
                 I
                 fear
                 to
                 dy
                 ,
                 going
                 to
                 so
                 good
                 a
                 Master
                 .
              
               The
               unprepared
               and
               the
               ungodly
               may
               dread
               Death
               .
               As
               Aristippus
               told
               the
               wicked
               Mariners
               trembling
               in
               a
               Storm
               ;
               
                 You
                 may
                 well
                 be
                 afraid
                 ,
                 going
                 to
                 receive
                 your
                 just
                 punishment
                 ,
                 but
                 hoping
                 for
                 my
                 reward
                 in
                 the
                 other
                 Life
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 not
                 amazed
                 with
                 this
                 at
                 all
                 .
              
               But
               now
               when
               a
               man
               hath
               set
               his
               House
               and
               Heart
               in
               order
               ,
               and
               finisht
               his
               work
               ,
               he
               may
               sing
               his
               
                 Nunc
                 dimittis
              
               with
               comfort
               ,
               
               and
               say
               as
               that
               
                 holy
                 Woman
              
               x
               ,
               
                 
                   I
                   am
                   one
                
                 that
                 neither
                 
                   wisheth
                   Death
                
                 ,
                 nor
                 
                   feareth
                   his
                   might
                
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 merry
                 as
                 one
                 that
                 's
                 bound
                 for
                 Heaven
                 .
              
               
            
             
               4.
               
               There
               is
               much
               Folly
               in
               this
               slavish
               fear
               of
               Death
               .
               A
               holy
               Care
               to
               prepare
               for
               it
               ,
               is
               far
               better
               than
               an
               unprofitable
               Fear
               .
               For
               the
               passion
               of
               Fear
               is
               planted
               in
               us
               for
               the
               avoiding
               of
               things
               hurtful
               ,
               but
               there
               is
               no
               avoiding
               of
               
                 this
                 fate
              
               y
               .
               
                 There
                 is
                 no
                 man
                 that
                 hath
                 power
                 over
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 to
                 retain
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 discharge
                 in
                 that
                 War
                 ,
              
               Eccles.
               8.
               8.
               
               That
               disquiet
               is
               therefore
               foolish
               ,
               that
               torments
               but
               profits
               not
               .
               How
               can
               the
               mind
               be
               quiet
               at
               any
               time
               ,
               which
               is
               afraid
               of
               what
               is
               impendent
               at
               all
               times
               z
               It
               is
               observed
               by
               Seneca
               ,
               that
               neither
               Children
               nor
               Idiots
               are
               afraid
               of
               Death
               ;
               and
               he
               infers
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               a
               base
               thing
               ,
               that
               Reason
               (
               I
               add
               the
               Scripture
               )
               should
               not
               work
               as
               much
               security
               in
               us
               ,
               as
               Folly
               doth
               in
               them
               .
               Shall
               
                 learned
                 Old
              
               men
               fear
               that
               ,
               which
               
                 foolish
                 Young
              
               men
               do
               not
               ?
               O
               wretched
               Old
               man
               ,
               said
               Tully
               ,
               that
               in
               so
               
                 long
                 life
              
               hast
               not
               learn'd
               to
               despise
               Death
               !
               I
               end
               this
               with
               the
               Observation
               of
               Iudicious
               Mr.
               Calvin
               :
               He
               that
               cannot
               quiet
               his
               Heart
               in
               the
               holy
               contempt
               of
               Death
               ,
               hath
               profited
               
               but
               little
               in
               the
               
                 Faith
                 of
                 Christ.
              
               
            
             
               Let
               it
               therefore
               be
               the
               business
               of
               each
               Aged
               person
               to
               be
               reconciled
               to
               Death
               ;
               to
               be
               
                 dying
                 daily
              
               ,
               by
               Mortifying
               your
               affections
               to
               all
               the
               vanities
               of
               this
               life
               ,
               and
               by
               meditating
               on
               the
               life
               to
               come
               .
               Never
               fret
               at
               that
               Death
               which
               leads
               you
               to
               immortality
               .
               Rather
               rejoyce
               ,
               that
               you
               are
               taking
               leave
               of
               a
               
                 World
                 of
                 Sin
              
               ,
               and
               taking
               flight
               into
               a
               
                 Land
                 of
                 uprightness
              
               ;
               O
               Father
               (
               said
               an
               Officer
               to
               a
               
                 noble
                 Ancient
                 Persian
                 Minister
              
               ,
               that
               trembled
               at
               the
               approach
               of
               Death
               )
               shut
               your
               Eyes
               but
               a
               little
               ,
               and
               you
               shall
               see
               God
               in
               Glory
               .
               And
               thus
               I
               conclude
               this
               Particular
               ,
               that
               too
               many
               Old
               people
               never
               fear
               Death
               ,
               for
               they
               never
               spend
               thoughts
               about
               it
               ;
               that
               the
               young
               have
               as
               much
               reason
               to
               apprehend
               it
               ,
               as
               the
               Old
               ;
               that
               a
               
                 slavish
                 fear
              
               of
               it
               is
               folly
               in
               any
               ;
               and
               that
               no
               good
               man
               needs
               to
               be
               affrighted
               ,
               but
               rather
               comforted
               with
               it
               .
            
             
               So
               that
               upon
               a
               just
               Survey
               of
               all
               the
               Inconveniences
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               all
               Aged
               persons
               may
               answer
               ,
               as
               Tully
               tells
               of
               one
               Gorgias
               ,
               who
               being
               107
               years
               old
               ,
               was
               asked
               why
               he
               was
               contented
               to
               live
               so
               long
               ?
               Why
               ,
               said
               he
               ,
               I
               have
               nothing
               whereof
               to
               accuse
               Old-age
               ;
               and
               the
               
               truth
               is
               ,
               it
               seems
               perverse
               and
               unreasonable
               ,
               that
               all
               people
               should
               desire
               to
               attain
               unto
               it
               ,
               and
               then
               when
               they
               have
               attain'd
               it
               ,
               to
               dislike
               it
               a
               .
               Difficulties
               and
               Disadvantages
               there
               are
               with
               it
               .
               Whereof
               no
               Age
               or
               condition
               is
               free
               ,
               but
               they
               are
               Tolerable
               and
               Ordinable
               to
               the
               good
               
               of
               all
               that
               fear
               God.
               And
               so
               much
               may
               suffice
               for
               this
               
                 fifth
                 Point
              
               to
               be
               handled
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             
               CHAP.
               VI.
            
             The
             Priviledges
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               I.
               
            
             
               I
               Proceed
               now
               in
               the
               Sixth
               place
               ,
               to
               
               discourse
               the
               Priviledges
               ,
               and
               Comforts
               of
               Old-age
               .
               That
               there
               is
               some
               peculiar
               Blessing
               and
               Dignity
               in
               Old-age
               ,
               is
               evident
               ,
               both
               by
               the
               
                 Light
                 of
                 Scripture
              
               ,
               and
               the
               
                 Light
                 of
                 Nature
              
               .
               The
               
                 First
                 Commandment
              
               with
               promise
               is
               ,
               
                 Honour
                 thy
                 Father
                 and
                 thy
                 Mother
                 ,
                 that
                 thy
                 days
                 may
                 be
                 long
                 in
                 the
                 Land
                 ,
                 which
                 the
                 Lord
                 thy
                 God
                 giveth
                 thee
                 :
              
               The
               like
               Promise
               
               you
               will
               find
               ,
               Psal.
               91.
               last
               .
               
                 With
                 long
                 life
                 will
                 I
                 satisfie
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 shew
                 him
                 my
                 Salvation
                 .
              
               Which
               shews
               that
               Old-age
               ,
               whatever
               Inconveniences
               it
               is
               attended
               withall
               ,
               is
               in
               its
               self
               a
               special
               Blessing
               .
               And
               on
               the
               Contrary
               ,
               it
               is
               threatned
               as
               an
               heavy
               Judgment
               unto
               Eli
               ,
               that
               God
               would
               
                 cut
                 off
                 his
                 Arm
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Arm
                 of
                 his
                 Fathers
                 House
              
               ;
               that
               is
               ,
               he
               would
               take
               away
               his
               might
               ,
               and
               the
               strength
               of
               his
               Family
               ,
               in
               that
               there
               should
               not
               
                 be
                 an
                 Old
                 man
                 in
                 his
                 House
                 ,
              
               1
               Sam.
               2.
               31.
               
               And
               in
               general
               ,
               
                 that
                 bloody
                 and
                 deceitful
                 men
                 shall
                 not
                 live
                 out
                 half
                 their
                 days
                 ,
              
               Psal.
               55.
               last
               .
               Whereupon
               holy
               David
               prays
               ,
               Psal.
               102.
               24.
               
               
                 O
                 my
                 God
                 ,
                 take
                 me
                 not
                 away
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 my
                 days
                 .
              
               Finally
               ,
               the
               
                 Holy
                 Ghost
              
               assures
               us
               ,
               that
               the
               
                 Beauty
                 of
                 old
                 men
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 Gray
                 Head
                 ,
              
               Psal.
               20.
               29.
               
               By
               all
               which
               it
               plainly
               appears
               ,
               that
               Old-age
               is
               a
               desirable
               Mercy
               ,
               in
               the
               judgment
               of
               God
               himself
               .
            
             
               Agreeable
               hereunto
               is
               the
               
                 Ancient
                 Hebrew
                 Proverb
              
               in
               
                 Ben
                 Syra
              
               ,
               to
               this
               effect
               ,
               
                 Senex
                 in
                 domo
                 ,
                 bonum
                 signum
                 in
                 domo
                 .
              
               And
               if
               that
               be
               a
               real
               good
               thing
               which
               
                 all
                 men
                 desire
              
               ,
               then
               certainly
               there
               is
               some
               peculiar
               Goodness
               in
               Old-age
               ,
               for
               that
               
                 all
                 men
                 desire
              
               to
               attain
               it
               .
               So
               also
               we
               mingle
               among
               our
               
                 good
                 wishes
              
               to
               
               others
               ,
               this
               of
               a
               
                 long
                 life
              
               .
               When
               Kings
               and
               Grandees
               are
               saluted
               ,
               this
               is
               the
               common
               Acclamation
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               
                 live
                 long
              
               b
               ,
               and
               if
               it
               were
               possible
               ,
               
                 live
                 for
                 ever
              
               .
               And
               Antiquity
               is
               so
               valuable
               a
               thing
               ,
               that
               not
               only
               Families
               and
               Cities
               ,
               but
               Nations
               have
               had
               long
               and
               sharp
               disputes
               about
               the
               Antiquity
               of
               their
               respective
               people
               ,
               as
               the
               
                 Egyptians
                 ,
                 Phoenicians
                 ,
                 Scythians
              
               .
               And
               the
               Athenians
               had
               this
               Character
               affixed
               upon
               them
               ,
               that
               they
               could
               discourse
               well
               ,
               but
               the
               Lacedemonians
               could
               do
               well
               ;
               because
               an
               aged
               person
               coming
               upon
               a
               time
               into
               a
               great
               Assembly
               at
               Athens
               ,
               had
               no
               Respect
               given
               him
               ;
               but
               at
               Sparta
               in
               the
               like
               Convention
               ,
               they
               all
               rose
               up
               to
               seat
               him
               .
               So
               that
               it
               grew
               Proverbial
               ,
               That
               Old-age
               dwelt
               most
               like
               its
               self
               at
               Sparta
               c
               .
               So
               then
               as
               there
               are
               some
               Inconveniences
               in
               Old-age
               ,
               which
               yet
               as
               you
               have
               seen
               ,
               have
               divers
               things
               to
               mitigate
               them
               ,
               so
               it
               hath
               many
               Priviledges
               and
               Comforts
               
               which
               do
               over-ballance
               them
               .
               God
               hath
               set
               the
               
                 one
                 over
                 against
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 end
                 that
                 man
                 should
                 find
                 nothing
                 after
                 him
                 .
              
               There
               is
               only
               this
               difference
               ,
               that
               all
               our
               Troubles
               spring
               from
               below
               ,
               but
               all
               our
               Mercies
               drop
               from
               above
               .
               The
               particular
               Priviledges
               and
               Comforts
               
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               are
               these
               following
               .
            
             
               
                 First
                 ,
                 Old-age
              
               is
               
                 Greater
                 in
                 Authority
              
               ,
               
               than
               any
               other
               Age.
               There
               is
               an
               Authory
               resulting
               from
               the
               
                 Law
                 of
                 Nature
              
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               that
               which
               is
               conferr'd
               by
               
                 Civil
                 Laws
              
               ;
               the
               former
               is
               that
               wherewith
               Old-age
               is
               invested
               .
               God
               himself
               ,
               who
               is
               the
               
                 Fountain
                 of
                 Honour
              
               ,
               hath
               given
               them
               a
               Patent
               for
               it
               :
               so
               that
               their
               Authority
               hath
               something
               in
               it
               divine
               ,
               and
               they
               seem
               to
               have
               a
               kind
               of
               
                 Natural
                 Government
              
               over
               others
               .
               Hereby
               the
               Sentence
               or
               Opinion
               of
               the
               Aged
               may
               well
               conclude
               ,
               as
               much
               as
               the
               Arguments
               of
               the
               younger
               ;
               and
               he
               must
               have
               a
               great
               deal
               of
               Wisdom
               or
               of
               Confidence
               ,
               that
               shall
               contradict
               what
               a
               wise
               Aged
               person
               hath
               asserted
               .
            
             
               That
               there
               is
               a
               certain
               Authority
               in
               Old-age
               is
               plain
               from
               divers
               Scriptures
               .
               As
               ,
               Isa.
               9.
               15.
               
               
                 The
                 Ancient
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Honourable
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 Head.
              
               Now
               we
               know
               that
               the
               Head
               is
               the
               Seat
               of
               Rule
               .
               When
               Moses
               had
               occasion
               for
               some
               Coadjutors
               with
               him
               in
               Judgment
               ,
               the
               Lord
               caused
               
                 Seventy
                 of
                 the
                 Elders
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
              
               to
               be
               set
               apart
               for
               that
               work
               ,
               Num.
               11.
               16.
               
               And
               so
               the
               Iudges
               who
               constituted
               the
               Sanhedrin
               ,
               were
               made
               up
               of
               
                 Seventy
                 two
                 Elders
              
               .
               Again
               ,
               when
               the
               Apostle
               would
               
               most
               efficaciously
               perswade
               
                 Philemon
                 ,
                 ver
              
               .
               9.
               he
               accosts
               him
               with
               his
               
                 Title
                 of
                 Honour
              
               ,
               being
               such
               a
               one
               as
               
                 Paul
                 the
                 Aged
              
               .
               And
               the
               beloved
               Disciple
               authorizeth
               his
               
                 two
                 latter
                 Epistles
              
               with
               this
               Periphrasis
               .
               The
               
                 Elder
                 to
                 the
                 Elect
                 Lady
              
               ,
               and
               the
               
                 Elder
                 to
                 the
                 wel-beloved
                 Gaius
              
               d
               .
               And
               as
               this
               Preeminence
               proceeds
               from
               the
               Will
               of
               the
               
                 All-wise
                 God
              
               ,
               so
               it
               is
               the
               Sence
               of
               
                 wise
                 Men.
              
               The
               Philosopher
               e
               affirms
               ,
               that
               the
               Elder
               do
               naturally
               precede
               the
               younger
               .
               And
               Tully
               tells
               us
               ,
               that
               as
               any
               one
               exceeded
               in
               years
               ,
               so
               he
               had
               a
               kind
               of
               Ruling
               voice
               in
               debates
               f
               .
               Yea
               ,
               Pliny
               and
               Solinus
               report
               it
               of
               the
               Elephants
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               very
               Ants
               ,
               that
               when
               they
               go
               by
               Troops
               ,
               the
               Elder
               commonly
               go
               before
               the
               others
               .
            
             
               And
               there
               is
               a
               very
               rational
               Ground
               for
               this
               Authority
               in
               Old-age
               .
               In
               that
               the
               greater
               Seniority
               any
               one
               hath
               in
               years
               ,
               the
               nearer
               ,
               even
               upon
               that
               account
               ,
               do
               they
               approach
               to
               the
               likeness
               of
               the
               
                 Eternal
                 God
              
               ,
               who
               is
               called
               the
               
                 Ancient
                 of
                 Days
              
               ,
               Dan.
               7.
               9.
               whose
               Garment
               is
               represented
               to
               be
               
                 white
                 as
                 Snow
              
               ,
               and
               
                 the
                 Hair
                 of
                 his
                 Head
                 like
                 the
                 pure
                 Wool.
              
               Withal
               ,
               it
               is
               presumed
               that
               the
               
                 Aged
                 know
              
               more
               ,
               for
               that
               they
               have
               seen
               and
               heard
               more
               than
               the
               younger
               g
               .
               
               Now
               Wisdom
               and
               Knowledge
               do
               challenge
               Authority
               ,
               by
               a
               certain
               Natural
               right
               ,
               because
               the
               determinations
               proceeding
               thence
               ,
               are
               ever
               supposed
               to
               be
               grounded
               on
               the
               
                 soundest
                 Maxims
              
               .
            
             
               Now
               this
               Authority
               is
               a
               considerable
               Priviledge
               ,
               being
               as
               is
               supposed
               in
               the
               hand
               of
               a
               
                 wise
                 person
              
               ,
               insomuch
               as
               it
               is
               called
               by
               Cato
               in
               
                 Tully
                 ,
                 Senectutis
                 apex
              
               ,
               the
               
                 Crown
                 of
                 Old-age
              
               .
               For
               it
               derives
               weight
               unto
               all
               their
               Counsels
               ,
               Reproofs
               ,
               or
               Instructions
               .
               The
               
                 Iudges
                 Decrees
              
               are
               held
               ponderous
               by
               reason
               of
               his
               years
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               from
               his
               Office.
               The
               
                 Ministers
                 Advice
              
               becomes
               venerable
               by
               the
               Authority
               which
               his
               Age
               hath
               cloathed
               him
               withal
               .
               The
               
                 Old
                 Physician
              
               can
               sway
               by
               his
               Authority
               more
               than
               the
               younger
               .
               So
               that
               Authority
               is
               a
               Talent
               ,
               which
               being
               well
               imployed
               ,
               doth
               much
               further
               our
               Usefulness
               in
               the
               World
               :
               yea
               ,
               their
               Example
               is
               more
               effectual
               than
               others
               ;
               for
               one
               may
               learn
               much
               from
               such
               an
               one
               ,
               though
               he
               say
               never
               a
               word
               h
               .
               The
               more
               Authority
               any
               man
               hath
               ,
               the
               more
               conspicuous
               he
               is
               ,
               he
               is
               like
               a
               
                 City
                 set
                 on
                 a
                 Hill
              
               ,
               and
               his
               way
               and
               carriage
               are
               still
               instructive
               .
               The
               dignity
               of
               the
               person
               ever
               adds
               lustre
               to
               the
               example
               .
               And
               therefore
               all
               Aged
               persons
               had
               need
               
               to
               be
               circumspect
               in
               their
               ways
               ,
               lest
               instead
               of
               leading
               others
               in
               the
               narrow
               way
               to
               life
               ,
               they
               do
               by
               their
               Example
               lead
               them
               in
               the
               broad
               way
               to
               destruction
               .
            
             
               It
               doth
               therefore
               greatly
               behove
               all
               those
               that
               are
               in
               years
               ,
               to
               be
               
                 Sober
                 ,
                 Grave
                 ,
                 Temperate
              
               ,
               &c.
               
               For
               the
               
                 hoary
                 Head
                 is
                 a
                 Crown
                 of
                 glory
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 found
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 Righteousness
                 ,
              
               Prov.
               16.
               31.
               
               That
               which
               is
               the
               
                 Crown
                 of
                 Glory
              
               on
               the
               
                 hoary
                 Head
              
               ,
               is
               the
               Wisdom
               and
               Piety
               that
               lodgeth
               in
               the
               heart
               .
               The
               Heathen
               could
               say
               ,
               Gray
               hairs
               and
               wrinkles
               do
               not
               presently
               create
               Authority
               ,
               but
               the
               former
               life
               well
               managed
               ,
               makes
               the
               latter
               part
               justly
               respected
               i
               .
               So
               that
               
                 Old
                 age
              
               ,
               simply
               considered
               ,
               will
               not
               always
               pass
               for
               a
               leading
               demonstrative
               Argument
               ;
               as
               if
               it
               were
               enough
               to
               say
               ,
               
                 I
                 am
                 an
                 old
                 man
              
               ,
               and
               therefore
               you
               must
               needs
               believe
               or
               yield
               unto
               me
               ;
               no
               ,
               true
               worth
               and
               wisdom
               must
               lead
               the
               Van
               :
               but
               it
               is
               a
               good
               Second
               ,
               and
               carries
               with
               it
               a
               great
               presumption
               ,
               that
               Prudence
               and
               Piety
               dwell
               there
               .
               And
               hence
               it
               is
               ,
               that
               in
               all
               Societies
               and
               Assemblies
               ,
               whether
               Civil
               or
               Religious
               ,
               that
               Dignity
               is
               allowed
               to
               Seniority
               ,
               that
               commonly
               the
               Eldest
               presides
               in
               the
               company
               ,
               and
               guides
               the
               affairs
               thereof
               .
            
          
           
             
             
               SECT
               .
               II.
               
            
             
               THE
               
                 Second
                 Priviledge
              
               of
               Old-age
               is
               ,
               
               
                 That
                 it
                 is
                 Richer
                 in
                 Experience
                 ,
              
               than
               any
               other
               age
               .
               This
               is
               manifest
               on
               the
               first
               view
               ,
               that
               Experience
               is
               the
               consequent
               of
               a
               
                 long
                 life
              
               k
               .
               We
               have
               a
               confused
               knowledge
               of
               things
               by
               Hear-say
               ,
               or
               Instruction
               ,
               but
               by
               tract
               of
               time
               we
               arrive
               at
               an
               experimental
               knowledge
               thereof
               .
               Iob
               could
               say
               ,
               
                 I
                 have
                 heard
                 of
                 thee
                 by
                 the
                 hearing
                 of
                 the
                 Ear
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 mine
                 Eye
                 seeth
                 thee
                 ,
              
               Job
               42.
               5.
               
               By
               which
               it
               appears
               ,
               that
               ocular
               demonstration
               is
               the
               most
               certain
               ,
               wherein
               Old-age
               hath
               the
               greatest
               advantage
               l
               .
               They
               have
               lived
               long
               enough
               to
               find
               ,
               in
               matters
               Speculative
               ,
               what
               is
               true
               and
               what
               is
               false
               .
               We
               owe
               the
               knowledge
               we
               have
               of
               the
               Celestial
               Bodies
               ,
               to
               the
               Study
               and
               observation
               of
               
                 Aged
                 men
              
               .
               We
               discover
               what
               is
               Safe
               ,
               or
               Dangerous
               in
               matters
               of
               Practice
               ,
               to
               the
               well-tried
               Maxims
               of
               men
               in
               years
               .
               What
               was
               it
               ,
               which
               found
               out
               the
               nature
               and
               use
               of
               herbs
               and
               druggs
               ,
               but
               long
               observation
               ?
               It
               's
               true
               ,
               Experience
               is
               a
               
                 dear
                 Mistress
              
               ,
               but
               yet
               't
               is
               a
               sure
               
               one
               ,
               and
               the
               Instructions
               we
               have
               that
               way
               ,
               stick
               fastest
               to
               us
               .
               We
               far
               sooner
               forget
               the
               particulars
               of
               those
               Countries
               of
               which
               we
               have
               read
               ,
               than
               of
               those
               which
               we
               have
               traversed
               our selves
               .
               The
               Aged
               person
               can
               tell
               experimentally
               of
               the
               wisdom
               and
               justice
               of
               
                 Gods
                 Providence
              
               ,
               of
               the
               Truth
               of
               his
               Promises
               and
               Threatnings
               ,
               of
               the
               Devices
               of
               Satan
               ,
               of
               the
               Deceitfulness
               of
               Riches
               ,
               of
               the
               Wisdom
               of
               Integrity
               ,
               of
               the
               Vanity
               of
               all
               carnal
               Delights
               ,
               of
               the
               wickedness
               of
               his
               own
               
                 Heart
                 .
                 Old-age
              
               is
               rich
               in
               the
               Experience
               of
               these
               things
               ,
               whereby
               they
               are
               able
               to
               govern
               themselves
               ,
               and
               to
               advise
               others
               .
            
             
               As
               for
               themselves
               ,
               by
               this
               Experience
               m
               they
               are
               taught
               to
               avoid
               many
               Dangers
               ,
               which
               others
               fall
               into
               .
               For
               it
               is
               made
               up
               from
               long
               observation
               of
               particular
               things
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               of
               Memory
               of
               things
               
                 past
                 ,
                 Knowledge
              
               of
               things
               present
               ,
               and
               Providence
               of
               things
               future
               .
               And
               as
               their
               long
               tryal
               of
               the
               effects
               of
               Diet
               ,
               and
               Exercise
               ,
               have
               made
               them
               capable
               of
               the
               Conservation
               of
               Health
               ;
               so
               their
               manifold
               Experience
               of
               the
               deceitfulness
               of
               the
               Flesh
               ,
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               Devil
               ,
               hath
               enabled
               them
               to
               countermine
               and
               conquer
               them
               .
               And
               as
               to
               Others
               ,
               their
               Experience
               
               renders
               them
               able
               to
               give
               the
               most
               prudent
               Counsels
               ,
               and
               to
               forewarn
               them
               of
               those
               Consequences
               ,
               which
               they
               easily
               foresee
               .
               Aeschines
               saith
               ,
               that
               among
               the
               Athenians
               by
               an
               old
               Law
               of
               Solon
               ,
               the
               Oldest
               did
               first
               make
               his
               Speech
               to
               the
               people
               ,
               and
               after
               him
               each
               according
               to
               his
               age
               ;
               for
               ,
               saith
               he
               ,
               they
               thought
               ,
               that
               the
               Eldest
               through
               their
               Experience
               counselled
               best
               for
               the
               City
               n
               .
               And
               without
               doubt
               in
               Publick
               affairs
               ,
               the
               Experienced
               man
               out-strips
               the
               learned
               man.
               For
               as
               the
               Philosopher
               o
               observes
               ,
               Art
               teaches
               only
               
                 General
                 Notions
              
               ,
               but
               Experience
               acquaints
               us
               with
               
                 Particular
                 Actions
              
               ,
               by
               conversing
               with
               which
               we
               arrive
               at
               Skill
               and
               
                 Conduct
                 .
                 Iustin
              
               relates
               it
               of
               Alexander
               the
               Great
               ,
               that
               
               he
               would
               have
               his
               Squadrons
               led
               by
               none
               under
               Sixty
               years
               old
               .
               For
               who
               will
               chuse
               him
               for
               a
               Captain
               that
               's
               well-read
               in
               martial
               affairs
               ,
               and
               that
               's
               all
               ?
               Who
               will
               trust
               his
               life
               in
               the
               Hands
               of
               a
               
                 Speculative
                 Physician
              
               ?
               No
               ,
               Experience
               goes
               further
               in
               all
               these
               things
               than
               Learning
               .
            
             
               For
               the
               Aged
               and
               Experienced
               person
               having
               seen
               such
               great
               mistakes
               in
               himself
               and
               others
               ,
               is
               cured
               of
               that
               vain
               Credulity
               ,
               which
               hath
               ruin'd
               young
               people
               ;
               
               and
               having
               met
               with
               so
               many
               disappointments
               in
               the
               World
               ,
               is
               well
               freed
               from
               that
               carnal
               Confidence
               ,
               which
               hath
               undone
               others
               .
               And
               yet
               their
               great
               Experience
               of
               the
               power
               and
               faithfulness
               of
               God
               ,
               is
               a
               mighty
               Bulwark
               to
               their
               Faith.
               As
               
                 they
                 have
                 heard
              
               ,
               so
               
                 have
                 they
                 seen
                 in
                 the
                 City
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               what
               he
               hath
               done
               to
               vindicate
               his
               Attributes
               ,
               and
               to
               verify
               his
               Promises
               .
               Hence
               holy
               David
               ,
               Psal.
               37.
               25.
               
               
                 I
                 have
                 been
                 young
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 am
                 old
                 :
                 yet
                 have
                 I
                 not
                 seen
                 the
                 righteous
                 forsaken
                 ,
                 nor
                 his
                 Seed
                 begging
                 Bread.
              
               This
               was
               the
               advantage
               he
               had
               by
               his
               Old-age
               ,
               to
               trace
               out
               the
               Providence
               of
               God
               towards
               the
               posterity
               of
               good
               men
               ,
               that
               walking
               in
               their
               Parents
               steps
               ,
               they
               were
               seldom
               or
               never
               reduced
               to
               want
               ,
               at
               least
               to
               common
               beggery
               ;
               or
               if
               so
               ,
               yet
               were
               never
               quite
               forsaken
               of
               God
               ,
               as
               himself
               found
               ,
               when
               though
               ,
               1
               Sam.
               21.
               3.
               and
               25.
               8.
               he
               was
               glad
               to
               ask
               supplies
               of
               men
               ,
               yet
               was
               he
               still
               supported
               and
               owned
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               The
               good
               Old
               man
               can
               say
               ,
               
                 Thou
                 art
                 my
                 King
                 of
                 old
                 ,
                 O
                 God
                 ,
              
               Psal.
               74.
               12.
               
               He
               can
               say
               ,
               
                 I
                 remembred
                 thy
                 judgments
                 of
                 old
                 ,
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 comforted
                 my self
                 ,
              
               Psal.
               119.
               52.
               
               And
               thus
               he
               may
               direct
               others
               .
               
                 I
                 will
                 guide
                 thee
                 with
                 my
                 Eye
                 ,
              
               
               Psal.
               32.
               8.
               
               And
               thus
               a
               man
               may
               vindicate
               and
               honour
               
                 God
                 :
                 Concerning
                 thy
                 Testimonies
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 known
                 of
                 old
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 hast
                 founded
                 them
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
              
               Psal.
               119.
               152.
               
               The
               unexperienced
               Newness
               of
               any
               case
               or
               trouble
               ,
               is
               apt
               to
               stagger
               the
               strongest
               faith
               or
               courage
               .
               Such
               things
               assault
               a
               man
               by
               way
               of
               Surprize
               ,
               but
               when
               we
               have
               had
               an
               experience
               of
               them
               ,
               we
               are
               corroborated
               to
               grapple
               with
               them
               .
               No
               doubt
               the
               
                 first
                 Night
              
               was
               a
               strange
               thing
               ,
               to
               them
               that
               had
               seen
               nothing
               but
               Light
               before
               ,
               but
               when
               when
               they
               found
               by
               Experience
               the
               return
               of
               the
               Light
               again
               ,
               they
               could
               brook
               it
               well
               enough
               .
               So
               the
               Burden
               that
               did
               at
               first
               affright
               us
               ,
               by
               often
               carrying
               it
               ,
               we
               easily
               bear
               it
               ,
               Psal.
               63.
               7.
               
               
                 Because
                 thou
                 hast
                 been
                 my
                 help
                 ,
                 therefore
                 in
                 the
                 shadow
                 of
                 thy
                 Wings
                 will
                 I
                 rejoyce
                 .
              
               And
               it
               is
               conceived
               ,
               that
               this
               caused
               David
               to
               speak
               so
               of
               
                 Goliahs
                 Sword
              
               ,
               1
               Sam.
               21.
               9.
               
               
                 There
                 is
                 none
                 like
                 that
                 ,
                 give
                 it
                 me
                 .
              
               He
               might
               have
               found
               another
               Sword
               of
               equal
               mettle
               ,
               but
               he
               had
               Experience
               of
               the
               goodness
               of
               that
               ,
               and
               so
               there
               was
               
                 none
                 like
                 that
              
               .
            
             
               From
               this
               long
               Experience
               ,
               the
               Aged
               person
               not
               only
               contemns
               many
               things
               which
               others
               admire
               ;
               but
               grows
               able
               
               to
               give
               a
               great
               guess
               concerning
               future
               events
               ,
               both
               in
               publick
               and
               particular
               Cases
               .
               So
               that
               such
               persons
               may
               well
               be
               resorted
               unto
               as
               to
               common
               Oracles
               ,
               if
               they
               have
               treasured
               up
               wisdom
               according
               to
               their
               years
               .
            
             
               To
               conclude
               this
               ,
               there
               lies
               a
               
                 double
                 Duty
              
               upon
               Aged
               persons
               in
               reference
               hereunto
               ;
               the
               One
               is
               ,
               to
               take
               due
               Notice
               of
               all
               such
               passages
               of
               the
               Providence
               of
               God
               ,
               or
               the
               Improvidence
               of
               men
               ,
               that
               come
               within
               the
               sphere
               of
               their
               Cognizance
               ,
               and
               not
               heedlesly
               to
               neglect
               them
               ;
               another
               is
               ,
               to
               store
               up
               in
               their
               memories
               such
               Observations
               .
               For
               experience
               is
               made
               up
               of
               divers
               Memories
               of
               the
               same
               things
               p
               ,
               Psal.
               143.
               5.
               
               
                 I
                 remember
                 the
                 days
                 of
                 old
                 ,
                 I
                 meditate
                 on
                 all
                 thy
                 works
                 ,
                 I
                 muse
                 on
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 thy
                 hands
                 .
              
               And
               then
               to
               produce
               these
               in
               time
               and
               place
               convenient
               ,
               either
               for
               their
               own
               ,
               or
               others
               
                 direction
                 ,
                 caution
              
               or
               consolation
               .
            
          
           
             
             
               SECT
               .
               III.
               
            
             
               THirdly
               ,
               another
               
                 Priviledge
                 of
                 Old-age
              
               ,
               
               is
               ,
               
                 That
                 it
                 is
                 freer
                 from
                 Sin.
              
               The
               Corruption
               of
               Nature
               ,
               and
               the
               Fruits
               thereof
               ,
               are
               the
               great
               blot
               ,
               and
               woful
               plague
               upon
               mankind
               ,
               and
               the
               first
               thing
               which
               every
               person
               ,
               arrived
               at
               the
               use
               of
               Reason
               should
               seriously
               set
               about
               ,
               should
               be
               to
               be
               healed
               of
               it
               .
               But
               instead
               of
               that
               ,
               most
               people
               meeting
               with
               temptations
               without
               them
               ,
               and
               finding
               Strength
               and
               Youth
               within
               them
               ,
               forget
               the
               care
               of
               their
               
                 Hereditary
                 Disease
              
               ,
               and
               pursue
               their
               iniquities
               with
               greediness
               .
               Some
               are
               tickled
               with
               applause
               ,
               and
               so
               they
               hunt
               after
               an
               airy
               renown
               ,
               and
               an
               ungrounded
               reputation
               ;
               others
               let
               the
               reins
               loose
               to
               
                 sensual
                 delights
              
               ,
               and
               wallow
               in
               the
               
                 pleasures
                 of
                 Sin
                 for
                 a
                 Season
                 ;
                 Others
              
               setting
               aside
               all
               fear
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               love
               to
               their
               Neighbour
               ,
               are
               set
               upon
               Revenge
               ,
               and
               will
               run
               down
               every
               one
               that
               stands
               in
               their
               way
               ;
               and
               others
               hoping
               for
               that
               fatisfaction
               in
               Riches
               ,
               which
               they
               will
               never
               find
               ,
               set
               their
               minds
               to
               grasp
               after
               a
               plentiful
               Estate
               ,
               
               by
               hook
               or
               crook
               .
               Now
               tho
               
                 some
                 young
              
               people
               do
               happily
               escape
               these
               snares
               ,
               as
               was
               the
               case
               of
               Obadiah
               ;
               and
               some
               Old
               people
               are
               unhappily
               intrapt
               in
               them
               ,
               as
               was
               the
               case
               of
               Solomon
               ;
               yet
               most
               commonly
               Youth
               ,
               by
               reason
               of
               it's
               inexperience
               and
               unmortifiedness
               ,
               is
               full
               of
               Sin.
               Iob
               could
               reflect
               on
               the
               
                 Sins
                 of
                 his
                 Youth
              
               ,
               and
               David
               saw
               cause
               to
               cry
               for
               the
               pardon
               of
               those
               offences
               .
               Hence
               Aristotle
               would
               scarce
               admit
               them
               capable
               of
               
                 Moral
                 Lectures
              
               .
               And
               indeed
               that
               ardour
               and
               vehemence
               which
               is
               almost
               inseparable
               from
               that
               age
               ,
               makes
               them
               an
               easie
               prey
               to
               many
               Temptations
               .
            
             
               Now
               when
               Old-age
               takes
               possession
               ,
               the
               proud
               ,
               the
               furious
               ,
               and
               the
               wanton
               spirits
               are
               spent
               .
               As
               Wine
               at
               first
               is
               mixt
               with
               dregs
               ,
               till
               by
               time
               it
               settles
               and
               is
               refined
               ;
               so
               the
               Passions
               of
               youth
               ,
               if
               they
               be
               not
               mortified
               by
               the
               
                 Grace
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               yet
               they
               are
               weakned
               and
               deaded
               by
               the
               
                 age
                 of
                 men
              
               .
               As
               Tully
               hath
               it
               ,
               when
               Pleasures
               have
               almost
               depraved
               both
               body
               and
               mind
               ,
               then
               age
               comes
               and
               cures
               that
               ,
               which
               VVisdom
               could
               not
               ;
               and
               it
               is
               an
               happiness
               to
               be
               rid
               of
               such
               unruly
               Guests
               any
               way
               .
            
             
               But
               
                 you
                 will
                 say
              
               ,
               though
               
                 one
                 sort
              
               of
               sins
               are
               gone
               ,
               yet
               others
               succed
               in
               their
               
               room
               :
               and
               it
               is
               too
               evident
               by
               what
               hath
               been
               said
               before
               ,
               that
               Old-age
               hath
               it's
               sins
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               Youth
               .
               The
               Objection
               must
               be
               answer'd
               with
               Tears
               :
               No
               age
               in
               this
               World
               without
               it's
               temptations
               ;
               this
               Leprosy
               will
               not
               be
               fully
               cleansed
               ,
               until
               the
               House
               be
               taken
               down
               :
               but
               yet
               as
               we
               find
               Children
               and
               Youth
               more
               apt
               to
               breed
               vermine
               ,
               than
               aged
               persons
               ;
               so
               there
               are
               fewer
               Enormities
               in
               this
               age
               ,
               than
               in
               that
               q
               For
               Transgressions
               do
               generally
               proceed
               either
               from
               Ignorance
               ,
               which
               Old-age
               doth
               usually
               inform
               and
               heal
               ;
               or
               from
               the
               strength
               of
               Passions
               ,
               which
               are
               much
               rebated
               and
               represt
               in
               Old-age
               ;
               or
               from
               Malice
               ,
               now
               the
               wiser
               a
               man
               is
               grown
               ,
               the
               less
               likely
               he
               is
               to
               chuse
               evil
               :
               the
               more
               divine
               Strokes
               and
               Iudgments
               one
               hath
               seen
               upon
               evil
               doers
               ,
               the
               more
               he
               should
               be
               afraid
               of
               tampering
               with
               it
               :
               the
               nearer
               a
               man
               is
               to
               his
               end
               ,
               the
               more
               in
               all
               reason
               he
               will
               beware
               of
               clogging
               his
               Conscience
               ;
               so
               that
               
                 dying
                 lusts
              
               are
               fittest
               for
               a
               
                 dying
                 Body
              
               ,
               and
               an
               
                 holy
                 Heart
              
               for
               an
               
                 hoary
                 Head.
              
               
            
             
               And
               this
               is
               a
               great
               Priviledge
               ,
               for
               as
               much
               as
               Sin
               is
               the
               Disease
               of
               the
               Soul
               ,
               and
               the
               greatest
               Evil
               in
               the
               World
               :
               so
               that
               that
               State
               of
               life
               ,
               which
               is
               freest
               
               from
               it
               ,
               must
               needs
               be
               the
               happiest
               .
               For
               it
               is
               this
               that
               helps
               to
               compleat
               our
               felicity
               in
               Heaven
               ,
               that
               no
               Sin
               lodgeth
               there
               ,
               and
               the
               Aged
               person
               is
               hastning
               thither
               ,
               and
               consequently
               strives
               to
               break
               this
               Yoke
               ,
               and
               fit
               himself
               for
               that
               Estate
               .
               As
               the
               pleasures
               he
               hath
               had
               in
               these
               is
               gone
               ,
               so
               his
               desires
               after
               them
               are
               gone
               also
               .
               He
               now
               finds
               that
               there
               is
               more
               Satisfaction
               ,
               in
               
                 not
                 desiring
              
               them
               ,
               than
               there
               is
               in
               enjoying
               of
               them
               ,
               and
               so
               is
               far
               from
               being
               grieved
               at
               his
               releasement
               from
               those
               Shackles
               r
               .
               He
               would
               not
               live
               over
               again
               his
               sinful
               life
               for
               all
               the
               world
               ;
               and
               he
               is
               concern'd
               ,
               not
               because
               they
               
                 are
                 past
              
               ,
               but
               because
               at
               any
               time
               they
               
                 had
                 dominion
              
               .
               Yea
               ,
               he
               finds
               more
               real
               content
               in
               his
               
                 Poenitential
                 Tears
              
               ,
               than
               ever
               he
               had
               in
               his
               
                 Youthful
                 Frolicks
              
               :
               with
               what
               contempt
               doth
               he
               behold
               the
               Debaucheries
               ,
               the
               Duels
               ,
               and
               the
               frothy
               Follies
               of
               the
               roaring
               Sparks
               ,
               which
               they
               triumph
               in
               ,
               as
               in
               an
               Heaven
               upon
               Earth
               ?
               But
               he
               hath
               fathom'd
               them
               ,
               and
               found
               them
               empty
               as
               vanity
               ,
               and
               filthy
               as
               the
               Mire
               .
               He
               now
               believes
               what
               he
               had
               often
               heard
               ,
               that
               the
               pleasures
               of
               Sin
               are
               but
               like
               a
               
                 golden
                 dream
              
               ,
               which
               leave
               nothing
               but
               Pensiveness
               behind
               them
               ,
               till
               God
               upon
               
               his
               repentance
               ,
               restore
               unto
               him
               the
               
                 joys
                 of
                 his
                 Salvation
              
               .
               Now
               the
               Varnish
               of
               his
               Sin
               is
               worn
               off
               ,
               he
               sees
               the
               filthy
               and
               ugly
               nature
               of
               it
               ,
               and
               wonders
               that
               any
               rational
               person
               should
               ever
               love
               it
               .
               He
               is
               now
               frighted
               at
               the
               remembrance
               of
               those
               Pranks
               ,
               that
               he
               formerly
               committed
               without
               remorse
               ;
               and
               in
               short
               ,
               he
               is
               well
               pleased
               ,
               that
               he
               hath
               a
               
                 weak
                 body
              
               instead
               of
               his
               
                 strong
                 corruption
              
               ;
               and
               is
               ready
               ,
               with
               that
               excellent
               Philosopher
               s
               to
               count
               his
               Old-age
               ,
               his
               flourishing
               age
               ,
               because
               he
               only
               finds
               his
               Vices
               ,
               and
               the
               fewel
               of
               them
               withered
               ,
               and
               that
               his
               mind
               began
               now
               to
               be
               freed
               from
               the
               Snares
               ,
               wherein
               it
               was
               held
               by
               the
               Body
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             
               Let
               every
               Aged
               person
               labour
               to
               find
               these
               blessed
               Effects
               ,
               and
               so
               be
               content
               with
               the
               fall
               of
               that
               House
               ,
               which
               was
               continually
               haunted
               with
               such
               Furies
               t
               But
               take
               heed
               of
               being
               only
               Passive
               in
               this
               parting
               ;
               these
               Fires
               should
               not
               only
               
                 go
                 out
              
               of
               themselves
               ,
               but
               should
               be
               quenched
               by
               true
               Mortification
               .
               It
               is
               not
               sufficient
               ,
               that
               Sin
               be
               
                 dead
                 in
                 you
              
               ,
               but
               you
               must
               be
               
                 dead
                 to
                 it
              
               :
               you
               must
               be
               
               Active
               in
               the
               Crucifixion
               of
               it
               ,
               or
               else
               the
               Corruption
               of
               one
               vice
               will
               be
               the
               Generation
               of
               
                 another
                 .
                 If
                 ye
                 through
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ▪
                 mortify
                 the
                 deeds
                 of
                 the
                 Body
                 ,
                 ye
                 shall
                 live
                 ,
              
               Rom.
               8.
               13.
               
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               IV.
               
            
             
               THE
               
                 Fourth
                 Priviledge
              
               of
               Old-age
               
               is
               ,
               
                 That
                 it
                 is
                 Proner
                 to
                 Piety
                 .
              
               True
               and
               
                 solid
                 Piety
              
               is
               the
               Dominion
               of
               Gods
               Fear
               and
               Love
               ,
               in
               the
               Heart
               of
               Man
               ,
               and
               exerts
               its
               self
               in
               the
               constant
               Practice
               of
               all
               the
               Duties
               of
               Religion
               ,
               in
               a
               conscientious
               manner
               .
               For
               in
               Religion
               there
               is
               a
               Body
               and
               a
               Soul.
               The
               Body
               of
               it
               consists
               in
               the
               
                 Form
                 of
                 Godliness
              
               ;
               the
               Soul
               of
               it
               ,
               is
               that
               which
               animates
               all
               the
               outward
               Acts
               ,
               and
               is
               fitly
               called
               the
               
                 Power
                 of
                 Godliness
              
               ;
               for
               that
               the
               Activity
               and
               force
               of
               any
               thing
               proceeds
               from
               the
               Soul
               ,
               or
               inward
               Principle
               .
               Now
               the
               separating
               this
               form
               and
               power
               of
               Godliness
               ,
               like
               as
               that
               of
               the
               Soul
               and
               Body
               ,
               is
               the
               death
               of
               Godliness
               .
               And
               therefore
               ,
               though
               we
               prefer
               the
               Soul
               ,
               or
               inside
               of
               Religion
               ,
               yet
               we
               divorce
               it
               not
               from
               the
               Body
               :
               but
               do
               take
               Piety
               in
               
               it's
               just
               Latitude
               ,
               comprehending
               the
               Acts
               of
               Devotion
               ,
               from
               a
               right
               principle
               ,
               in
               a
               right
               manner
               ,
               and
               to
               a
               right
               end
               ,
               and
               expressing
               it self
               in
               a
               
                 sober
                 ,
                 righteous
              
               ,
               and
               godly
               life
               .
               And
               however
               the
               prophane
               Atheist
               may
               wickedly
               deride
               it
               on
               the
               one
               hand
               ,
               or
               the
               rotten
               Hypocrite
               falsly
               pretend
               it
               on
               the
               other
               ;
               yet
               there
               is
               a
               wonderful
               excellency
               in
               it
               ,
               and
               an
               absolute
               necessity
               of
               it
               ,
               even
               the
               Consciences
               of
               it's
               greatest
               Enemies
               ,
               first
               or
               last
               ,
               being
               Iudges
               .
            
             
               To
               this
               serious
               
                 Piety
                 ,
                 Old-age
              
               is
               more
               propense
               ,
               than
               any
               other
               age
               of
               man.
               Insomuch
               as
               we
               find
               divers
               in
               Scripture
               ,
               and
               other
               Stories
               bent
               for
               Heaven
               in
               their
               
                 declining
                 years
              
               ,
               who
               in
               the
               former
               parts
               of
               their
               lives
               minded
               nothing
               ,
               but
               the
               World
               and
               the
               Flesh.
               They
               whom
               no
               Perswasions
               ,
               no
               Ordinances
               ,
               no
               Afflictions
               could
               fully
               reduce
               to
               the
               
                 obedience
                 of
                 Christ
              
               ,
               yet
               the
               lively
               sense
               and
               feeling
               of
               their
               own
               decay
               ,
               and
               of
               their
               approach
               to
               the
               eternal
               Judgment
               obligeth
               them
               to
               true
               repentance
               ,
               and
               to
               
                 make
                 their
                 calling
                 and
                 election
                 sure
                 .
              
               So
               that
               it
               hath
               pass'd
               for
               an
               Observation
               ,
               that
               they
               who
               are
               not
               fair
               at
               
                 twenty
                 ,
                 strong
              
               at
               
                 thirty
                 ,
                 wise
              
               at
               
                 forty
                 ,
                 rich
              
               at
               
                 fifty
                 ,
                 pious
              
               at
               sixty
               ;
               are
               never
               like
               to
               be
               fair
               ,
               or
               strong
               ,
               
               or
               wise
               ,
               or
               rich
               ,
               or
               religious
               .
               When
               any
               man
               is
               warn'd
               out
               of
               the
               House
               he
               lives
               in
               ,
               laying
               aside
               all
               other
               unnecessary
               business
               ,
               he
               sets
               himself
               to
               provide
               another
               Habitation
               :
               Now
               every
               decay
               of
               strength
               ,
               of
               sense
               ;
               every
               gray
               Hair
               ,
               or
               Wrinkle
               is
               a
               sensible
               warning
               out
               of
               the
               
                 earthly
                 House
                 of
                 his
                 Tabernacle
              
               ;
               and
               he
               must
               be
               strangely
               stupid
               u
               ,
               that
               buckles
               not
               ,
               in
               good
               earnest
               ,
               to
               provide
               for
               his
               Soul
               ,
               when
               not
               only
               it
               may
               suddenly
               ,
               but
               must
               shortly
               go
               either
               to
               Heaven
               or
               Hell.
               These
               kind
               of
               Sentiments
               caused
               that
               learned
               Grotius
               to
               profess
               ,
               when
               he
               approached
               Death
               ,
               that
               he
               would
               gladly
               exchange
               all
               his
               Learning
               and
               Honour
               ,
               for
               the
               plain
               integrity
               of
               one
               
                 Iean
                 Urick
              
               ,
               who
               was
               a
               devout
               poor
               man
               ,
               that
               spent
               eight
               hours
               of
               his
               time
               in
               
                 Devotion
                 ,
                 eight
              
               in
               Labour
               ,
               and
               but
               eight
               in
               Sleep
               ,
               and
               all
               other
               Refreshments
               .
               So
               also
               that
               great
               States-man
               ,
               S
               t
               
                 Tho.
                 Smith
              
               ,
               Secretary
               of
               State
               to
               Q.
               Elizabeth
               ,
               some
               time
               before
               he
               fell
               sick
               ,
               sent
               for
               Directions
               to
               two
               Bishops
               ,
               how
               he
               might
               live
               most
               piously
               and
               make
               his
               peace
               with
               God
               w
            
             
               Besides
               ,
               all
               the
               unruly
               Passions
               being
               now
               cooled
               by
               time
               and
               years
               ,
               Reason
               obtains
               a
               fair
               hearing
               ,
               and
               the
               
                 Spirit
                 of
              
               
               God
               gets
               a
               compleat
               victory
               over
               the
               Heart
               ,
               that
               had
               resisted
               so
               long
               .
               Even
               as
               a
               City
               which
               hath
               been
               long
               besieg'd
               ,
               and
               often
               summoned
               to
               surrender
               ,
               yet
               stands
               it
               out
               ,
               till
               provisions
               begin
               to
               fail
               ,
               and
               that
               the
               defender
               of
               it
               sees
               the
               Walls
               terribly
               shaken
               ,
               and
               then
               he
               finds
               it
               high
               time
               to
               capitulate
               and
               deliver
               it
               :
               so
               
                 Almighty
                 God
              
               calls
               ,
               and
               cryes
               ,
               and
               knocks
               time
               after
               time
               at
               the
               sinners
               Heart
               ,
               but
               it
               is
               heedless
               of
               these
               calls
               ,
               it
               's
               feasted
               and
               filled
               with
               the
               Vanities
               of
               this
               present
               life
               ;
               but
               when
               it
               finds
               all
               the
               Fabrick
               ready
               to
               fall
               upon
               it's
               Head
               ,
               and
               no
               provision
               made
               for
               a
               future
               and
               eternal
               State
               ;
               it
               is
               high
               time
               to
               be
               getting
               Oyl
               ,
               and
               laying
               up
               a
               
                 good
                 foundation
                 for
                 the
                 time
                 to
                 come
                 .
              
               And
               for
               those
               who
               have
               been
               
                 well
                 disposed
              
               before
               ,
               yet
               Old-age
               is
               a
               great
               Incentive
               to
               greater
               holiness
               .
               As
               a
               Man
               in
               sailing
               ,
               saith
               Mr.
               Bradford
               ,
               the
               nearer
               he
               comes
               to
               the
               Shore
               ,
               the
               nearer
               he
               would
               be
               ;
               so
               the
               nearer
               I
               am
               to
               God
               ,
               the
               nearer
               still
               I
               would
               be
               .
               A
               person
               of
               years
               must
               needs
               have
               a
               more
               clear
               and
               comprehensive
               knowledge
               ,
               of
               the
               Doctrine
               and
               Duties
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               of
               the
               life
               of
               Faith
               ,
               of
               Mortification
               ,
               of
               the
               extent
               of
               the
               Divine
               Law
               ,
               of
               the
               Nature
               and
               Power
               of
               Godliness
               ;
               
               and
               having
               more
               leisure
               ,
               and
               being
               somewhat
               retired
               out
               of
               the
               throng
               of
               worldly
               business
               ,
               they
               are
               fitter
               to
               recollect
               these
               things
               ,
               and
               to
               reduce
               them
               into
               practice
               .
            
             
               And
               this
               certainly
               is
               a
               great
               Priviledge
               ,
               to
               have
               a
               greater
               Aptitude
               to
               that
               which
               is
               good
               .
               Alas
               ,
               young
               people
               are
               under
               a
               great
               disadvantage
               herein
               :
               it
               's
               true
               ,
               their
               Faculties
               are
               more
               nimble
               ,
               and
               their
               Memories
               more
               fresh
               ;
               but
               then
               they
               come
               into
               the
               World
               like
               
                 raw
                 Souldiers
              
               into
               the
               Field
               ;
               they
               are
               compassed
               and
               daily
               allured
               with
               divers
               Temptations
               ,
               and
               have
               boisterous
               lusts
               within
               themselves
               ,
               and
               so
               they
               are
               in
               a
               more
               remote
               distance
               from
               true
               Piety
               .
               They
               are
               like
               an
               unruly
               Colt
               in
               a
               large
               and
               fat
               Pasture
               ,
               there
               's
               no
               coming
               near
               them
               ,
               till
               they
               are
               driven
               into
               a
               Corner
               ,
               till
               their
               way
               be
               
                 hedged
                 up
                 with
                 Thorns
              
               ,
               and
               then
               you
               may
               catch
               them
               .
               Such
               is
               the
               fate
               of
               young
               people
               ,
               they
               are
               born
               
                 like
                 a
                 wild
                 Asses
                 Colt
              
               ,
               Job
               .
               11.
               12.
               they
               care
               not
               for
               any
               thing
               that
               's
               good
               ,
               they
               fear
               not
               any
               evil
               ,
               adding
               Iniquity
               unto
               Iniquity
               ,
               until
               it
               come
               to
               snow
               upon
               their
               Heads
               ,
               and
               that
               their
               Arms
               and
               Legs
               begin
               to
               fail
               them
               ;
               and
               then
               the
               Voice
               of
               God
               will
               
               be
               heard
               ,
               and
               his
               counsel
               shall
               be
               followed
               .
               So
               that
               though
               Old-age
               will
               not
               bring
               a
               man
               to
               Heaven
               ,
               yet
               it
               will
               fit
               a
               man
               for
               it
               ,
               it
               removes
               the
               Obstacles
               of
               repentance
               ,
               and
               promotes
               the
               Exercises
               of
               Religion
               .
            
             
               And
               it
               is
               high
               time
               it
               should
               be
               so
               ;
               their
               activity
               for
               this
               world
               is
               past
               ,
               if
               they
               do
               not
               grow
               active
               for
               another
               ,
               they
               will
               be
               good
               for
               nothing
               .
               They
               cannot
               work
               ,
               O
               but
               they
               can
               fast
               and
               pray
               ,
               and
               that
               's
               better
               .
               The
               Aged
               person
               remembers
               ,
               that
               he
               is
               going
               into
               an
               holy
               world
               ,
               and
               labours
               to
               have
               on
               Earth
               some
               suitableness
               to
               the
               life
               of
               Heaven
               ;
               because
               men
               begin
               their
               Heaven
               or
               Hell
               upon
               Earth
               .
               And
               this
               age
               fits
               his
               purpose
               ,
               being
               proper
               for
               Mortification
               and
               Meditation
               .
               The
               more
               knowledge
               ,
               and
               holiness
               he
               arrives
               at
               here
               ,
               the
               riper
               and
               fitter
               he
               is
               for
               that
               place
               to
               which
               he
               is
               ready
               to
               goe
               x
               .
            
             
               Let
               every
               Aged
               person
               then
               ,
               endeavour
               to
               verify
               this
               Priviledge
               by
               their
               
                 solid
                 Piety
              
               in
               all
               the
               instances
               thereof
               .
               Let
               there
               be
               a
               Principle
               of
               holiness
               within
               ,
               
               and
               the
               Practice
               of
               it
               without
               in
               all
               manner
               of
               Conversation
               ,
               for
               as
               you
               were
               told
               ,
               then
               is
               the
               
                 hoary
                 head
                 a
                 crown
                 of
                 glory
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 found
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
              
               Prov.
               16.
               31.
               
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               V.
               
            
             
               THE
               
                 Fifth
                 Priviledge
              
               of
               Old-age
               is
               ,
               
               That
               it
               is
               
                 Riper
                 in
                 its
                 Fruits
              
               ,
               than
               any
               other
               age
               .
               That
               is
               ,
               their
               Iudgments
               are
               more
               refined
               ,
               their
               Passions
               more
               sedate
               ,
               their
               Devotions
               more
               strong
               ,
               their
               Actions
               more
               regular
               and
               uniform
               ,
               and
               their
               spiritual
               Stature
               taller
               .
               This
               may
               be
               gathered
               ,
               
                 à
                 fortiori
              
               ,
               from
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               1
               Cor.
               13.
               11.
               
               
                 When
                 I
                 was
                 a
                 child
                 ,
                 I
                 spake
                 as
                 a
                 child
                 ,
                 I
                 understood
                 as
                 a
                 child
                 ,
                 I
                 thought
                 as
                 a
                 child
                 :
                 but
                 when
                 I
                 became
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 I
                 put
                 away
                 childish
                 things
                 .
              
               The
               words
               and
               the
               thoughts
               then
               of
               an
               Aged
               experienced
               man
               must
               ,
               by
               a
               just
               inference
               ,
               be
               very
               solid
               and
               weighty
               .
               Every
               man
               must
               needs
               observe
               the
               rawness
               of
               his
               younger
               conceptions
               ,
               and
               the
               lightness
               of
               his
               former
               assertions
               :
               that
               
                 Dies
                 diem
                 docet
              
               ,
               every
               day
               learns
               somewhat
               of
               that
               which
               went
               before
               it
               ;
               and
               so
               
               I
               may
               allude
               to
               that
               passage
               ,
               
                 Day
                 unto
                 day
                 uttereth
                 speech
                 ,
                 and
                 night
                 unto
                 night
                 addeth
                 knowledge
                 .
              
               Yea
               the
               Psalmist
               ex●…sly
               tells
               us
               ,
               that
               the
               
                 righteous
                 shall
                 〈◊〉
                 bring
                 forth
                 fruit
                 in
                 Old-age
                 ,
              
               yea
               that
               
                 they
                 shall
                 be
                 fat
                 and
                 flourishing
                 ,
              
               Psal.
               92.
               14.
               
               And
               to
               this
               do
               other
               Authors
               y
               ,
               and
               Experience
               bear
               witness
               .
               Trace
               some
               Aged
               good
               men
               from
               morning
               to
               night
               ,
               you
               shall
               still
               find
               them
               (
               humane
               and
               unavoidable
               infirmities
               excepted
               )
               so
               discreet
               in
               their
               Charity
               ,
               so
               grave
               in
               their
               Counsels
               ,
               so
               savoury
               in
               their
               Discourse
               ,
               so
               constant
               in
               their
               Devotion
               ,
               so
               considerate
               in
               their
               Resolutions
               ,
               so
               faithful
               in
               their
               Reproofs
               ,
               so
               poized
               in
               their
               Temper
               ,
               so
               charitable
               in
               their
               Censures
               ,
               and
               so
               uniform
               and
               useful
               in
               their
               Lives
               ,
               that
               their
               Practice
               may
               be
               a
               perpetual
               Sermon
               ,
               and
               Copy
               to
               teach
               others
               their
               duty
               to
               God
               and
               man
               :
               So
               that
               it
               was
               no
               small
               
                 Title
                 of
                 Honour
              
               ,
               which
               was
               given
               to
               Mnason
               .
               Act.
               21.
               16.
               
               That
               
                 he
                 was
                 an
                 Old
                 Disciple
              
               .
            
             
               And
               there
               is
               a
               rational
               account
               to
               be
               given
               of
               this
               ;
               seeing
               the
               Aged
               person
               hath
               had
               Time
               and
               means
               to
               sift
               and
               weigh
               all
               vulgar
               Notions
               ,
               to
               observe
               the
               frailties
               both
               of
               himself
               and
               others
               ,
               to
               distinguish
               realities
               from
               appearances
               ,
               
               and
               to
               penetrate
               through
               the
               surface
               ●…nto
               the
               substance
               of
               spiritual
               things
               ,
               and
               of
               temporal
               .
               They
               have
               past
               through
               all
               Relations
               ,
               and
               having
               been
               Children
               and
               
                 Parents
                 ,
                 Husbands
              
               or
               Wives
               for
               a
               ●…ong
               time
               ,
               and
               many
               of
               them
               Servants
               and
               Masters
               ;
               they
               are
               hereby
               inabled
               both
               to
               speak
               and
               to
               act
               in
               all
               cases
               ,
               with
               the
               greater
               solidity
               and
               efficacy
               .
               Add
               to
               this
               ,
               that
               their
               long
               acquaintance
               ▪
               with
               God
               cannot
               but
               assimilate
               them
               unto
               him
               ,
               and
               make
               their
               fruits
               holy
               ,
               just
               ,
               and
               good
               .
               Let
               observation
               be
               made
               ,
               and
               it
               will
               be
               commonly
               found
               ,
               that
               the
               Discourses
               ,
               the
               Sermons
               ,
               the
               Books
               z
               that
               proceed
               from
               persons
               of
               years
               ,
               thô
               they
               may
               want
               the
               external
               ornaments
               and
               ardour
               ,
               which
               are
               usual
               with
               younger
               persons
               ,
               yet
               have
               that
               
                 congruity
                 ,
                 weight
              
               ,
               and
               wisdom
               that
               raise
               their
               value
               ,
               and
               render
               them
               more
               truly
               useful
               :
               So
               that
               we
               may
               well
               say
               in
               this
               Case
               ,
               that
               the
               
                 best
                 wine
                 is
                 reserved
                 to
                 the
                 last
                 .
              
            
             
               Now
               this
               is
               a
               valuable
               Priviledge
               .
               For
               who
               doth
               not
               rather
               chuse
               the
               fruit
               that
               is
               ripe
               ,
               than
               that
               which
               is
               raw
               ?
               if
               it
               be
               not
               to
               some
               palates
               more
               toothsome
               ,
               yet
               it
               is
               to
               all
               bodies
               more
               
                 wholsome
                 :
                 Summer
              
               fruit
               may
               be
               more
               luscious
               ,
               but
               Winter
               (
               Old-age
               )
               fruit
               is
               
               more
               solid
               ,
               and
               will
               keep
               longer
               .
               The
               stony
               ground
               were
               they
               
                 that
                 received
                 the
                 Word
                 with
                 joy
                 ,
              
               but
               having
               
                 no
                 root
              
               ,
               they
               soon
               withered
               :
               But
               the
               good
               ground
               were
               they
               ,
               that
               
                 kept
                 the
                 word
              
               ,
               and
               brought
               forth
               
                 fruit
                 with
                 patience
              
               .
               And
               that
               which
               puts
               a
               value
               upon
               these
               ripe
               and
               well-digested
               fruits
               ,
               is
               that
               they
               tend
               more
               eminently
               to
               the
               
                 glory
                 of
                 God
              
               ;
               hereby
               they
               shew
               forth
               the
               vertues
               ,
               and
               so
               the
               praises
               of
               him
               ,
               that
               hath
               called
               them
               :
               And
               they
               do
               more
               largely
               conduce
               to
               the
               good
               of
               all
               ,
               that
               have
               occasion
               to
               use
               them
               ,
               or
               are
               conversant
               with
               them
               .
               To
               which
               purpose
               Plutarch
               observeth
               ,
               
               that
               as
               they
               who
               teach
               Musick
               do
               by
               their
               own
               singing
               ,
               direct
               their
               Scholars
               ;
               so
               they
               that
               would
               instruct
               young
               men
               in
               private
               or
               publick
               affairs
               ,
               must
               not
               only
               outwardly
               dictate
               good
               axioms
               and
               rules
               to
               them
               ,
               but
               by
               their
               own
               steady
               course
               in
               word
               and
               deed
               ,
               endeavour
               to
               frame
               their
               minds
               to
               vertue
               .
               There
               is
               an
               incredible
               charm
               in
               Example
               ,
               and
               thereby
               a
               good
               man
               is
               a
               
                 common
                 blessing
              
               .
            
             
               Let
               all
               you
               Aged
               persons
               then
               ,
               consider
               what
               fruits
               ye
               bring
               forth
               .
               It
               doth
               not
               become
               you
               to
               be
               credulous
               in
               what
               ye
               hear
               ,
               nor
               rash
               in
               what
               ye
               
               speak
               ,
               nor
               precipitate
               in
               what
               ye
               do
               :
               Whatsoever
               savours
               of
               youth
               is
               unseemly
               in
               you
               .
               You
               must
               study
               to
               live
               as
               patterns
               ,
               you
               should
               do
               
                 more
                 than
                 others
              
               .
               They
               that
               have
               been
               long
               at
               a
               Trade
               ,
               should
               be
               accurate
               in
               it
               .
               The
               Apostle
               puts
               much
               upon
               the
               Time
               ,
               Heb.
               5.
               12.
               
               
                 When
                 for
                 the
                 time
                 ye
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 teachers
                 ,
              
               &c.
               you
               have
               been
               long
               in
               
                 Christs
                 school
              
               ,
               you
               should
               be
               perfect
               in
               the
               Rules
               of
               Christian
               life
               a
               .
               They
               who
               had
               received
               Five
               talents
               ,
               will
               not
               be
               accepted
               ,
               unless
               they
               bring
               ten
               again
               .
               If
               your
               figs
               be
               not
               good
               ,
               
                 very
                 good
              
               ,
               it
               is
               probable
               they
               will
               be
               bad
               ,
               
                 very
                 bad
              
               .
               If
               an
               Aged
               person
               be
               not
               ripe
               for
               Heaven
               ,
               let
               him
               take
               heed
               he
               be
               not
               ripe
               for
               Hell.
               
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               VI.
               
            
             
               THE
               
                 Sixth
                 Priviledge
              
               of
               Old-age
               is
               ,
               
               That
               
                 it
                 is
                 worthier
                 of
                 Respect
              
               ,
               than
               those
               of
               an
               inferiour
               Age.
               I
               mean
               hereby
               ,
               both
               an
               
                 Inward
                 Reverence
              
               ,
               and
               the
               
                 External
                 expression
              
               thereof
               ;
               and
               the
               former
               is
               and
               ought
               to
               be
               the
               foundation
               of
               the
               latter
               .
               An
               Aged
               person
               ,
               even
               
               on
               that
               account
               ,
               though
               neither
               ric●…
               nor
               wise
               ,
               though
               neither
               noble
               nor
               pious
               ,
               yet
               deserves
               a
               respect
               for
               the
               Priority
               of
               his
               Being
               .
               The
               Veneration
               d●…
               to
               them
               is
               founded
               on
               the
               Law
               b
               
                 of
                 Nature
              
               .
               Hence
               Plato
               appoints
               that
               ever●…
               one
               should
               honour
               the
               Aged
               both
               in
               word
               and
               deed
               ,
               and
               this
               he
               often
               repeats
               .
               And
               it
               was
               much
               observed
               in
               
                 Three
                 Indians
              
               once
               in
               Paris
               ,
               that
               kept
               strictly
               to
               the
               order
               of
               their
               Age
               in
               speaking
               ,
               without
               any
               Directour
               but
               the
               
                 Law
                 of
                 Nature
              
               .
               All
               the
               disputes
               abou●…
               the
               Antiquity
               ,
               and
               consequently
               the
               Dignity
               of
               Families
               or
               Cities
               is
               grounde●…
               on
               this
               foundation
               .
               Why
               should
               
                 Ol●…
                 Monuments
                 ,
                 Old
                 Coins
              
               ,
               yea
               even
               
                 Ol●…
                 Ruines
              
               be
               regarded
               ,
               and
               not
               
                 Old
                 men
              
               and
               
                 Old
                 women
              
               ?
               This
               is
               also
               directly
               injoyned
               in
               the
               
                 Fifth
                 Commandment
              
               ,
               where
               by
               Father
               and
               Mother
               that
               are
               to
               be
               
                 honour'd
                 ,
                 Divines
              
               do
               rightly
               determine
               ,
               that
               such
               as
               are
               Elders
               by
               Age
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               those
               that
               are
               so
               by
               Relation
               ,
               and
               Office
               are
               intended
               .
               And
               Honour
               in
               that
               Précept
               means
               an
               inward
               Esteem
               ,
               and
               Reverence
               in
               the
               heart
               ,
               and
               the
               same
               expressed
               by
               a
               suitable
               behaviour
               towards
               them
               ,
               in
               word
               and
               deed
               .
               And
               this
               is
               expresly
               specified
               ,
               
               Levit.
               19.
               32.
               
               
                 Thou
                 shalt
                 rise
                 up
                 before
                 the
                 hoary
                 head
                 ,
                 and
                 honour
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 the
                 old
                 man
                 ,
                 and
                 fear
                 thy
                 God
                 :
                 I
                 am
                 the
                 Lord.
              
               The
               Iews
               indeed
               had
               a
               
                 Tradition
                 hereupon
              
               ,
               that
               it
               was
               not
               only
               fit
               to
               rise
               ,
               when
               an
               Aged
               person
               was
               passing
               by
               us
               ,
               but
               that
               we
               should
               rise
               up
               ,
               when
               they
               were
               
                 four
                 cubits
              
               distance
               from
               us
               ;
               and
               then
               we
               should
               presently
               
                 sit
                 down
                 again
              
               ,
               thereby
               to
               manifest
               that
               we
               rose
               up
               in
               honour
               to
               them
               :
               But
               the
               plain
               scope
               of
               that
               Command
               is
               only
               ,
               that
               we
               ought
               to
               make
               all
               due
               expression
               of
               Respect
               to
               the
               Aged
               .
               And
               the
               indefiniteness
               of
               the
               Precept
               shews
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               due
               to
               all
               that
               are
               Aged
               ;
               even
               that
               pale
               and
               wrinkled
               face
               challengeth
               a
               regard
               ;
               and
               the
               
                 fear
                 of
                 God
              
               is
               joyned
               with
               it
               :
               
                 q.
                 d.
              
               As
               you
               
                 fear
                 God
                 ,
                 honour
              
               the
               Aged
               :
               and
               because
               the
               young
               ,
               the
               rich
               ,
               and
               the
               proud
               will
               be
               loth
               to
               stoop
               herein
               ,
               therefore
               he
               adds
               ,
               
                 I
                 am
                 the
                 Lord
              
               :
               Whose
               Authority
               is
               unquestionable
               ,
               and
               whose
               Will
               is
               the
               highest
               Reason
               ,
               who
               will
               reward
               the
               keepers
               of
               this
               law
               ,
               and
               punish
               the
               breakers
               of
               it
               .
               Agreeable
               to
               this
               is
               that
               ,
               Prov.
               23.
               22.
               
               
                 Hearken
                 unto
                 thy
                 father
                 that
                 begat
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 despise
                 not
                 thy
                 mother
                 ,
                 when
                 she
                 is
                 old
                 .
              
               Likewise
               ,
               1
               Tim.
               5.
               1
               ,
               2.
               
               
                 Rebuke
                 not
                 an
                 Elder
                 ,
                 but
                 intreat
              
               
               
                 him
                 as
                 a
                 father
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 younger
                 men
                 as
                 brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 elder
                 women
                 as
                 mothers
                 .
              
               Where
               you
               see
               the
               Apostle
               interpreting
               the
               
                 Fifth
                 Commandment
              
               as
               abovesaid
               ;
               elder
               men
               as
               fathers
               ,
               elder
               women
               as
               mothers
               .
            
             
               Accordingly
               it
               is
               threatned
               as
               a
               sore
               Iudgment
               ,
               when
               the
               
                 child
                 shall
                 behave
                 himself
                 proudly
                 against
                 the
                 Ancient
                 ,
              
               Isa.
               3.
               5.
               and
               so
               it
               was
               resented
               ,
               when
               it
               was
               executed
               ,
               Lam.
               4.
               12.
               
               When
               
                 the
                 faces
                 of
                 the
                 Elders
                 were
                 not
                 honoured
                 .
              
               And
               we
               have
               a
               Comment
               upon
               this
               in
               a
               
                 heathen
                 Poet
              
               c
               ,
               who
               tells
               us
               that
               they
               held
               it
               for
               a
               wickedness
               worthy
               to
               be
               expiated
               by
               Death
               ,
               if
               one
               that
               was
               young
               did
               not
               rise
               ,
               to
               shew
               respect
               to
               one
               that
               was
               Old.
               Let
               those
               consider
               this
               ,
               who
               make
               no
               difficulty
               to
               
                 take
                 place
              
               of
               their
               elders
               ,
               meerly
               because
               themselves
               are
               somewhat
               richer
               .
               And
               upon
               this
               very
               Principle
               the
               
                 Eldest
                 son
              
               is
               by
               a
               natural
               right
               concluded
               to
               be
               heir
               ,
               and
               I
               question
               whether
               he
               should
               be
               defeated
               of
               it
               for
               any
               defects
               or
               immoralities
               .
               Upon
               all
               which
               it
               is
               apparent
               ,
               that
               there
               is
               a
               special
               Respect
               and
               Reverence
               due
               to
               Old-age
               .
            
             
               Now
               let
               us
               consider
               what
               Priviledge
               there
               is
               herein
               .
               If
               there
               were
               nothing
               in
               it
               but
               a
               matter
               of
               Preference
               or
               precedence
               ,
               
               it
               were
               no
               great
               attainment
               ;
               though
               many
               an
               Estate
               hath
               been
               spent
               ,
               and
               many
               a
               
                 Life
                 lost
              
               for
               the
               compassing
               of
               these
               .
               But
               this
               Respect
               is
               chiefly
               valuable
               for
               its
               Use.
               For
               hereby
               the
               Aged
               person
               is
               fenced
               from
               Contempt
               ,
               unto
               which
               he
               is
               liable
               enough
               through
               his
               impotence
               ,
               poverty
               ,
               and
               infirmities
               ;
               and
               any
               ingenuous
               man
               had
               rather
               dye
               with
               comfort
               ,
               than
               
                 live
                 in
                 contempt
              
               .
               But
               principally
               ,
               they
               are
               hereby
               preserved
               in
               a
               
                 capacity
                 of
                 doing
                 some
                 good
              
               ;
               their
               example
               ,
               their
               instructions
               ,
               their
               reproofs
               ,
               and
               their
               advice
               will
               become
               significant
               .
               We
               generally
               value
               mens
               Iudgments
               and
               Determinations
               according
               to
               the
               persons
               that
               give
               them
               .
               Great
               care
               they
               should
               have
               how
               they
               advise
               ,
               and
               a
               great
               deference
               should
               be
               given
               to
               their
               advice
               .
               So
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               1
               Pet.
               5.
               5.
               
               
                 Likewise
                 ye
                 younger
                 submit
                 your selves
                 to
                 the
                 elder
                 .
              
               And
               hereupon
               I
               would
               exhort
               and
               charge
               all
               young
               people
               ,
               that
               shall
               cast
               their
               eyes
               on
               these
               papers
               ,
               to
               remember
               their
               place
               and
               duty
               ,
               to
               deny
               themselves
               ,
               their
               own
               humours
               and
               preconceits
               ,
               and
               to
               strike
               sail
               to
               their
               Seniors
               .
               They
               were
               praying
               ,
               perhaps
               before
               you
               had
               a
               being
               ;
               they
               had
               done
               God
               and
               their
               Countrey
               good
               service
               ,
               before
               you
               had
               
               done
               
                 one
                 stroke
              
               of
               work
               .
               Holy
               Paul
               laid
               something
               upon
               seniority
               in
               
                 Grace
                 ,
                 Rom.
              
               16.
               7.
               
               
                 Andronicus
                 and
                 Iunia
                 ,
                 who
                 were
                 in
                 Christ
                 before
                 me
              
               ;
               and
               by
               the
               like
               reason
               ,
               it
               is
               some
               Dignity
               to
               be
               
                 in
                 the
                 world
              
               before
               others
               .
               Insomuch
               as
               when
               the
               Latines
               would
               express
               their
               esteem
               of
               any
               thing
               ,
               they
               use
               this
               word
               of
               Antiquity
               d
               to
               express
               it
               by
               .
               Away
               then
               with
               that
               unchristian
               ,
               yea
               unmanly
               ,
               and
               unmannerly
               pertness
               and
               disrespect
               too
               frequent
               every
               where
               ,
               towards
               Aged
               persons
               :
               Instead
               whereof
               reckon
               it
               to
               your
               
                 good
                 Breeding
              
               ,
               yea
               charge
               it
               upon
               your
               Conscience
               ,
               to
               give
               
                 Honour
                 to
                 whom
                 honour
                 is
                 due
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               VII
               .
            
             
               THE
               
                 Seventh
                 Priviledge
              
               of
               Old-age
               
               is
               ,
               That
               they
               are
               
                 Further
                 from
                 the
                 World
              
               than
               younger
               persons
               are
               .
               These
               are
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               it
               ,
               and
               of
               all
               its
               troubles
               ,
               and
               temptations
               ;
               but
               those
               have
               travelled
               through
               them
               ,
               and
               are
               now
               almost
               past
               them
               .
               There
               are
               Two
               things
               in
               the
               World
               that
               make
               it
               
                 uneasie
                 ,
                 Sin
              
               and
               
                 Suffering
                 .
                 Sin
              
               that
               makes
               
               it
               uneasie
               to
               Good
               men
               ,
               Suffering
               that
               makes
               it
               uneasie
               to
               All
               men
               .
               A
               good
               man
               hath
               contracted
               a
               deep
               hatred
               against
               sin
               ,
               and
               yet
               he
               cannot
               be
               rid
               of
               it
               .
               He
               meets
               with
               it
               in
               every
               place
               ;
               among
               the
               looser
               sort
               of
               people
               it
               swarms
               ,
               he
               sees
               and
               hears
               that
               every
               day
               ,
               which
               
                 vexeth
                 his
                 righteous
                 soul
              
               ;
               and
               returning
               home
               he
               finds
               it
               in
               his
               
                 own
                 heart
              
               ,
               and
               that
               grieves
               him
               most
               .
               He
               is
               chain'd
               to
               a
               
                 body
                 of
                 death
              
               without
               any
               remedy
               ;
               and
               the
               more
               knowledge
               and
               grace
               he
               hath
               ,
               the
               more
               he
               
                 hates
                 it
              
               ,
               and
               abhorrs
               himself
               by
               reason
               of
               it
               .
               It
               meets
               him
               in
               every
               Imployment
               ,
               in
               every
               Prayer
               ,
               and
               vexeth
               him
               at
               the
               heart
               .
               He
               is
               like
               a
               man
               who
               lives
               by
               a
               
                 bad
                 Neighbour
              
               ,
               or
               that
               is
               yoaked
               to
               a
               
                 froward
                 Wife
              
               ,
               that
               cannot
               live
               
                 comfortably
                 with
              
               them
               ,
               and
               cannot
               live
               
                 possibly
                 without
              
               them
               :
               Hence
               he
               cries
               out
               ,
               
                 O
                 wretched
                 man
                 that
                 I
                 am
                 ,
                 who
                 shall
                 deliver
                 me
                 from
                 the
                 body
                 of
                 this
                 Death
                 ?
              
               Now
               the
               young
               person
               ,
               is
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               these
               Philistines
               ;
               the
               corruption
               of
               his
               Nature
               meeting
               ,
               as
               is
               said
               before
               ,
               with
               the
               temptations
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               is
               as
               tinder
               to
               the
               sparks
               ,
               too
               easily
               set
               on
               fire
               with
               lust
               ,
               anger
               ,
               gluttony
               ,
               and
               such
               like
               ;
               wherewith
               he
               must
               be
               either
               in
               continual
               and
               sharp
               
               conflict
               ,
               or
               else
               miserably
               ruin'd
               .
               Now
               the
               Aged
               person
               hath
               gotten
               many
               victories
               in
               this
               spiritual
               warfare
               ,
               whereby
               his
               enemies
               are
               grown
               weaker
               ,
               and
               he
               bolder
               and
               stronger
               .
               He
               knows
               this
               bickering
               will
               not
               last
               long
               ,
               and
               sees
               the
               reward
               of
               his
               victory
               ,
               and
               so
               pleaseth
               himself
               with
               his
               Condition
               .
               This
               made
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               when
               Aged
               ,
               to
               say
               ,
               2
               Tim.
               4.
               7
               ,
               8.
               
               
                 I
                 have
                 fought
                 a
                 good
                 fight
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 finished
                 my
                 course
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 kept
                 the
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 henceforth
                 there
                 is
                 laid
                 up
                 for
                 me
                 a
                 crown
                 of
                 righteousness
                 :
              
               And
               is
               not
               this
               a
               Priviledge
               ?
               would
               he
               accept
               a
               
                 new
                 lease
              
               to
               live
               over
               his
               life
               again
               ?
               not
               for
               the
               whole
               world
               .
               Seneca
               could
               say
               ,
               if
               some
               God
               would
               indulge
               me
               so
               far
               ,
               as
               that
               I
               might
               return
               into
               my
               cradle
               again
               ,
               I
               would
               earnestly
               refuse
               it
               :
               I
               would
               never
               yield
               ,
               when
               I
               have
               almost
               run
               my
               whole
               race
               ,
               to
               return
               quite
               back
               again
               e
               .
            
             
               And
               for
               the
               Sufferings
               in
               the
               World
               ;
               man
               whether
               he
               be
               born
               to
               an
               Estate
               or
               not
               ,
               yet
               is
               
                 born
                 unto
                 troubles
                 as
                 the
                 sparks
                 flie
                 upward
                 .
              
               We
               meet
               them
               in
               every
               stage
               of
               our
               Life
               ;
               we
               come
               into
               the
               world
               with
               Cries
               ,
               and
               go
               out
               with
               groans
               ;
               and
               a
               great
               part
               of
               the
               space
               between
               ,
               is
               replenisht
               with
               sighs
               ,
               and
               
               cares
               ,
               and
               troubles
               .
               Some
               inflicted
               by
               the
               
                 hand
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               and
               some
               by
               the
               
                 hand
                 of
                 Man.
              
               One
               while
               pain
               or
               sickness
               upon
               the
               body
               ,
               another
               while
               wants
               or
               losses
               in
               our
               estates
               ;
               sometimes
               wounded
               in
               our
               names
               ,
               and
               sometimes
               in
               the
               
                 unhappy
                 life
              
               ,
               or
               
                 untimely
                 death
              
               of
               our
               Relations
               ;
               yea
               if
               we
               escape
               these
               ,
               and
               have
               a
               perpetual
               Sun-shine
               ,
               yet
               the
               cares
               and
               troubles
               that
               attend
               Prosperity
               are
               not
               few
               nor
               small
               .
               So
               that
               when
               God
               surveyed
               the
               world
               
                 at
                 first
              
               ,
               he
               pronounced
               all
               was
               good
               ;
               but
               when
               the
               wisest
               of
               men
               had
               made
               his
               survey
               of
               it
               since
               the
               Fall
               ,
               he
               pronounced
               all
               things
               in
               it
               to
               be
               vanity
               ,
               and
               
                 vexation
                 of
                 spirit
              
               ;
               and
               the
               Aged
               man
               can
               conclude
               it
               by
               his
               own
               experience
               ,
               to
               be
               a
               
                 sea
                 of
                 storms
              
               ,
               a
               
                 sink
                 of
                 sins
              
               ,
               and
               a
               very
               
                 prison
                 to
                 the
                 soul.
              
               
            
             
               Indeed
               it
               is
               a
               Stage
               whereon
               we
               have
               opportunity
               to
               
                 honour
                 God
              
               ,
               and
               do
               some
               service
               to
               our
               fellow-creatures
               ;
               but
               otherwise
               the
               
                 best
                 Notion
              
               of
               it
               ,
               is
               only
               a
               convenient
               Inn
               for
               Pilgrims
               in
               their
               Iourney
               .
               And
               upon
               this
               account
               we
               ought
               to
               be
               content
               while
               we
               are
               in
               it
               ,
               and
               and
               
                 very
                 well
                 content
              
               to
               be
               released
               out
               of
               it
               .
               For
               what
               wise
               man
               but
               is
               glad
               
               to
               part
               with
               the
               most
               convenient
               Inn
               ,
               to
               be
               going
               towards
               his
               own
               home
               f
               ?
               Alas
               ,
               they
               who
               are
               Old
               have
               seen
               so
               much
               of
               the
               falseness
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               of
               the
               deceits
               of
               men
               ,
               of
               the
               divisions
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               of
               the
               weakness
               of
               good
               men
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               wickedness
               of
               evil
               men
               ,
               that
               they
               are
               
                 sick
                 of
                 this
                 world
              
               ,
               and
               could
               not
               be
               hired
               with
               all
               it
               can
               give
               ,
               to
               abide
               in
               it
               
                 one
                 day
              
               after
               their
               work
               is
               done
               .
               When
               a
               man
               hath
               found
               something
               
                 above
                 ,
                 beyond
              
               ,
               and
               after
               this
               world
               ,
               he
               is
               weary
               of
               it
               g
               .
            
             
               So
               that
               the
               Priviledge
               of
               Aged
               persons
               who
               are
               even
               past
               the
               World
               ,
               is
               really
               great
               .
               They
               have
               escaped
               those
               rocks
               and
               gulfs
               ,
               of
               which
               younger
               persons
               are
               yet
               in
               danger
               .
               They
               may
               look
               back
               with
               pity
               on
               younger
               persons
               ,
               who
               are
               to
               grapple
               with
               the
               difficulties
               ,
               which
               they
               have
               overcome
               .
               They
               have
               also
               attained
               that
               ,
               which
               all
               young
               men
               desire
               ,
               for
               these
               
                 would
                 live
                 long
              
               ,
               and
               the
               
                 Aged
                 have
                 lived
                 long
              
               h
               .
               They
               have
               seen
               
                 an
                 end
                 of
                 all
                 perfection
              
               ,
               and
               that
               is
               a
               poor
               perfection
               that
               
                 hath
                 an
                 end
              
               ;
               and
               after
               all
               they
               find
               ,
               that
               this
               is
               
                 not
                 their
                 rest
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 is
                 polluted
                 .
              
               Although
               they
               have
               been
               crucifying
               the
               world
               a
               long
               time
               ,
               
               yet
               they
               cannot
               make
               it
               wholsome
               enough
               to
               feed
               on
               ,
               without
               much
               caution
               and
               jealousie
               .
               And
               finding
               it
               so
               dangerous
               a
               Master
               ,
               and
               so
               troublesome
               a
               Servant
               ,
               they
               are
               glad
               to
               be
               rid
               of
               it
               ,
               and
               glad
               that
               they
               are
               
                 near
                 parting
              
               :
               So
               that
               he
               who
               hath
               tried
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               yet
               loves
               it
               ,
               is
               bewitcht
               by
               it
               .
               As
               a
               man
               that
               hath
               surfeited
               on
               any
               thing
               ,
               his
               Stomach
               riseth
               against
               it
               :
               so
               is
               it
               with
               the
               Aged
               ,
               they
               have
               too
               long
               surfeited
               on
               it
               ,
               and
               now
               their
               Hearts
               rise
               against
               it
               i
               .
               The
               World
               and
               they
               are
               easily
               parted
               ,
               for
               it
               cares
               little
               for
               them
               ,
               and
               they
               care
               less
               for
               it
               .
               Farewell
               (
               think
               they
               )
               thou
               false
               and
               flattering
               World
               ,
               that
               promised
               me
               content
               ,
               and
               never
               performed
               it
               ;
               that
               pretended
               to
               be
               my
               good
               Friend
               ,
               and
               hast
               proved
               my
               
                 constant
                 Snare
              
               ,
               my
               
                 deadly
                 Enemy
              
               ;
               I
               am
               now
               going
               to
               a
               peaceable
               holy
               and
               endless
               World.
               Hence
               it
               was
               that
               when
               the
               Physicians
               once
               told
               holy
               Mr.
               Dod
               ,
               in
               a
               dangerous
               Sickness
               in
               his
               Old-age
               ,
               that
               they
               had
               good
               hopes
               of
               his
               Recovery
               ;
               he
               answered
               them
               ,
               that
               the
               news
               pleased
               him
               no
               better
               ,
               than
               if
               one
               should
               tell
               the
               weather-beaten
               Mariner
               that
               was
               putting
               into
               the
               haven
               ,
               that
               he
               must
               
                 turn
                 back
              
               to
               conflict
               with
               the
               Storms
               again
               .
               
               No
               certainly
               ,
               they
               who
               are
               almost
               got
               safely
               through
               this
               dangerous
               World
               ,
               would
               be
               loth
               to
               venture
               into
               it
               again
               .
            
             
               Indeed
               if
               a
               man
               have
               no
               
                 portion
                 but
                 in
                 this
                 Life
              
               ,
               if
               he
               have
               no
               house
               but
               Hell
               to
               go
               to
               ,
               when
               he
               leaves
               the
               world
               ;
               it
               is
               no
               wonder
               if
               he
               be
               loth
               to
               part
               with
               it
               :
               but
               they
               who
               are
               dead
               to
               this
               world
               ,
               and
               ripe
               for
               a
               better
               ,
               would
               not
               
                 live
                 here
                 alway
              
               ,
               but
               
                 rejoyce
                 exceedingly
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 glad
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 can
                 find
                 the
                 grave
                 ,
              
               Job
               3.
               22.
               
               And
               this
               leads
               me
               to
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               VIII
               .
            
             
               THE
               
                 Eighth
                 Priviledge
              
               of
               Old-Age
               ,
               
               which
               is
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               
                 Nearer
                 to
                 Death
              
               than
               in
               the
               Course
               of
               Nature
               ,
               younger
               persons
               are
               ,
               and
               consequently
               if
               they
               be
               in
               Christ
               ,
               
                 nearer
                 to
                 the
                 Everlasting
                 Life
              
               .
               For
               though
               it
               is
               possible
               for
               the
               Young
               to
               dye
               soon
               ,
               yet
               it
               is
               impossible
               for
               the
               Aged
               to
               live
               long
               †
               .
               Their
               manifest
               Decayes
               are
               a
               certain
               presage
               of
               their
               approaching
               Dissolution
               ,
               and
               no
               Medicine
               
               hath
               yet
               bin
               found
               to
               cure
               Old-age
               .
               The
               
                 graves
                 are
                 ready
              
               for
               them
               ,
               and
               the
               Worms
               wait
               for
               their
               last
               repast
               upon
               them
               .
               The
               moth
               of
               Mortality
               ,
               which
               is
               bred
               in
               our
               Nature
               ,
               will
               still
               be
               fretting
               the
               Garment
               of
               our
               Bodies
               ,
               till
               they
               be
               consumed
               .
               Death
               is
               already
               got
               into
               the
               Aged
               persons
               Eye
               ,
               and
               Ear
               ,
               and
               in
               a
               short
               time
               will
               bring
               him
               unto
               the
               dust
               .
               Now
               though
               this
               be
               an
               unwelcome
               Messenger
               to
               those
               that
               live
               at
               ease
               ,
               yet
               to
               an
               holy
               Old
               man
               and
               woman
               it
               is
               a
               blessed
               Priviledge
               :
               for
               as
               looking
               backward
               they
               see
               a
               tempting
               troublesome
               world
               ,
               so
               looking
               forward
               they
               see
               by
               Faith
               a
               state
               of
               perfect
               Holiness
               and
               Happiness
               prepared
               for
               them
               .
               This
               Faith
               assures
               them
               ,
               that
               the
               end
               of
               their
               fight
               ,
               is
               the
               beginning
               of
               their
               Victory
               ,
               and
               as
               they
               part
               from
               their
               labours
               ,
               they
               take
               possession
               of
               their
               honours
               k
               .
               And
               doth
               not
               any
               Apprentice
               rejoyce
               ,
               when
               the
               time
               of
               his
               service
               is
               near
               its
               expiration
               ?
               I
               know
               Nature
               recoils
               at
               the
               approach
               of
               Death
               in
               the
               best
               ,
               but
               Faith
               is
               then
               of
               greatest
               need
               and
               use
               ,
               and
               the
               just
               may
               be
               said
               to
               dy
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               to
               
                 live
                 by
                 his
                 faith
              
               .
               Thereby
               he
               sees
               Life
               and
               Immortality
               just
               before
               him
               ,
               and
               one
               only
               
                 miry
                 step
              
               to
               pass
               ,
               and
               then
               he
               is
               
               well
               .
               Indeed
               the
               idle
               man
               desires
               not
               to
               go
               to
               bed
               ,
               but
               to
               all
               that
               take
               or
               suffer
               pain
               ,
               saith
               
                 S.
                 Chrysostome
              
               l
               ,
               an
               end
               of
               it
               is
               sweet
               ;
               the
               traveller
               gladly
               beholds
               his
               Inne
               ;
               the
               hireling
               often
               computes
               when
               his
               year
               is
               out
               ;
               the
               husbandman
               greedily
               expects
               harvest
               ;
               the
               pregnant
               woman
               waits
               for
               her
               expected
               deliverance
               and
               the
               Aged
               person
               for
               his
               
                 Writ
                 of
                 Ease
              
               .
            
             
               One
               would
               wonder
               what
               shift
               even
               the
               Heathen
               made
               to
               render
               Death
               desirable
               ,
               who
               had
               such
               weak
               glimmerings
               of
               any
               
                 other
                 life
              
               .
               And
               yet
               even
               they
               would
               thus
               argue
               :
               Death
               ,
               either
               it
               annihilates
               us
               ,
               or
               else
               translates
               us
               :
               Annihilation
               will
               but
               reduce
               me
               into
               the
               State
               wherein
               
                 I
                 was
              
               ;
               and
               if
               it
               translate
               me
               ,
               it
               will
               put
               me
               into
               better
               lodgings
               ;
               my
               Soul
               can
               be
               no
               where
               so
               
                 pen'd
                 up
              
               ,
               as
               here
               it
               is
               in
               the
               Body
               m
               .
               What
               boast
               would
               they
               have
               made
               of
               Death
               ,
               had
               they
               but
               firmly
               
                 believed
                 everlasting
                 life
              
               ?
               For
               this
               it
               was
               which
               enabled
               the
               Apostle
               to
               make
               this
               expression
               ,
               Phil.
               1.
               23.
               
               —
               
                 Having
                 a
                 desire
                 to
                 depart
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 be
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 far
                 better
                 .
              
               For
               where
               should
               the
               Spouse
               desire
               to
               be
               ,
               but
               with
               her
               husband
               ?
               or
               where
               the
               members
               ,
               but
               with
               the
               head
               ?
               And
               upon
               this
               account
               ,
               
               that
               good
               
                 Lady
                 Falkland
              
               would
               usually
               say
               ,
               when
               she
               was
               going
               
                 to
                 bed
                 ,
                 Now
                 am
                 I
                 nearer
                 Heaven
                 by
                 one
                 day
                 than
                 ever
                 I
                 was
                 .
              
               The
               Aged
               person
               sees
               a
               wofull
               wilderness
               behind
               him
               ,
               and
               the
               blessed
               
                 land
                 of
                 Promise
              
               before
               him
               ,
               and
               therefore
               no
               wonder
               that
               ,
               with
               Moses
               ,
               he
               longs
               to
               be
               in
               it
               .
               And
               the
               nearer
               the
               holy
               Soul
               approacheth
               its
               perfection
               ,
               the
               
                 more
                 earnest
              
               and
               almost
               impatient
               it
               is
               to
               attain
               it
               .
            
             
               And
               one
               great
               Advantage
               of
               the
               Aged
               lies
               in
               this
               ;
               that
               the
               
                 Meditation
                 of
                 Death
              
               ,
               which
               is
               then
               in
               view
               ,
               is
               of
               great
               use
               to
               compose
               the
               Mind
               ,
               to
               keep
               us
               in
               the
               Fear
               of
               the
               Lord
               
                 all
                 the
                 day
                 long
              
               ,
               and
               our
               Consciences
               
                 void
                 of
                 offence
                 towards
                 God
                 and
                 men
                 ,
              
               to
               work
               in
               us
               a
               great
               contempt
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               and
               a
               singular
               freedom
               of
               spirit
               and
               of
               speech
               .
               It
               will
               make
               us
               neither
               much
               to
               fear
               ,
               nor
               much
               to
               hope
               ,
               or
               desire
               any
               thing
               ,
               that
               the
               world
               can
               do
               for
               us
               ,
               or
               
                 against
                 us
              
               n
               ;
               and
               finally
               doth
               greatly
               conduce
               ,
               to
               keep
               us
               steady
               and
               constant
               in
               faith
               and
               holiness
               .
            
             
               And
               if
               some
               Ancient
               people
               do
               not
               make
               this
               use
               of
               their
               
                 approaching
                 dissolution
              
               ,
               what
               would
               they
               or
               others
               do
               ,
               if
               they
               did
               not
               grow
               Old
               at
               all
               ?
               what
               a
               careless
               worldly
               and
               vain
               life
               would
               
               men
               live
               ,
               if
               they
               had
               no
               certain
               Indications
               of
               their
               dying
               ?
               Surely
               the
               nearer
               to
               Heaven
               ,
               the
               
                 more
                 heavenly
              
               we
               should
               be
               :
               as
               any
               man
               when
               he
               is
               come
               to
               the
               confines
               of
               another
               Countrey
               ,
               will
               frame
               himself
               to
               the
               guise
               thereof
               ,
               so
               he
               that
               hath
               
                 this
                 hope
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 doth
                 purifie
                 himself
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 pure
                 ,
              
               and
               will
               begin
               the
               Life
               below
               ,
               which
               he
               expects
               to
               live
               above
               .
            
             
               And
               the
               other
               Priviledge
               herein
               contained
               is
               this
               ,
               that
               being
               weary
               ,
               they
               are
               near
               to
               their
               Journeys
               end
               .
               They
               have
               bin
               long
               toss'd
               upon
               the
               Sea
               ,
               and
               now
               they
               see
               the
               Haven
               ,
               and
               rejoyce
               that
               they
               are
               ready
               to
               put
               into
               it
               .
               This
               could
               make
               Cato
               in
               Tully
               to
               say
               ,
               My
               old-age
               is
               herein
               pleasant
               to
               me
               ,
               that
               by
               how
               much
               I
               approach
               nearer
               to
               death
               ,
               so
               much
               sooner
               do
               I
               ,
               as
               it
               were
               ,
               descry
               land
               ,
               and
               after
               long
               sailing
               am
               ready
               to
               enter
               the
               Port.
               Not
               that
               a
               good
               man
               should
               desire
               to
               
                 dye
                 for
                 ease
              
               ,
               only
               to
               be
               freed
               from
               the
               troubles
               of
               life
               :
               all
               the
               tribulations
               of
               that
               blessed
               
                 Apostle
                 Paul
              
               ,
               never
               made
               him
               cry
               out
               ,
               
                 O
                 wretched
                 man
                 that
                 I
                 am
                 !
              
               but
               his
               
                 body
                 of
                 death
              
               forc'd
               him
               to
               it
               .
               But
               whil'st
               we
               carry
               these
               earthly
               Tabernacles
               about
               us
               ,
               even
               the
               
                 Sufferings
                 of
                 this
                 present
                 time
              
               will
               make
               us
               
                 rejoyce
                 in
                 hope
                 of
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 God.
              
               
               Especially
               when
               we
               behold
               that
               
                 innumerable
                 company
                 of
                 Angels
              
               ,
               the
               
                 general
                 assembly
              
               and
               
                 Church
                 of
                 the
                 first
                 born
              
               ,
               the
               
                 spirits
                 of
                 just
                 men
                 made
                 perfect
                 ,
                 yea
                 God
                 the
                 Iudge
                 of
                 all
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 Iesus
                 the
                 Mediator
                 of
                 the
                 new
                 Covenant
                 ,
              
               amongst
               whom
               we
               are
               going
               to
               reside
               in
               perfect
               bliss
               ;
               then
               will
               our
               heart
               and
               our
               flesh
               cry
               out
               ,
               
                 O
                 when
                 shall
                 we
                 come
                 and
                 appear
                 before
                 God!
              
               And
               this
               is
               the
               Priviledge
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               that
               there
               is
               but
               one
               feeble
               life
               between
               them
               and
               a
               Crown
               ;
               and
               you
               know
               that
               he
               who
               is
               shortly
               to
               be
               invested
               in
               some
               Dignity
               ,
               feasts
               himself
               with
               the
               hopes
               of
               it
               o
               .
               Yea
               this
               is
               the
               constant
               relief
               of
               the
               
                 Aged
                 man
              
               under
               all
               his
               bodily
               ,
               and
               other
               temporal
               afflictions
               ,
               that
               they
               will
               last
               but
               
                 for
                 a
                 moment
              
               .
               Hold
               out
               Faith
               and
               Patience
               ,
               the
               
                 Iubilee
                 is
                 at
                 hand
              
               .
            
             
               Therefore
               it
               behoves
               all
               that
               are
               
                 in
                 years
              
               ,
               to
               lay
               up
               for
               themselves
               a
               
                 good
                 foundation
                 for
                 the
                 time
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 lay
                 hold
                 on
                 eternal
                 life
                 :
              
               to
               get
               some
               unquestionable
               evidence
               of
               their
               right
               to
               the
               
                 tree
                 of
                 life
              
               ,
               of
               their
               part
               in
               Paradise
               ;
               and
               then
               their
               thoughts
               of
               what
               's
               beyond
               death
               ,
               will
               support
               them
               against
               all
               events
               on
               
                 this
                 side
              
               it
               ,
               or
               
                 in
                 it
              
               .
               That
               Death
               is
               never
               to
               be
               dreaded
               ,
               saith
               an
               
               
                 Heathen
                 Poet
              
               p
               ,
               which
               is
               followed
               with
               Immortality
               .
               All
               your
               riches
               ,
               reputation
               ,
               or
               friends
               will
               then
               nothing
               comfort
               you
               ,
               like
               a
               lively
               sense
               of
               
                 Christ
                 in
                 you
              
               ,
               the
               
                 hope
                 of
                 glory
              
               .
               He
               that
               hath
               
                 liv'd
                 to
                 God
              
               ,
               will
               chearfully
               go
               
                 to
                 him
              
               ;
               and
               they
               who
               have
               run
               with
               difficulty
               ,
               will
               dye
               with
               ease
               q
               .
            
             
               And
               thus
               you
               have
               an
               account
               of
               some
               of
               the
               many
               Priviledges
               of
               Old-age
               :
               for
               besides
               all
               these
               ;
               it
               is
               a
               Priviledge
               to
               attain
               to
               such
               an
               Age
               ,
               as
               that
               we
               may
               our selves
               see
               to
               the
               Education
               ,
               and
               Disposal
               of
               our
               Children
               ;
               and
               also
               to
               have
               the
               comfort
               of
               their
               piety
               and
               
                 prosperity
                 .
                 Thou
                 shalt
                 see
                 thy
                 childrens
                 children
                 ,
                 and
                 peace
                 upon
                 Israel
                 ,
              
               Psal.
               last
               .
               Hereupon
               it
               is
               recorded
               among
               ,
               and
               as
               the
               crown
               of
               the
               Blessings
               bestow'd
               upon
               Iob
               ,
               after
               his
               restoration
               ,
               that
               he
               
                 lived
                 an
                 hundred
                 and
                 forty
                 years
                 ,
                 and
                 saw
                 his
                 sons
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 sons
                 sons
                 ,
                 even
                 four
                 generations
                 ,
              
               Job
               42.
               16.
               
               From
               all
               which
               we
               may
               conclude
               ,
               that
               although
               every
               Age
               of
               mans
               life
               hath
               its
               peculiar
               bitterness
               and
               sweetness
               ,
               yet
               all
               things
               well
               weighed
               ,
               a
               quiet
               and
               honest
               Old-age
               is
               to
               be
               preferr'd
               before
               any
               other
               age
               .
               It
               is
               the
               assertion
               of
               the
               learned
               Petrarch
               r
               ,
               who
               thereupon
               breaks
               forth
               into
               the
               praises
               of
               it
               ;
               concluding
               
               them
               unworthy
               to
               arrive
               at
               it
               ,
               that
               are
               afraid
               of
               it
               ,
               and
               them
               unworthy
               to
               possess
               it
               ,
               that
               accuse
               it
               .
               So
               that
               though
               we
               commonly
               say
               ,
               That
               every
               thing
               is
               
                 worse
                 for
                 its
                 age
              
               ,
               yet
               a
               pious
               
                 Old
                 person
              
               is
               the
               better
               ;
               and
               therefore
               no
               man
               needs
               to
               be
               ,
               as
               too
               many
               are
               ,
               
                 ashamed
                 of
                 their
                 gray
                 hairs
              
               .
               Forasmuch
               as
               Old-age
               ,
               is
               Greater
               in
               Authority
               than
               any
               other
               age
               ,
               Richer
               in
               
                 Experience
                 ,
                 Freer
                 from
                 sin
                 ,
                 Proner
                 to
                 Piety
                 ,
                 Riper
                 in
                 its
                 Fruits
                 ,
                 Worthier
                 of
                 Respect
                 ,
                 Further
                 from
                 the
                 World
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 Nearer
                 to
                 Eternity
              
               .
               And
               so
               much
               for
               the
               Priviledges
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               
                 Sixth
                 point
              
               to
               be
               handled
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             
               CHAP.
               VII
            
             .
             The
             Work
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               I.
               
            
             
               AND
               so
               I
               come
               in
               the
               Seventh
               ,
               
               and
               Last
               place
               to
               treat
               ,
               concerning
               the
               Work
               and
               Business
               of
               Old-age
               :
               What
               special
               and
               proper
               Imployment
               ,
               besides
               their
               necessary
               and
               ordinary
               affairs
               ,
               
               their
               Years
               obligeth
               them
               unto
               .
               Their
               labouring
               and
               travelling
               dayes
               are
               done
               ,
               but
               yet
               they
               have
               much
               Work
               to
               do
               .
               Sith
               they
               have
               
                 not
                 yet
                 apprehended
              
               ,
               this
               
                 One
                 thing
              
               they
               must
               do
               ,
               
                 forgetting
                 those
                 things
                 which
                 are
                 behind
                 ,
                 and
                 reaching
                 forth
                 unto
                 those
                 things
                 which
                 are
                 before
                 ,
                 they
                 must
                 press
                 towards
                 the
                 mark
                 .
              
               There
               is
               no
               compleat
               rest
               for
               the
               body
               ,
               on
               this
               side
               the
               grave
               ;
               nor
               for
               the
               soul
               ,
               on
               this
               side
               Heaven
               .
               They
               that
               were
               Idle
               in
               the
               eleventh
               hour
               ,
               were
               checkt
               with
               ,
               
                 Why
                 stand
                 ye
                 here
                 idle
                 all
                 the
                 day
                 ?
              
               Matth.
               20.
               6.
               
               You
               have
               been
               busie
               a
               great
               while
               for
               Time
               ,
               it
               is
               but
               reasonable
               ,
               you
               should
               take
               some
               pains
               for
               Eternity
               .
               The
               
                 shadows
                 of
                 the
                 Evening
              
               have
               overtaken
               you
               ,
               ye
               have
               but
               a
               little
               time
               to
               work
               in
               .
               It
               was
               wise
               counsel
               of
               the
               
                 Wise
                 man
                 ;
                 Whatsoever
                 thy
                 hand
                 findeth
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 do
                 it
                 with
                 thy
                 might
                 ,
                 for
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 work
                 ,
                 nor
                 device
                 ,
                 nor
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 nor
                 wisdom
                 in
                 the
                 grave
                 ,
                 whither
                 thou
                 goest
                 ,
              
               Eccles.
               9.
               10.
               
               Behold
               and
               see
               how
               fast
               the
               sands
               of
               your
               glass
               are
               running
               ;
               hearken
               how
               fast
               the
               Pendulum
               of
               your
               Clock
               hastens
               .
               The
               Bills
               of
               Mortality
               ,
               besides
               other
               Diseases
               ,
               contain
               some
               weekly
               that
               dye
               for
               Age
               ;
               and
               which
               week
               your
               Name
               will
               be
               called
               ,
               
               you
               know
               not
               :
               But
               when
               it
               is
               called
               ,
               you
               must
               go
               ,
               no
               Bail
               is
               taken
               by
               
                 Serjeant
                 Death
                 .
                 Blessed
                 is
                 that
                 servant
                 ,
                 whom
                 his
                 Lord
                 when
                 he
                 cometh
                 ,
                 findeth
                 so
                 doing
                 .
              
               And
               therefore
               to
               use
               the
               Prophet
               Ioel's
               words
               ,
               Ioel
               1.
               2.
               
               
                 Hear
                 this
                 ,
                 ye
                 Old
                 men
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 ear
                 all
                 the
                 inhabitants
                 of
                 the
                 land
                 :
              
               Suffer
               the
               word
               of
               Exhortation
               ,
               and
               buckle
               in
               sober
               sadness
               to
               these
               Imployments
               of
               Old-age
               .
            
             
               The
               
                 First
                 Work
              
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               is
               Repentance
               
               
                 of
                 your
                 sins
              
               .
               This
               is
               a
               bitter
               Pill
               to
               flesh
               and
               blood
               ,
               but
               it
               must
               be
               swallowed
               here
               or
               hereafter
               .
               When
               it
               is
               tasted
               here
               ,
               it
               is
               only
               bitter-sweet
               ,
               there
               is
               comfort
               in
               it
               ,
               there
               is
               comfort
               after
               it
               :
               It
               is
               like
               the
               pains
               of
               an
               honest
               woman
               in
               travel
               ,
               the
               remembrance
               of
               the
               loving
               Father
               supports
               her
               at
               present
               ,
               and
               the
               birth
               of
               a
               comely
               child
               revives
               her
               after
               ;
               but
               if
               it
               be
               deferr'd
               ,
               and
               plac'd
               on
               the
               
                 wrong
                 side
                 of
                 Death
              
               ,
               then
               it
               will
               be
               
                 bitter
                 ,
                 bitter
              
               ;
               there
               is
               no
               present
               ,
               no
               future
               comfort
               :
               Then
               it
               will
               be
               like
               the
               gnawing
               pains
               of
               a
               woman
               with
               a
               Cancer
               ,
               though
               infinitely
               sharper
               ,
               and
               infinitely
               longer
               .
               So
               that
               it
               is
               not
               referred
               to
               the
               Old-man
               ,
               or
               any
               man
               else
               ,
               whether
               he
               will
               Repent
               or
               not
               ,
               for
               it
               ●…annot
               be
               avoided
               ;
               but
               whether
               he
               will
               
               repent
               
                 for
                 a
                 time
              
               ,
               or
               repent
               
                 for
                 ever
              
               ;
               whether
               he
               will
               repent
               with
               hope
               ,
               or
               repent
               with
               despair
               .
            
             
               Now
               Repentance
               may
               be
               considered
               ,
               in
               a
               Double
               respect
               .
               1.
               
               Initially
               ,
               at
               the
               
                 first
                 Conversion
              
               of
               the
               Soul
               to
               God
               ;
               and
               2.
               
               Secondarily
               ,
               at
               the
               Renewing
               of
               the
               acts
               thereof
               afterwards
               .
               It
               concerns
               Ancient
               people
               to
               be
               acquainted
               respectively
               with
               both
               .
               This
               needful
               message
               then
               is
               directed
               ,
            
             
               1.
               
               To
               such
               Aged
               persons
               ,
               who
               are
               yet
               in
               the
               state
               of
               
                 unrenewed
                 Nature
              
               ;
               who
               have
               never
               past
               through
               the
               New-birth
               ,
               nor
               know
               any
               thing
               by
               experience
               of
               Regeneration
               ,
               which
               was
               the
               Case
               of
               
                 Old
                 Nicodemus
              
               ,
               though
               a
               
                 Master
                 in
                 Israel
              
               ,
               Joh.
               3.
               9.
               
               Now
               that
               a
               
                 Fundamental
                 Repentance
              
               or
               Conversion
               ,
               call
               it
               how
               you
               will
               ,
               is
               necessary
               to
               all
               that
               shall
               be
               saved
               ,
               I
               should
               think
               is
               past
               dispute
               .
               For
               it
               cannot
               be
               denyed
               ,
               that
               we
               come
               into
               the
               world
               in
               a
               sinful
               state
               :
               And
               it
               is
               manifest
               ,
               that
               Baptism
               doth
               not
               cure
               the
               Soul
               of
               that
               Disease
               ;
               but
               that
               all
               people
               in
               general
               have
               a
               strong
               propensity
               either
               to
               the
               
                 lusts
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
              
               ,
               or
               
                 to
                 the
                 lusts
                 of
                 the
                 eyes
                 ,
              
               or
               to
               
                 pride
                 of
                 life
              
               ,
               until
               an
               inward
               Change
               be
               wrought
               in
               the
               heart
               ;
               which
               is
               the
               
               effectual
               Calling
               of
               a
               careless
               Sinner
               ,
               to
               turn
               to
               God
               and
               Godliness
               .
               Now
               if
               an
               Aged
               person
               have
               been
               a
               stranger
               to
               this
               Grace
               ,
               though
               perhaps
               he
               hath
               led
               a
               sober
               ,
               industrious
               ,
               just
               ,
               yea
               a
               charitable
               life
               ,
               and
               also
               hath
               complied
               with
               the
               outward
               acts
               of
               devotion
               in
               use
               :
               Yet
               except
               the
               tree
               have
               been
               made
               good
               by
               Regeneration
               ,
               it
               cannot
               have
               its
               
                 fruit
                 unto
                 holiness
              
               ,
               nor
               
                 the
                 end
                 everlasting
                 life
              
               .
            
             
               I
               would
               therefore
               conjure
               all
               such
               
                 Unconverted
                 Old
              
               people
               ,
               to
               apply
               themselves
               with
               all
               speed
               and
               seriousness
               to
               this
               
                 First
                 Repentance
              
               ;
               to
               be
               
                 renewed
                 in
                 the
                 spirit
                 of
                 your
                 minds
                 ,
              
               to
               make
               you
               
                 new
                 hearts
                 and
                 new
                 spirits
              
               ,
               or
               else
               infallibly
               you
               
                 must
                 dye
              
               .
               Say
               not
               with
               
                 Nicodemus
                 ,
                 How
                 can
                 a
                 man
                 be
                 born
                 when
                 he
                 is
                 old
                 ?
              
               For
               the
               Work
               is
               possible
               and
               the
               Method
               is
               plain
               .
               Harder
               it
               may
               be
               for
               an
               
                 Old
                 man
              
               to
               become
               a
               
                 New
                 man
              
               ,
               than
               for
               the
               younger
               ;
               hence
               the
               
                 Proverb
                 ,
                 An
                 old
                 naught
                 ,
                 will
                 never
                 be
                 ought
                 :
              
               That
               is
               rarely
               ,
               or
               difficulty
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               Greek
               saying
               s
               :
               For
               that
               the
               Faculties
               of
               the
               Soul
               are
               enfeebled
               ,
               and
               the
               Habits
               of
               Sin
               strengthened
               by
               continuance
               ;
               former
               guilt
               and
               negligence
               ,
               makes
               men
               to
               doubt
               of
               future
               assistance
               or
               acceptance
               .
               
               But
               since
               God
               doth
               call
               Old
               people
               to
               Repent
               ,
               sith
               he
               hath
               spared
               you
               alive
               hitherto
               ,
               and
               to
               them
               that
               are
               
                 joyned
                 to
                 the
                 living
                 there
                 is
                 hope
              
               ;
               sith
               there
               be
               innumerable
               instances
               of
               Old
               Converts
               :
               In
               fine
               ,
               sith
               
                 God
                 looketh
                 upon
                 men
              
               ,
               and
               
                 if
                 any
              
               ,
               mark
               ,
               
                 if
                 Any
                 say
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 sinned
                 and
                 perverted
                 that
                 which
                 was
                 right
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 profiteth
                 me
                 not
                 ;
                 he
                 will
                 deliver
                 him
                 from
                 going
                 down
                 to
                 the
                 pit
                 ,
                 Iob
              
               33.
               27
               ,
               28.
               
               Never
               question
               the
               possibility
               ,
               but
               set
               about
               the
               work
               .
               Set
               the
               Necessity
               against
               the
               Difficulty
               ,
               it
               is
               Turn
               in
               Time
               or
               Burn
               in
               Eternity
               ;
               for
               Truth
               hath
               said
               ,
               
                 Except
                 a
                 man
                 be
                 born
                 again
                 ,
                 he
                 cannot
                 see
                 the
                 kingdom
                 of
                 heaven
                 .
              
               How
               can
               you
               imagine
               that
               a
               limb
               of
               the
               Devil
               ,
               should
               become
               a
               member
               of
               Christ
               ,
               a
               child
               of
               wrath
               become
               a
               child
               of
               God
               ,
               but
               by
               Regeneration
               ?
               Outward
               Reformation
               may
               shave
               the
               hair
               ,
               but
               this
               Leprosie
               must
               be
               cur'd
               inwardly
               .
            
             
               O
               lay
               to
               heart
               the
               long
               time
               you
               have
               lived
               in
               sin
               ,
               and
               in
               enmity
               to
               God
               t
               ;
               the
               short
               time
               you
               have
               to
               live
               in
               the
               world
               ;
               that
               Death
               makes
               
                 no
                 Converts
              
               ,
               and
               Sickness
               but
               a
               few
               :
               Consider
               what
               mercies
               and
               deliverances
               you
               have
               received
               from
               this
               good
               God
               ;
               and
               how
               little
               
                 true
                 service
              
               you
               have
               done
               him
               ,
               and
               whether
               it
               be
               not
               now
               high
               time
               
               to
               turn
               unto
               him
               with
               your
               
                 whole
                 heart
              
               and
               
                 not
                 feignedly
              
               .
               If
               that
               
                 Holy
                 man
              
               would
               not
               be
               in
               an
               unregenerate
               state
               but
               
                 one
                 hour
              
               for
               all
               the
               world
               ,
               left
               he
               should
               dye
               in
               that
               hour
               ,
               what
               is
               your
               pillow
               ,
               or
               rather
               your
               heart
               made
               of
               ,
               that
               you
               can
               sleep
               so
               long
               in
               a
               state
               of
               Condemnation
               ?
               To
               be
               born
               in
               sin
               is
               sad
               ,
               but
               to
               live
               and
               dye
               in
               sin
               ,
               will
               prove
               a
               thousand
               times
               worse
               .
               Remember
               that
               the
               destroying
               Angels
               began
               ,
               at
               the
               
                 Ancient
                 men
                 before
                 the
                 house
              
               ,
               Ezek.
               9.
               6.
               
            
             
               It
               s
               true
               ,
               
                 late
                 Repentance
              
               is
               
                 seldom
                 true
              
               ,
               but
               yet
               
                 true
                 Repentance
              
               is
               
                 never
                 too
                 late
              
               .
               O
               then
               lay
               all
               business
               aside
               ,
               and
               set
               your selves
               about
               the
               
                 New
                 creature
                 .
                 Now
                 or
                 never
                 ,
                 now
                 and
                 ever
                 .
              
               If
               you
               turn
               the
               deaf
               ear
               unto
               God
               now
               ,
               beware
               lest
               he
               deny
               you
               either
               the
               space
               ,
               or
               the
               grace
               to
               repent
               hereafter
               ;
               lest
               he
               answer
               you
               ,
               
                 Ubi
                 consumpsisti
                 farinam
              
               ,
               &c.
               where
               thou
               hast
               spent
               the
               flour
               of
               thy
               life
               ,
               there
               bestow
               the
               bran
               of
               it
               .
               Take
               warning
               by
               that
               Penitent
               in
               story
               ,
               who
               had
               often
               determined
               to
               begin
               his
               Amendment
               from
               som●…
               eminent
               time
               ,
               as
               the
               
                 First
                 day
              
               of
               the
               year
               ,
               or
               his
               
                 Birth
                 day
              
               ,
               that
               so
               his
               Repentance
               might
               have
               some
               
                 Remarkable
                 date
              
               ;
               but
               when
               that
               Time
               came
               ,
               he
               was
               ready
               to
               adjourn
               it
               till
               another
               time
               :
               Who
               thereupon
               
               concluded
               ,
               that
               he
               would
               make
               that
               
                 present
                 Day
              
               ,
               though
               it
               were
               obscure
               in
               the
               Calender
               ,
               yet
               memorable
               to
               his
               Soul
               by
               his
               turning
               ,
               through
               divine
               assistance
               ,
               unto
               God.
               
            
             
               Do
               you
               not
               perceive
               how
               you
               are
               in
               danger
               to
               be
               trapann'd
               by
               Satan
               ,
               who
               suggested
               to
               you
               in
               the
               time
               of
               youth
               ,
               that
               Repentance
               was
               then
               
                 too
                 early
              
               ,
               and
               who
               will
               now
               perswade
               it
               is
               grown
               
                 too
                 late
              
               ?
               ye
               have
               de●…err'd
               this
               work
               long
               enough
               already
               ,
               now
               you
               must
               use
               double
               diligence
               about
               it
               .
               It
               is
               said
               of
               the
               
                 Mulberry
                 tree
              
               ,
               that
               it
               casts
               out
               its
               buds
               latest
               ,
               but
               then
               thrusts
               them
               all
               out
               in
               a
               night
               :
               You
               are
               late
               in
               the
               Vineyard
               ,
               you
               must
               work
               the
               harder
               .
               The
               whole
               business
               of
               your
               life
               hitherto
               stands
               for
               nothing
               ;
               if
               you
               be
               not
               new
               born
               ,
               you
               will
               
                 cease
                 to
                 be
              
               in
               this
               world
               ,
               before
               you
               
                 begin
                 to
                 live
              
               u
               ;
               if
               your
               
                 last
                 change
              
               get
               the
               start
               of
               this
               
                 first
                 change
              
               ,
               you
               will
               curse
               the
               day
               of
               your
               birth
               to
               all
               eternity
               .
            
             
               Now
               for
               your
               Direction
               in
               this
               great
               Work
               ,
               your
               present
               business
               is
               to
               get
               a
               Competence
               of
               Knowledge
               ,
               in
               the
               Doctrine
               of
               Religion
               :
               and
               then
               searching
               your
               own
               Hearts
               to
               compare
               them
               with
               the
               holy
               Law
               of
               God.
               For
               example
               ,
               look
               your
               face
               in
               the
               glass
               of
               that
               hundred
               
               and
               
                 nineteenth
                 Psalm
              
               ,
               or
               of
               the
               
                 Fifth
                 ,
                 Sixth
              
               ,
               and
               Seventh
               of
               Matthew
               ,
               and
               then
               ,
               through
               Gods
               help
               you
               will
               presently
               find
               the
               dissimilitude
               ,
               yea
               the
               contrariety
               between
               them
               .
               And
               then
               fix
               your
               mind
               upon
               the
               Wrath
               of
               God
               ,
               hanging
               over
               all
               persons
               in
               your
               Condition
               ,
               and
               upon
               the
               sufficient
               satisfaction
               made
               by
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               for
               all
               that
               believe
               and
               repent
               ,
               and
               apply
               all
               this
               to
               your selves
               .
               Frequent
               the
               serious
               Preaching
               of
               
                 Gods
                 word
              
               ,
               and
               begin
               to
               pray
               in
               good
               earnest
               ,
               
                 Turn
                 thou
                 me
                 and
                 I
                 shall
                 be
                 turned
                 ▪
              
               and
               be
               assured
               ,
               that
               Spirit
               ,
               which
               inclines
               you
               to
               the
               use
               of
               these
               means
               ,
               will
               breath
               life
               into
               your
               
                 dead
                 and
                 dry
                 bones
              
               ,
               and
               make
               you
               
                 new
                 Creatures
              
               .
            
             
               And
               in
               case
               you
               find
               your selves
               at
               a
               loss
               in
               this
               affair
               ,
               repair
               to
               some
               Able
               and
               faithful
               Minister
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               be
               not
               afraid
               or
               asham'd
               to
               lay
               open
               your
               Condition
               ,
               and
               follow
               his
               guidance
               therein
               .
               For
               if
               men
               are
               not
               content
               ,
               in
               case
               of
               an
               Infirmity
               of
               body
               ,
               to
               hear
               the
               
                 Physick
                 Lectures
              
               ,
               or
               to
               read
               books
               of
               Receits
               ,
               but
               will
               state
               their
               own
               case
               to
               the
               Physician
               himself
               ;
               and
               will
               do
               the
               like
               to
               the
               Lawyer
               in
               weighty
               cases
               concerning
               their
               Estates
               ,
               how
               much
               more
               need
               have
               you
               of
               a
               
                 Godly
                 Divine
              
               ,
               to
               direct
               
               and
               assist
               you
               in
               an
               affair
               ,
               wherein
               body
               and
               Soul
               are
               at
               stake
               ,
               and
               that
               for
               Eternity
               ?
               And
               so
               much
               for
               that
               First
               and
               
                 fundamental
                 Repentance
              
               ,
               so
               absolutely
               necessary
               for
               such
               Ancient
               people
               ,
               as
               have
               spent
               their
               lives
               in
               the
               service
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               the
               flesh
               ,
               and
               were
               never
               truly
               converted
               unto
               God.
               
            
             
               But
               besides
               these
               ,
               Repentance
               in
               the
               renewed
               Acts
               thereof
               ,
               is
               a
               proper
               and
               necessary
               work
               for
               
                 All
                 Old
              
               people
               whatsoever
               .
               You
               have
               lived
               a
               long
               time
               ,
               and
               through
               Omissions
               and
               Commissions
               have
               contracted
               abundance
               of
               guilt
               w
               .
               Trace
               your selves
               therefore
               from
               place
               to
               place
               ,
               from
               one
               period
               of
               your
               life
               to
               another
               ,
               and
               strictly
               reckon
               with
               your selves
               .
               Study
               the
               
                 Ten
                 Commandments
              
               in
               their
               true
               extent
               ;
               they
               are
               called
               
                 Ten
                 words
              
               ,
               but
               they
               command
               
                 ten
                 thousand
                 Duties
              
               ,
               and
               forbid
               
                 ten
                 thousand
                 Sins
              
               ,
               many
               whereof
               you
               have
               
                 ten
                 thousand
                 times
              
               failed
               in
               ,
               and
               in
               divers
               of
               them
               with
               great
               aggravations
               :
               and
               then
               sit
               down
               and
               cry
               out
               ,
               
                 O
                 that
                 my
                 head
                 were
                 a
                 fountain
                 ,
                 and
                 mine
                 Eyes
                 rivers
                 of
                 tears
                 ,
              
               to
               bewail
               these
               offences
               against
               a
               gracious
               God
               x
               .
               Upon
               this
               account
               did
               holy
               Augustine
               in
               his
               Old-age
               write
               his
               Confessions
               ;
               wherein
               he
               makes
               no
               difficulty
               to
               
               
                 shame
                 himself
              
               ,
               that
               he
               might
               give
               glory
               to
               God.
               And
               the
               Book
               of
               Ecclesiastes
               is
               judged
               to
               be
               the
               Poenitenials
               of
               King
               Solomon
               ,
               in
               his
               Old-age
               ;
               wherein
               he
               plainly
               confesseth
               his
               Vanity
               ,
               in
               seeking
               for
               Happiness
               in
               a
               vain
               and
               vexatious
               World
               ,
               and
               warns
               all
               young
               men
               to
               beware
               of
               such
               like
               folly
               .
               Alas
               if
               you
               had
               fallen
               but
               seven
               times
               a
               day
               ,
               yet
               in
               
                 seventy
                 years
              
               those
               Sins
               would
               have
               amounted
               unto
               almost
               
                 Two
                 hundred
                 thousand
                 offences
              
               ;
               and
               can
               you
               reflect
               upon
               this
               without
               amazement
               ;
               nay
               it
               is
               a
               wonder
               that
               we
               do
               not
               ,
               as
               Nectarius
               his
               Accuser
               of
               old
               ,
               weep
               out
               our
               Eyes
               for
               very
               grief
               y
               .
               When
               the
               leaves
               are
               fallen
               from
               the
               trees
               ,
               as
               is
               aptly
               observed
               by
               One
               ,
               the
               birds
               nests
               are
               easily
               seen
               ,
               which
               were
               invisible
               before
               ;
               so
               when
               through
               Age
               our
               frothy
               vanities
               are
               wither'd
               ,
               we
               may
               palpably
               discover
               ,
               the
               sallies
               of
               
                 Pride
                 ,
                 Wantonne●…s
              
               and
               Folly
               ;
               yea
               those
               nest
               of
               vermine
               ,
               and
               vipers
               which
               replenished
               our
               youthful
               dayes
               .
            
             
               It
               was
               the
               sober
               Advice
               of
               that
               Statesman
               ,
               Sir
               
                 Thomas
                 Randolph
              
               in
               his
               Old-age
               ,
               after
               he
               had
               been
               eighteen
               times
               Embassador
               
               in
               forreign
               parts
               ,
               to
               Sir
               
                 Thomas
                 Walsingham
                 Secretary
              
               of
               State
               :
               It
               is
               now
               time
               ,
               
                 sayes
                 he
              
               ,
               for
               us
               to
               leave
               the
               tricks
               of
               State
               ,
               and
               to
               imploy
               our
               time
               before
               Death
               in
               
                 Repentance
                 ▪
              
               for
               the
               Sins
               of
               our
               Lives
               .
               And
               Blessed
               be
               God
               that
               hath
               appointed
               this
               Remedy
               ,
               and
               the
               
                 Blood
                 of
                 Christ
              
               without
               which
               all
               our
               tears
               could
               not
               wash
               out
               
                 one
                 Sin
              
               ,
               that
               poor
               Sinners
               have
               this
               after-game
               of
               Recovery
               ,
               when
               they
               have
               been
               undone
               by
               Sin
               !
               when
               we
               have
               eaten
               so
               much
               of
               the
               
                 forbidden
                 fruit
              
               in
               our
               youth
               ,
               we
               have
               need
               of
               this
               worm-wood
               in
               our
               Old-age
               .
               Renew
               therefore
               daily
               the
               Acts
               of
               unfaigned
               Repentance
               ,
               and
               take
               account
               duly
               of
               your selves
               ,
               as
               some
               of
               the
               very
               Heathens
               z
               have
               done
               ,
               sith
               you
               must
               give
               account
               to
               God
               very
               shortly
               ;
               and
               he
               that
               daily
               reckons
               with
               himself
               ,
               will
               have
               but
               
                 one
                 day
              
               to
               reckon
               for
               ,
               when
               he
               comes
               to
               dye
               .
            
             
               But
               be
               sure
               you
               mistake
               not
               the
               Nature
               of
               Repentanee
               .
               For
               it
               is
               not
               only
               a
               Trouble
               ,
               an
               Anger
               ,
               a
               Sorrow
               ;
               but
               it
               is
               made
               up
               of
               Grief
               ,
               and
               
                 Hatred
                 :
                 Grief
              
               for
               the
               Offence
               to
               God
               ,
               and
               Hatred
               of
               the
               Sins
               we
               grieve
               for
               .
               So
               that
               Repentance
               is
               a
               turning
               to
               God
               from
               all
               sin
               ,
               with
               grief
               for
               it
               and
               hatred
               of
               it
               .
               And
               
               the
               best
               Proof
               you
               can
               give
               of
               your
               Repentance
               for
               the
               Sins
               of
               your
               Youth
               ,
               is
               a
               watchful
               care
               against
               the
               Sins
               of
               your
               Old-age
               :
               otherwise
               ,
               your
               Sins
               are
               not
               forsaken
               ,
               but
               changed
               .
               Withal
               ,
               if
               your
               Repentance
               be
               sound
               ,
               it
               is
               attended
               with
               a
               will
               and
               endeavour
               to
               make
               Restitution
               ,
               wherein
               you
               have
               injur'd
               any
               in
               their
               
                 Souls
                 ,
                 Bodies
                 ,
                 Names
              
               ,
               or
               Estates
               .
               This
               will
               be
               as
               
                 Letters
                 Testimonial
              
               of
               the
               truth
               of
               your
               Repentance
               :
               you
               must
               not
               ,
               nay
               ,
               you
               cannot
               be
               quiet
               ,
               if
               your
               Repentance
               be
               sound
               ,
               until
               you
               have
               seriously
               endeavour'd
               ,
               as
               far
               as
               in
               you
               lies
               ,
               to
               recover
               the
               Souls
               ,
               to
               restore
               the
               Bodies
               ,
               to
               heal
               the
               Reputations
               ,
               and
               to
               repair
               the
               Estates
               ,
               which
               you
               have
               injur'd
               :
               without
               which
               ,
               there
               can
               be
               no
               true
               Repentance
               on
               Earth
               ,
               and
               without
               which
               ,
               there
               will
               be
               no
               Remission
               in
               Heaven
               a
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               II.
               
            
             
               ANother
               work
               of
               Old-age
               is
               ,
               obtaining
               
               
                 Assurance
                 of
                 Salvation
              
               .
               I
               mean
               hereby
               ,
               not
               only
               a
               
                 General
                 Certainty
              
               ,
               that
               some
               good
               people
               shall
               be
               saved
               ;
               for
               the
               Devils
               believe
               this
               ,
               and
               rage
               at
               
               it
               ,
               which
               ,
               I
               think
               ,
               is
               the
               same
               with
               
                 Objective
                 Certainty
              
               ;
               nor
               that
               Assurance
               which
               may
               come
               by
               special
               and
               
                 extraordinary
                 Revelation
              
               ,
               sith
               we
               find
               few
               or
               no
               examples
               in
               Scripture
               of
               such
               a
               thing
               ;
               but
               rather
               that
               the
               
                 Apostle
                 Paul
              
               himself
               grounds
               his
               Assurance
               of
               the
               Crown
               ,
               upon
               the
               
                 righteousness
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               which
               he
               extends
               to
               
                 all
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 love
                 Christs
                 appearing
                 ,
              
               2
               Tim.
               4.
               8.
               
               Neither
               do
               I
               mean
               a
               
                 Conjectural
                 Hope
              
               of
               Salvation
               ,
               which
               admits
               both
               of
               anxiety
               and
               of
               
                 slavish
                 fear
              
               ;
               fith
               the
               Scripture
               represents
               it
               by
               Faith
               ,
               and
               
                 full
                 assurance
              
               ,
               and
               produceth
               Earnests
               and
               Seals
               for
               confirmation
               .
               Nor
               lastly
               ,
               is
               this
               Assurance
               confin'd
               to
               Grace
               at
               present
               ,
               but
               extends
               to
               
                 final
                 Salvation
              
               .
               Thus
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               2
               Tim.
               1.
               12.
               
               
                 I
                 know
                 whom
                 I
                 have
                 believed
              
               ;
               there
               is
               Assurance
               of
               his
               present
               State
               ,
               but
               was
               he
               certain
               of
               his
               Perseverance
               ?
               Yes
               ,
               that
               follows
               ,
               
                 and
                 I
                 am
                 perswaded
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 able
                 to
                 keep
                 that
                 which
                 I
                 have
                 committed
                 unto
                 him
                 against
                 that
                 day
                 .
              
            
             
               That
               such
               
                 Assurance
                 hath
                 been
                 attained
              
               ,
               is
               clear
               enough
               from
               the
               Instances
               of
               Iob
               19.
               25
               ,
               26.
               of
               
                 David
                 ,
                 Psal.
              
               16.
               9
               ,
               10.
               of
               Paul
               ,
               2
               Tim.
               4.
               7
               ,
               8.
               and
               many
               others
               .
               That
               it
               may
               be
               attained
               ,
               is
               as
               clear
               ;
               sith
               there
               is
               no
               intimation
               that
               
               these
               ,
               or
               the
               rest
               ,
               had
               any
               
                 extraordinary
                 Discovery
              
               thereof
               unto
               them
               ,
               but
               arriv'd
               thereat
               in
               the
               use
               of
               
                 those
                 means
              
               ,
               and
               by
               the
               consignation
               of
               
                 that
                 Spirit
              
               ,
               unto
               which
               we
               have
               access
               as
               well
               as
               they
               .
               And
               the
               Apostle
               doth
               expresly
               comprehend
               the
               generality
               of
               Believers
               in
               this
               Priviledge
               ,
               2
               Cor.
               5.
               1.
               
               
                 For
                 we
                 know
                 ,
                 that
                 if
                 our
                 earthly
                 House
                 of
                 this
                 Tabernacle
                 were
                 dissolved
                 ,
              
               we
               
                 have
                 a
                 building
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               &c.
               
               That
               it
               ought
               to
               be
               endeavoured
               by
               all
               true
               Christians
               ,
               is
               most
               evident
               from
               the
               plain
               commands
               to
               that
               purpose
               ,
               2
               Pet.
               1.
               10.
               
               
                 Wherefore
                 the
                 rather
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 give
                 diligence
                 to
                 make
                 your
                 calling
                 and
                 election
                 sure
                 ,
              
               &c.
               
               That
               few
               
                 do
                 labour
              
               to
               attain
               it
               ,
               thinking
               it
               to
               be
               impossible
               or
               unnecessary
               ,
               is
               to
               be
               bewailed
               .
               That
               
                 many
                 deceive
              
               themselves
               with
               a
               false
               perswasion
               of
               present
               Grace
               and
               future
               Glory
               ,
               is
               manifest
               by
               Scripture
               and
               daily
               Experience
               .
               And
               that
               it
               is
               most
               proper
               and
               needful
               for
               Old
               people
               ,
               the
               thing
               it self
               speaks
               .
            
             
               For
               you
               cannot
               deny
               but
               that
               you
               have
               Souls
               ,
               immortal
               Souls
               ,
               which
               being
               Spirits
               cannnot
               dye
               ,
               but
               must
               return
               to
               God
               that
               gave
               them
               :
               and
               are
               these
               Souls
               of
               so
               small
               value
               to
               be
               left
               to
               a
               Hazard
               ,
               to
               an
               everlasting
               venture
               ?
               And
               it
               
               is
               as
               evident
               ,
               that
               this
               life
               is
               uncertain
               :
               we
               may
               say
               as
               
                 Isaac
                 ,
                 Gen.
              
               27.
               2.
               
               
                 Behold
                 now
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 Old
                 ,
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 my
                 Death
              
               ;
               and
               therefore
               it
               's
               time
               for
               us
               to
               go
               about
               this
               work
               without
               delay
               .
               Children
               desire
               the
               time
               of
               youth
               ,
               and
               youth
               longs
               to
               be
               at
               mans
               age
               ,
               and
               they
               then
               would
               live
               to
               be
               Old
               ,
               but
               Old-age
               hath
               no
               further
               Age
               to
               desire
               b
               ,
               it
               hath
               none
               other
               to
               succeed
               it
               here
               ,
               and
               they
               are
               wholly
               uncertain
               how
               long
               it
               will
               last
               ;
               and
               therefore
               it
               is
               absolutely
               necessary
               ,
               that
               they
               should
               be
               on
               sure
               grounds
               for
               Eternity
               ,
               and
               then
               the
               
                 day
                 of
                 death
                 will
                 be
                 better
                 than
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 their
                 Birth
                 .
              
               You
               know
               how
               much
               of
               your
               life
               is
               already
               spent
               ,
               you
               can
               see
               the
               Sands
               that
               are
               run
               into
               the
               nether
               end
               of
               the
               Glass
               ,
               but
               the
               upper
               Part
               is
               covered
               with
               a
               Mantle
               ,
               you
               know
               not
               how
               
                 few
                 Sands
              
               are
               left
               there
               to
               run
               .
               Nay
               ,
               you
               cannot
               but
               perceive
               ,
               that
               Death
               is
               approaching
               very
               near
               you
               .
               You
               are
               
                 filled
                 with
                 Wrinkles
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 Witness
                 against
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 your
                 leanness
                 rising
                 up
                 in
                 you
                 ,
                 beareth
                 witness
                 to
                 your
                 Face
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 ,
              
               Job
               16.
               8.
               
               For
               as
               it
               is
               observed
               of
               All
               men
               ,
               that
               they
               are
               Mortales
               ,
               apt
               to
               dye
               ,
               and
               of
               all
               Good
               men
               ,
               that
               they
               are
               Mortificati
               ,
               dying
               to
               Sin
               ;
               so
               it
               is
               of
               all
               Old
               men
               ,
               that
               they
               
               are
               Morituri
               ,
               about
               to
               dye
               .
               And
               for
               such
               to
               have
               Oyl
               to
               seek
               ,
               when
               they
               should
               have
               it
               to
               Use
               ;
               Evidences
               to
               procure
               ,
               when
               they
               should
               have
               them
               to
               produce
               ,
               is
               an
               unexcusable
               neglect
               .
            
             
               Especially
               knowing
               ,
               that
               your
               
                 last
                 Breath
              
               wafts
               you
               into
               an
               unalterable
               Estate
               .
               What
               Journeys
               and
               Presents
               were
               heretofore
               made
               to
               the
               Oracles
               ,
               to
               assure
               the
               Votaries
               concerning
               the
               Event
               of
               some
               temporal
               affairs
               !
               and
               how
               many
               do
               now
               Hazard
               their
               Souls
               by
               seeking
               to
               Necromancers
               ,
               to
               know
               the
               success
               of
               their
               Marriages
               ,
               Voyages
               ,
               and
               such
               like
               ;
               and
               yet
               a
               miscarriage
               in
               these
               things
               is
               remediable
               ,
               there
               may
               be
               some
               alleviation
               in
               them
               ,
               there
               may
               be
               some
               end
               of
               them
               :
               but
               you
               are
               lanching
               into
               the
               Ocean
               of
               Eternity
               ,
               and
               are
               at
               no
               certainty
               ,
               whether
               it
               be
               eternal
               Happiness
               ,
               or
               eternal
               Misery
               .
               What
               an
               anxious
               and
               uncomfortable
               State
               must
               this
               be
               ?
               If
               you
               were
               not
               loose
               in
               your
               belief
               of
               future
               things
               ,
               you
               would
               be
               restless
               in
               this
               condition
               :
               you
               owe
               your
               Ease
               to
               your
               Let●…argy
               ;
               if
               you
               were
               not
               
                 half
                 Infidels
              
               ,
               you
               would
               be
               more
               than
               
                 half
                 distracted
              
               .
               Which
               brings
               to
               mind
               the
               course
               which
               some
               Eminent
               persons
               among
               the
               Heathens
               c
               took
               ,
               they
               durst
               not
               
               
                 dye
                 sober
              
               ,
               but
               drank
               great
               Draughts
               o●…
               Wine
               ,
               saying
               ,
               That
               
                 no
                 voluptuous
                 person
                 can
                 go
                 in
                 his
                 Wits
                 into
                 an
                 invisible
                 Estate
                 ▪
              
               With
               what
               poor
               comfort
               must
               that
               man
               dye
               ,
               that
               must
               cry
               out
               with
               that
               
                 Old
                 Philosopher
              
               ;
               I
               dye
               in
               great
               doubt
               ,
               and
               know
               not
               whither
               I
               am
               going
               ;
               yet
               out
               the
               Soul
               must
               go
               ,
               ready
               or
               unready
               .
               Then
               will
               the
               careless
               sinner
               gnash
               his
               Teeth
               for
               rage
               at
               his
               slothful
               and
               sinful
               life
               ,
               which
               he
               hath
               spent
               
                 as
                 a
                 Tale
                 that
                 is
                 told
                 .
              
               Then
               will
               he
               have
               time
               enough
               ,
               to
               curse
               all
               the
               
                 worldly
                 business
              
               ,
               or
               
                 wicked
                 Company
              
               ,
               that
               hath
               devoured
               his
               precious
               time
               ,
               and
               left
               his
               Soul
               to
               shift
               for
               it self
               for
               ever
               .
            
             
               Do
               not
               we
               in
               all
               
                 other
                 cases
              
               strive
               to
               be
               
                 at
                 a
                 point
              
               ?
               will
               May-be's
               and
               Peradventure's
               satisfie
               us
               in
               any
               material
               humane
               affairs
               ?
               The
               Tenant
               who
               is
               warned
               out
               of
               one
               House
               ,
               cannot
               enjoy
               himself
               ,
               until
               he
               be
               
                 sure
                 of
                 another
              
               ;
               The
               Steward
               that
               was
               discharged
               of
               his
               Office
               ,
               Luk.
               16.
               took
               present
               course
               to
               be
               provided
               of
               some
               other
               Subsistence
               ;
               The
               poorest
               man
               is
               uneasie
               ,
               when
               his
               
                 old
                 Suit
              
               of
               Cloaths
               is
               worn
               out
               ,
               till
               he
               have
               a
               
                 new
                 one
              
               ;
               what
               then
               are
               your
               Souls
               dreaming
               on
               ,
               which
               find
               the
               Garment
               of
               the
               Body
               quite
               worn
               out
               ,
               your
               earthly
               
               House
               ready
               to
               fall
               upon
               its
               Head
               ,
               and
               yet
               Sleep
               quiet
               only
               with
               some
               weak
               
                 ungrounded
                 hopes
              
               of
               endless
               happiness
               ?
               Have
               you
               left
               your
               
                 outward
                 Estates
              
               under
               no
               better
               Assurance
               ?
               your
               Conveyances
               ,
               your
               Fines
               and
               Recoveries
               will
               rise
               up
               in
               witness
               against
               you
               ,
               and
               you
               will
               be
               found
               at
               last
               to
               be
               
                 wise
                 in
                 trifles
              
               ,
               and
               Fools
               in
               the
               things
               of
               moment
               .
               Yea
               ,
               you
               will
               see
               ,
               when
               Friends
               and
               Relations
               will
               leave
               you
               ,
               your
               Estates
               and
               Pleasures
               leave
               you
               ,
               Life
               it self
               leave
               you
               ,
               that
               they
               who
               make
               not
               
                 sure
                 of
                 Heaven
              
               ,
               are
               
                 sure
                 of
                 Nothing
              
               .
            
             
               Think
               not
               ,
               that
               your
               
                 Outward
                 Blessings
              
               are
               any
               certain
               Arguments
               of
               Gods
               love
               to
               you
               ;
               that
               ,
               because
               God
               hath
               done
               much
               for
               you
               in
               
                 this
                 World
              
               ,
               he
               will
               therefore
               Crown
               you
               in
               another
               ;
               or
               because
               ye
               have
               lived
               long
               here
               in
               the
               day
               of
               his
               Patience
               ,
               that
               you
               must
               live
               always
               with
               him
               in
               Heaven
               .
               No
               ,
               no
               ,
               Iob
               21.
               7.
               20.
               
               
                 Even
                 the
                 wicked
                 live
                 ,
                 become
                 old
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 mighty
                 in
                 power
                 :
                 yet
                 his
                 Eyes
                 shall
                 see
                 his
                 Destruction
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 shall
                 drink
                 of
                 the
                 wrath
                 of
                 the
                 Almighty
                 .
              
               Many
               a
               man
               hath
               been
               strangely
               saved
               from
               Death
               ,
               that
               will
               not
               be
               saved
               at
               last
               from
               Hell
               :
               and
               men
               do
               hold
               temporal
               mercies
               by
               
                 one
                 Tenure
              
               ,
               and
               Eternal
               by
               another
               .
            
             
             
               Be
               advised
               therefore
               to
               set
               about
               this
               ●…eedful
               work
               ,
               with
               all
               possible
               
               speed
               ●…nd
               care
               .
               And
               to
               that
               end
               ,
               chuse
               out
               ●…wo
               or
               
                 three
                 Scriptures
              
               ,
               which
               do
               most
               ●…vidently
               describe
               a
               Sanctified
               Heart
               ;
               ●…ch
               as
               Mat.
               5.
               2
               ,
               3
               ,
               4
               ,
               5
               ,
               6
               ,
               7
               ,
               8.
               
               Or
               ●…om
               .
               8.
               1.
               5.
               9.
               and
               endeavour
               by
               the
               best
               h●…lps
               you
               have
               ,
               to
               know
               the
               true
               .
               Gen●…ine
               meaning
               thereof
               :
               Then
               compare
               your
               own
               Hearts
               with
               them
               .
               And
               whatsoever
               doubt
               you
               have
               of
               your
               Conformity
               thereunto
               ,
               examine
               it
               to
               the
               bottom
               ;
               and
               in
               case
               of
               any
               insuperable
               difficulty
               consult
               with
               some
               discreet
               
                 Messenger
                 of
                 God.
              
               And
               when
               you
               have
               throughly
               sifted
               one
               Scripture
               ,
               go
               to
               another
               ,
               and
               another
               ,
               that
               in
               the
               Mouth
               of
               two
               or
               three
               witnesses
               ,
               your
               Assurance
               may
               be
               established
               .
               And
               this
               done
               ,
               betake
               you
               to
               your
               Knees
               ,
               and
               spreading
               these
               tryed
               Evidences
               before
               God
               ,
               humbly
               beg
               the
               help
               of
               his
               
                 Holy
                 Spirit
              
               ;
               both
               to
               clear
               your
               understanding
               ,
               to
               guide
               your
               Conscience
               ,
               and
               to
               
                 seal
                 you
                 up
              
               to
               the
               
                 day
                 of
                 Redemption
              
               .
               And
               then
               you
               must
               patiently
               wait
               in
               the
               use
               of
               all
               the
               means
               of
               
                 Grace
                 ,
                 Sermons
                 ,
                 Prayers
              
               and
               Sacraments
               ,
               until
               His
               
                 Spirit
                 witness
                 with
                 your
                 spirit
                 ,
                 that
                 ye
                 are
                 the
                 Children
                 of
                 God.
                 
              
            
          
           
             
             
               SECT
               .
               III.
               
            
             
               THE
               
                 Third
                 Work
              
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               is
               Prayers
               
               and
               Praises
               .
               1.
               
               For
               Prayers
               .
               I
               do
               not
               here
               mean
               only
               the
               Ordinary
               Devotions
               ,
               which
               I
               presume
               every
               good
               Christian
               useth
               ,
               both
               Old
               and
               Young
               ,
               and
               whereby
               indeed
               the
               Soul
               Breaths
               ;
               for
               a
               true
               Believer
               
                 lives
                 by
                 Faith
              
               ,
               and
               
                 breaths
                 by
                 Prayer
              
               :
               whereof
               that
               excellent
               Bishop
               Hall
               thus
               concludes
               ,
               I
               may
               truly
               say
               ,
               that
               man
               hath
               no
               Grace
               nor
               Goodness
               in
               him
               ,
               that
               Prays
               not
               by
               Himself
               ,
               and
               with
               his
               Family
               :
               but
               also
               that
               they
               should
               be
               
                 frequent
                 in
                 Prayer
              
               .
               It
               is
               said
               of
               Luther
               ,
               that
               he
               spent
               daily
               at
               least
               
                 Three
                 hours
              
               in
               Prayer
               .
               And
               holy
               David
               saith
               ,
               Psal.
               55.
               17.
               
               
                 Evening
                 and
                 Morning
                 and
                 at
                 Noon
                 will
                 I
                 Pray
                 ,
                 and
                 cry
                 aloud
                 :
              
               yea
               ,
               in
               his
               Old-age
               we
               may
               conclude
               ,
               that
               he
               dyed
               with
               a
               Prayer
               in
               his
               Mouth
               ,
               from
               Psal.
               72.
               last
               .
               
                 The
                 Prayers
              
               (
               and
               belike
               the
               life
               )
               
                 of
                 David
                 the
                 Son
                 of
                 Iesse
                 are
                 ended
              
               together
               .
               And
               therefore
               the
               
                 Egyptian
                 Hieroglyphick
              
               of
               an
               Aged
               person
               was
               a
               Swan
               ,
               whom
               they
               imagined
               to
               dye
               Singing
               :
               for
               there
               is
               no
               Musick
               so
               
               sweet
               in
               the
               Ears
               of
               God
               ,
               as
               hearty
               Prayers
               and
               Praises
               .
            
             
               And
               if
               you
               find
               your selves
               unable
               to
               hold
               out
               in
               the
               more
               stated
               and
               
                 solemn
                 Prayers
              
               ,
               you
               should
               be
               more
               frequent
               and
               fervent
               in
               
                 shorter
                 Addresses
              
               ;
               for
               it
               is
               not
               the
               length
               ,
               but
               the
               strength
               of
               a
               Prayer
               that
               carries
               it
               with
               God.
               And
               in
               case
               of
               the
               want
               of
               Ability
               ,
               or
               Opportunity
               for
               this
               frequency
               ,
               for
               every
               poor
               crazy
               Old
               Man
               or
               Woman
               hath
               them
               not
               ,
               you
               may
               and
               should
               abound
               in
               holy
               Ejaculations
               ,
               or
               short
               Elevations
               of
               the
               Soul
               to
               God
               ;
               sometimes
               by
               way
               of
               Confession
               ,
               sometimes
               by
               way
               of
               Admiration
               ,
               sometimes
               by
               way
               of
               Petition
               ,
               and
               sometimes
               by
               way
               of
               Thanksgiving
               ,
               of
               all
               which
               there
               are
               various
               Instances
               in
               Scripture
               .
               And
               these
               you
               may
               dart
               upward
               ,
               as
               you
               sit
               by
               the
               fire
               ,
               as
               you
               lie
               in
               your
               beds
               ,
               as
               you
               put
               on
               and
               off
               your
               cloaths
               .
               Thus
               ye
               may
               
                 pray
                 without
                 ceasing
              
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               ,
               1
               Thes.
               5.
               17.
               
               And
               the
               Lord
               will
               accept
               of
               these
               ,
               coming
               from
               a
               sincere
               and
               holy
               heart
               ,
               and
               which
               in
               its
               present
               circumstances
               can
               do
               no
               better
               .
               But
               still
               Prayer
               is
               the
               proper
               Province
               of
               the
               Aged
               person
               ,
               and
               both
               you
               and
               your
               Pictures
               will
               look
               best
               ,
               when
               they
               are
               (
               as
               
                 Paul
                 the
              
               
               Hermites
               carkass
               was
               )
               found
               in
               a
               
                 praying
                 posture
              
               .
            
             
               For
               as
               was
               noted
               before
               ,
               your
               labouring
               and
               travelling
               dayes
               are
               done
               ,
               your
               Hands
               and
               Feet
               have
               done
               their
               work
               :
               the
               best
               service
               you
               can
               now
               do
               is
               upon
               your
               knees
               .
               There
               you
               may
               do
               much
               ,
               therein
               you
               may
               ingage
               Him
               who
               can
               do
               All
               :
               nothing
               can
               stand
               before
               the
               
                 prayer
                 of
                 Faith.
              
               And
               therefore
               ,
               when
               you
               reflect
               upon
               the
               slips
               and
               falls
               in
               the
               course
               of
               your
               Life
               ,
               so
               that
               your
               hearts
               begin
               to
               ake
               and
               faint
               for
               fear
               ,
               then
               enter
               into
               your
               Closet
               ,
               and
               pour
               out
               your
               hearts
               before
               God
               ,
               and
               that
               will
               revive
               you
               .
               When
               that
               coward
               Satan
               sets
               upon
               an
               Aged
               man
               or
               woman
               ,
               with
               his
               Assault
               and
               Battery
               ,
               either
               to
               weaken
               their
               faith
               ,
               or
               to
               unravel
               their
               repentance
               ,
               or
               to
               cloud
               their
               comforts
               ,
               their
               only
               course
               is
               to
               run
               to
               God
               by
               
                 Prayer
                 ;
                 God
                 is
                 a
                 refuge
                 for
                 us
                 .
              
               When
               we
               feel
               the
               decayes
               of
               Nature
               ,
               and
               are
               almost
               overwhelmed
               with
               Distempers
               or
               Troubles
               ,
               then
               let
               us
               by
               Prayer
               cast
               
                 our
                 burden
                 upon
                 the
                 Lord
              
               ,
               and
               
                 he
                 will
                 sustain
                 us
              
               .
               Thus
               that
               learned
               and
               holy
               Rivet
               d
               did
               every
               day
               in
               his
               Old-age
               repeat
               the
               seventeenth
               and
               
                 eighteenth
                 verses
              
               of
               the
               
                 seventy
                 first
                 Psalm
              
               .
               
               
                 O
                 God
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 taught
                 me
                 from
                 my
                 youth
                 ,
                 and
                 hitherto
                 have
                 I
                 declared
                 thy
                 wondrous
                 works
                 .
                 Now
                 also
                 when
                 I
                 am
                 Old
                 and
                 gray-headed
                 ,
                 O
                 God
                 ,
                 forsake
                 me
                 not
                 ,
                 untill
                 I
                 have
                 shewed
                 thy
                 strength
                 to
                 this
                 generation
                 ,
                 and
                 thy
                 power
                 to
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 come
                 .
              
            
             
               And
               here
               the
               Aged
               shall
               do
               well
               not
               only
               to
               plead
               their
               
                 own
                 Cause
              
               with
               God
               ,
               but
               to
               lay
               up
               a
               stock
               for
               Posterity
               ,
               that
               the
               generations
               yet
               unborn
               may
               be
               the
               better
               for
               them
               .
               Thus
               David
               ,
               in
               that
               Psal.
               72.
               1.
               
               
                 Give
                 thy
                 Iudgments
                 to
                 the
                 King
                 ,
                 O
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 thy
                 righteousness
                 to
                 the
                 Kings
                 Son
                 ,
              
               &c.
               
               What
               you
               are
               now
               sowing
               ,
               may
               be
               reaped
               by
               your
               
                 Posterity
                 hundreds
              
               of
               years
               afterwards
               .
               And
               perhaps
               this
               will
               be
               the
               best
               Intail
               which
               you
               can
               make
               of
               your
               Estates
               ,
               for
               hitherto
               whatever
               Settlements
               the
               Will
               of
               men
               hath
               devised
               ,
               the
               Wit
               of
               men
               hath
               defeated
               ;
               but
               by
               faithfull
               Prayer
               ,
               God
               himself
               is
               made
               Trustee
               ,
               who
               only
               can
               establish
               your
               Purposes
               .
            
             
               So
               also
               you
               should
               be
               instant
               with
               the
               Lord
               for
               his
               
                 Church
                 ,
                 Truth
              
               ,
               and
               Gospel
               .
               So
               was
               
                 David
                 ,
                 Psal.
              
               122.
               
               So
               was
               
                 Paul
                 ,
                 alwayes
                 in
                 every
                 Prayer
                 of
                 his
                 .
              
               And
               we
               cannot
               better
               approve
               our selves
               to
               be
               members
               of
               that
               
                 mystical
                 Body
              
               ,
               than
               by
               
               our
               incessant
               Prayers
               for
               the
               Increase
               ,
               the
               Unity
               and
               the
               Happiness
               thereof
               .
               And
               when
               you
               are
               thinking
               of
               your
               Countrey
               ,
               of
               your
               Kindred
               ,
               and
               of
               your
               Friends
               ,
               add
               an
               Ejaculation
               to
               every
               of
               these
               your
               thoughts
               for
               a
               blessing
               upon
               them
               .
               These
               are
               Employments
               fit
               for
               a
               
                 Christian
                 Aged
              
               person
               ,
               and
               will
               become
               them
               better
               ,
               than
               endless
               Complaints
               ,
               or
               groundless
               Presages
               .
               Pray
               ,
               pray
               ,
               and
               do
               not
               Prophesie
               ,
               was
               holy
               Mr.
               Palmers
               saying
               to
               those
               ,
               that
               were
               alwayes
               boding
               misery
               .
               I
               tell
               you
               ,
               that
               you
               may
               do
               your selves
               ,
               the
               Church
               ,
               the
               Nation
               ,
               and
               Posterity
               more
               service
               by
               your
               fervent
               Prayers
               ,
               than
               you
               have
               done
               by
               the
               cares
               and
               labours
               of
               your
               whole
               life
               .
            
             
               And
               then
               ,
               2.
               
               
                 For
                 Praises
              
               ;
               when
               you
               consider
               all
               the
               Good
               which
               God
               hath
               done
               
                 In
                 you
              
               ,
               the
               Good
               he
               hath
               done
               
                 For
                 you
              
               ,
               and
               the
               Good
               he
               hath
               done
               
                 By
                 you
              
               ,
               you
               cannot
               sure
               be
               silent
               .
               Reflect
               upon
               your
               own
               Hearts
               ,
               and
               remember
               what
               a
               plight
               you
               were
               in
               ,
               when
               his
               Grace
               and
               Mercy
               found
               you
               out
               ;
               what
               Methods
               he
               hath
               used
               to
               recover
               you
               ;
               what
               light
               and
               love
               and
               life
               he
               hath
               bestowed
               upon
               you
               ;
               what
               outward
               Means
               and
               inward
               Motions
               he
               hath
               vouchsafed
               you
               ;
               how
               he
               hath
               rescued
               you
               out
               of
               
               various
               temptations
               ,
               recovered
               you
               out
               of
               sad
               relapses
               ,
               stablished
               you
               in
               times
               of
               tryal
               and
               defection
               ,
               and
               brought
               you
               within
               sight
               of
               the
               
                 Promised
                 Land.
              
               And
               then
               review
               your
               whole
               Life
               ,
               and
               consider
               what
               great
               things
               he
               hath
               done
               
                 For
                 you
              
               .
               Observe
               
                 Old
                 Davids
              
               course
               .
               Psal.
               71.
               6.
               
               
                 By
                 thee
                 have
                 I
                 bin
                 holden
                 up
                 from
                 the
                 Womb
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 he
                 that
                 took
                 me
                 out
                 of
                 my
                 Mothers
                 bowels
                 ;
                 my
                 praise
                 shall
                 be
                 continually
                 of
                 thee
                 .
              
               Remember
               the
               care
               he
               took
               of
               your
               Education
               ,
               the
               wonderfull
               Preservations
               in
               your
               Childhood
               ,
               and
               Youth
               ,
               when
               your
               rashness
               and
               folly
               did
               every
               day
               precipitate
               you
               into
               palpable
               dangers
               ;
               how
               many
               sicknesses
               and
               distempers
               he
               hath
               either
               prevented
               or
               healed
               ;
               in
               how
               many
               Iourneys
               and
               Voyages
               his
               Angels
               have
               had
               the
               Charge
               of
               you
               ;
               in
               what
               perils
               by
               day
               and
               by
               night
               ,
               by
               Land
               and
               by
               Sea
               he
               hath
               preserved
               you
               .
               
                 O
                 remember
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 surely
                 you
                 should
                 remember
                 his
                 wonders
                 of
                 old
                 .
              
               Psal.
               77.
               11.
               
               Have
               you
               not
               heard
               of
               that
               Man
               ,
               who
               having
               pass'd
               over
               a
               Plank
               on
               Horseback
               ,
               over
               a
               deep
               River
               over
               night
               ,
               and
               being
               brought
               in
               the
               Morning
               to
               see
               his
               deliverance
               ,
               fell
               down
               dead
               with
               the
               apprehension
               ?
               How
               many
               Lives
               have
               you
               had
               given
               you
               ?
               
               How
               many
               thousands
               have
               bin
               cut
               off
               ,
               and
               you
               have
               bin
               spared
               ?
               What
               a
               wonder
               is
               it
               ,
               that
               your
               Eyes
               and
               Limbs
               have
               bin
               kept
               safe
               so
               long
               !
               Now
               you
               are
               weak
               ,
               but
               remember
               how
               long
               you
               were
               strong
               :
               now
               you
               cannot
               eat
               ,
               or
               sleep
               ,
               as
               ●…heretofore
               ;
               but
               you
               have
               lost
               your
               Register
               ,
               if
               you
               have
               forgotten
               the
               
                 chearful
                 meals
              
               ,
               and
               
                 restful
                 nights
              
               you
               have
               en●…oyed
               .
            
             
               〈◊〉
               in
               respect
               of
               your
               
                 Outward
                 Estate
              
               ,
               ●…emember
               how
               naked
               you
               came
               into
               the
               world
               ,
               how
               the
               Lord
               hath
               
                 fed
                 you
                 all
                 ●…our
                 life
                 long
              
               ;
               he
               it
               is
               that
               hath
               
                 given
                 ●…ou
                 power
                 to
                 get
                 wealth
                 ,
              
               he
               hath
               still
               spread
               your
               Table
               ,
               and
               filled
               your
               Cup
               ,
               and
               ●…ent
               you
               more
               than
               ever
               you
               expected
               ,
               at
               ●…east
               deserved
               .
               Remember
               how
               merciful
               ●…e
               hath
               bin
               unto
               you
               in
               your
               Names
               ,
               in
               your
               
                 Relations
                 ,
                 Posterity
                 ,
                 every
                 way
                 .
              
               And
               ●…hen
               conclude
               with
               David
               ,
               2
               Sam.
               7.
               18.
               
               
                 Who
                 am
                 I
                 ,
                 O
                 Lord
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 my
                 house
                 ,
                 ●…hat
                 thou
                 hast
                 brought
                 me
                 hitherto
                 ?
                 My
                 ●…outh
                 shall
                 shew
                 forth
                 thy
                 Righteousness
                 ●…nd
                 thy
                 Salvation
                 ,
                 for
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 the
                 num●…ers
                 thereof
                 .
                 I
                 will
                 hope
                 continually
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 ●…et
                 praise
                 thee
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 .
              
               Psal.
               71.
               14
               ,
               15.
               
               Let
               Hallelujah
               be
               your
               Song
               ,
               as
               ●…t
               was
               the
               Motto
               of
               Godly
               Mr.
               Bruen
               ,
               which
               he
               wrote
               in
               the
               first
               leaf
               of
               all
               his
               
               Books
               .
               Let
               not
               your
               present
               weakness
               and
               pain
               ,
               bury
               your
               sense
               of
               all
               your
               former
               health
               and
               ease
               .
               A
               thankfull
               life
               is
               a
               pleasant
               life
               .
            
             
               And
               lastly
               review
               the
               Good
               that
               God
               hath
               done
               
                 By
                 you
              
               ,
               that
               still
               God
               may
               have
               all
               the
               praise
               .
               You
               have
               wrestled
               with
               God
               in
               Prayer
               ,
               though
               now
               you
               are
               soon
               faint
               and
               weary
               .
               You
               have
               measured
               many
               a
               step
               to
               hear
               Gods
               Word
               ,
               though
               now
               you
               cannot
               :
               and
               have
               read
               many
               a
               good
               Book
               ,
               though
               now
               your
               Eyes
               be
               quickly
               dazled
               .
               Many
               a
               Soul
               hath
               bin
               the
               better
               for
               your
               Counsel
               ,
               and
               many
               bowels
               have
               bin
               refreshed
               by
               your
               relief
               .
               Now
               as
               
                 God
                 is
                 not
                 unrighteous
                 to
                 forget
                 your
                 work
                 and
                 labour
                 of
                 love
                 ,
              
               so
               your
               remembrance
               of
               it
               in
               this
               your
               Old-age
               ,
               must
               oblige
               you
               to
               renewed
               thanks
               and
               praise
               .
               Thus
               David
               in
               that
               Psal.
               18.
               which
               
                 he
                 spake
                 unto
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 delivered
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 hands
                 of
                 all
                 his
                 enemies
                 ,
              
               toucheth
               all
               these
               Topicks
               or
               Heads
               of
               Mercies
               ,
               and
               then
               cries
               out
               ,
               vers
               .
               46.
               49.
               
               
                 The
                 Lord
                 liveth
                 ,
                 and
                 blessed
                 be
                 my
                 rock
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 the
                 God
                 of
                 my
                 Salvation
                 be
                 exalted
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 God
                 that
                 —
                 Therefore
                 will
                 I
                 give
                 thanks
                 unto
                 thee
                 ,
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 among
                 the
                 Heathen
                 ,
                 and
                 sing
                 praises
                 unto
                 thy
                 Name
                 .
              
               Thus
               will
               you
               conjoyn
               
               the
               Life
               of
               Heaven
               and
               Earth
               ;
               you
               will
               end
               your
               Lives
               with
               that
               work
               ,
               wherewith
               you
               will
               begin
               your
               Everlasting
               Life
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               IV.
               
            
             
               THE
               
                 Fourth
                 Work
              
               of
               Old-age
               is
               ,
               Instruction
               
               
                 of
                 the
                 Younger
                 .
                 God
              
               hath
               in
               great
               Wisdom
               lodged
               his
               various
               gifts
               in
               divers
               subjects
               ,
               that
               there
               may
               be
               a
               
                 mutual
                 dependance
              
               one
               upon
               another
               ,
               and
               a
               
                 mutual
                 helpfulness
              
               of
               each
               to
               others
               .
               Thus
               he
               intrusts
               the
               Young
               with
               Strength
               to
               support
               and
               aid
               the
               Elder
               ,
               whose
               strength
               is
               decayed
               ;
               and
               the
               Aged
               with
               knowledge
               and
               wisdom
               to
               guide
               the
               younger
               ,
               whose
               judgment
               is
               yet
               unripe
               .
               And
               as
               it
               is
               a
               great
               misery
               ,
               when
               the
               Aged
               are
               not
               relieved
               by
               the
               strength
               and
               industry
               of
               those
               that
               are
               young
               ,
               so
               it
               is
               a
               great
               infelicity
               ,
               when
               the
               Aged
               are
               either
               unable
               or
               unwilling
               to
               instruct
               ,
               or
               when
               those
               who
               are
               young
               are
               too
               careless
               or
               conceited
               to
               receive
               Instruction
               .
               That
               is
               therefore
               a
               barbarous
               Precept
               in
               the
               Alcoran
               ,
               and
               like
               the
               rest
               of
               that
               
                 Divinity
                 ,
                 You
                 are
                 not
                 obliged
                 to
                 lead
                 men
                 in
              
               
               
                 the
                 right
                 way
                 ,
                 God
                 guideth
                 whom
                 he
                 listeth
                 .
              
               But
               we
               
                 have
                 better
                 learned
                 Christ.
              
               
            
             
               The
               whole
               Current
               of
               Scripture
               runs
               for
               this
               Practice
               .
               Thus
               did
               Abraham
               ,
               as
               we
               may
               gather
               from
               Gen.
               18.
               19.
               
               Thus
               Iacob
               —
               Thus
               Moses
               ,
               leaving
               more
               especially
               that
               excellent
               
                 Chapter
                 ,
                 Deuter.
              
               32.
               just
               before
               he
               died
               ,
               for
               an
               Instruction
               to
               those
               he
               left
               behind
               him
               .
               The
               like
               did
               Ioshua
               ,
               in
               Cap.
               24.
               when
               he
               was
               Aged
               ,
               and
               about
               to
               dy
               .
               So
               Samuel
               ,
               1
               Sam.
               12.
               
               So
               David
               ,
               1
               Chron.
               28.
               9.
               to
               his
               Son.
               
                 And
                 thou
                 Solomon
                 my
                 Son
              
               ,
               &c.
               
               Thus
               did
               Peter
               when
               he
               was
               
                 ready
                 to
                 put
                 off
                 his
                 Tabernacle
                 ,
              
               2
               Pet.
               1.
               12
               ,
               13.
               and
               the
               like
               did
               
                 Aged
                 Paul
              
               in
               his
               Epistle
               to
               Timothy
               ,
               when
               the
               time
               of
               his
               departure
               was
               at
               hand
               ,
               2
               Tim.
               4.
               5
               ,
               6.
               
               So
               that
               we
               have
               a
               whole
               
                 cloud
                 of
                 Witnesses
              
               ,
               showring
               down
               their
               counsels
               and
               directions
               on
               the
               younger
               sort
               .
            
             
               And
               the
               Aged
               are
               furnished
               for
               this
               Imployment
               ,
               having
               Ability
               and
               Opportunity
               for
               such
               purposes
               .
               Their
               peculiar
               Talent
               lies
               this
               way
               ;
               For
               
                 Dayes
                 should
                 speak
                 and
                 multitude
                 of
                 years
                 should
                 teach
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 Ioh
              
               32.
               9.
               
               You
               must
               have
               a
               stock
               of
               Observations
               ,
               and
               your
               Speech
               commonly
               is
               least
               impaired
               of
               all
               Faculties
               ;
               and
               it
               is
               best
               imployed
               in
               communicating
               
               your
               usefull
               Notions
               unto
               others
               .
               The
               
                 Vestal
                 Virgins
              
               of
               old
               ,
               in
               the
               First
               part
               of
               their
               time
               ,
               learned
               the
               Mysteries
               of
               their
               Religion
               ,
               in
               the
               Second
               ,
               they
               produced
               them
               into
               Practice
               ,
               in
               the
               Third
               ,
               they
               taught
               them
               unto
               others
               e
               .
               One
               end
               of
               our
               learning
               any
               thing
               ,
               is
               that
               we
               may
               instruct
               others
               .
               And
               the
               Heathens
               f
               thought
               ,
               that
               the
               greatest
               part
               of
               our
               time
               should
               be
               devoted
               to
               the
               
                 Common
                 good
              
               .
               Hide
               not
               therefore
               your
               Talent
               in
               a
               Napkin
               ,
               but
               produce
               your
               Stock
               ,
               and
               without
               impoverishing
               your selves
               ,
               inrich
               those
               that
               need
               it
               .
               You
               have
               Opportunity
               ,
               you
               have
               your
               Children
               and
               Posterity
               about
               you
               ,
               you
               have
               some
               Authority
               with
               them
               ,
               let
               your
               words
               drop
               
                 as
                 the
                 dew
              
               ,
               and
               let
               your
               
                 lips
                 feed
                 many
              
               .
               What
               profit
               have
               they
               by
               your
               longevity
               ,
               if
               you
               further
               them
               not
               in
               goodness
               ?
               In
               short
               ,
               our
               lives
               are
               little
               worth
               ,
               when
               they
               are
               not
               usefull
               ;
               and
               we
               cannot
               better
               bestow
               them
               ,
               than
               in
               making
               others
               better
               .
            
             
               And
               here
               is
               a
               large
               field
               to
               walk
               in
               :
               You
               should
               be
               able
               and
               ready
               to
               instruct
               the
               younger
               in
               the
               
                 Word
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               in
               the
               Doctrine
               of
               the
               Gospel
               ,
               in
               that
               great
               mystery
               of
               Godliness
               ,
               
                 God
                 manifest
                 in
                 the
                 flesh
              
               .
               The
               
                 publick
                 Explications
              
               hereof
               ,
               should
               be
               
               familiarly
               opened
               by
               you
               
                 at
                 home
              
               .
               You
               should
               talk
               of
               them
               ,
               
                 as
                 you
                 sit
                 in
                 your
                 house
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 walk
                 by
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 when
                 you
                 lye
                 down
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 you
                 rise
                 up
                 ,
              
               Deut.
               6.
               7.
               
               Thus
               
                 David
                 ,
                 Come
                 ye
                 children
                 ,
                 hearken
                 unto
                 me
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 teach
                 you
                 the
                 fear
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
              
               Psal.
               34.
               11.
               
               So
               also
               Solomon
               at
               large
               ,
               Prov.
               4.
               1
               ,
               2.
               
               
                 Hear
                 ye
                 children
                 the
                 instruction
                 of
                 a
                 father
                 ,
                 and
                 attend
                 to
                 know
                 understanding
                 :
                 For
                 I
                 give
                 you
                 good
                 doctrine
                 ,
              
               &c.
               
               Thus
               
               Timothy's
               mother
               ,
               yea
               and
               grandmother
               instructed
               him
               .
               You
               are
               to
               instruct
               them
               also
               in
               the
               
                 Works
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               both
               of
               Creation
               and
               
                 Providence
                 ▪
              
               wherein
               you
               may
               convey
               to
               them
               many
               things
               ,
               tending
               to
               the
               glory
               of
               you●…
               Maker
               ,
               and
               the
               benefit
               of
               their
               Souls
               You
               should
               acquaint
               them
               with
               such
               particular
               Instances
               of
               the
               Wisdom
               ,
               Righteousness
               ,
               Power
               ,
               and
               Goodness
               of
               God
               which
               you
               have
               read
               ,
               heard
               or
               seen
               ▪
               That
               the
               
                 generation
                 to
                 come
                 might
                 kno●…
                 them
                 ,
                 even
                 the
                 children
                 that
                 should
                 be
                 born
                 who
                 should
                 arise
                 and
                 declare
                 them
                 to
                 thei●…
                 children
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 set
                 their
                 hope
                 i●…
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 keep
                 his
                 Commandments
                 ,
              
               Psal.
               78
               ▪
               6
               ,
               7.
               
               You
               can
               tell
               them
               also
               the
               Methods
               of
               Satan
               ,
               and
               the
               wicked
               devic●…
               whereby
               he
               beguileth
               poor
               Souls
               .
               ●…
               Slave
               who
               hath
               been
               in
               Algier
               ,
               and
               i●…
               
               redeemed
               or
               rescued
               ,
               can
               discover
               the
               miserable
               bondage
               there
               ,
               and
               relate
               ,
               with
               pleasure
               ,
               the
               means
               of
               his
               Deliverance
               .
               You
               can
               describe
               the
               intriegues
               of
               Sin
               ,
               and
               warn
               young
               people
               of
               the
               deceitfulness
               ,
               and
               folly
               thereof
               by
               your
               own
               experience
               .
               They
               who
               have
               been
               almost
               mir'd
               in
               a
               puddle
               or
               quagmire
               ,
               can
               easily
               shew
               others
               the
               place
               ,
               and
               direct
               them
               to
               avoid
               it
               .
               In
               Summe
               ,
               you
               should
               instruct
               the
               younger
               to
               know
               ,
               and
               serve
               ,
               and
               trust
               in
               God
               ;
               and
               whatsoever
               you
               have
               observed
               in
               the
               course
               of
               your
               lives
               conducive
               thereunto
               ,
               you
               should
               impart
               unto
               them
               .
               That
               as
               ungodly
               men
               do
               wickedly
               communicate
               their
               ▪
               sinful
               acts
               and
               practices
               ,
               and
               endeavour
               to
               propagate
               them
               unto
               posterity
               ,
               that
               each
               generation
               may
               be
               ▪
               worse
               than
               other
               ;
               so
               all
               wise
               and
               good
               men
               ,
               especially
               when
               they
               are
               
                 in
                 years
              
               ,
               should
               transmit
               the
               knowledge
               and
               practice
               of
               Piety
               to
               their
               Successors
               ,
               that
               the
               next
               age
               may
               be
               better
               than
               this
               ;
               and
               that
               when
               we
               are
               dead
               and
               gone
               ,
               yet
               it
               may
               be
               truly
               said
               ,
               
                 the
                 world
                 was
                 the
                 better
                 for
                 us
                 .
              
            
             
               Besides
               these
               Instructions
               in
               the
               excellent
               matters
               of
               Religion
               ,
               it
               lies
               in
               the
               power
               and
               way
               of
               many
               Ancient
               persons
               ,
               to
               direct
               and
               advise
               the
               younger
               
               in
               many
               useful
               Observations
               otherwise
               :
               As
               concerning
               the
               Education
               of
               their
               Children
               ,
               and
               the
               disposing
               of
               them
               into
               Callings
               or
               Marriage
               ;
               concerning
               the
               preservation
               or
               recovery
               of
               their
               health
               .
               And
               in
               case
               they
               have
               any
               peculiar
               
                 Skill
                 ,
                 Receipt
              
               ,
               or
               Art
               useful
               for
               the
               good
               of
               Mankind
               ,
               they
               ought
               not
               to
               bury
               it
               in
               their
               graves
               ,
               but
               to
               assign
               it
               to
               Posterity
               .
               And
               whatsoever
               you
               have
               learned
               or
               observed
               ,
               that
               may
               be
               beneficial
               or
               any
               way
               useful
               to
               the
               Church
               or
               Common-wealth
               ,
               to
               your
               
                 Countrey
                 ,
                 Town
              
               or
               Family
               ,
               all
               these
               Notices
               you
               should
               communicate
               to
               those
               that
               are
               younger
               ,
               with
               all
               possible
               fidelity
               and
               exactness
               .
               And
               if
               need
               be
               ,
               commit
               them
               to
               writing
               for
               the
               benefit
               ,
               at
               least
               ,
               of
               your
               own
               posterity
               .
               And
               although
               your
               Instructions
               may
               not
               at
               present
               seem
               to
               be
               much
               regarded
               ,
               yet
               be
               not
               discouraged
               by
               this
               ;
               for
               the
               wise
               Counsels
               of
               the
               Ancient
               ,
               like
               the
               
                 seed
                 of
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               seems
               to
               dye
               and
               to
               be
               lost
               ,
               and
               yet
               in
               process
               of
               time
               it
               revives
               ,
               and
               brings
               forth
               fruit
               .
            
             
               Howbeit
               ,
               there
               is
               Wisdom
               to
               be
               used
               in
               the
               Instructing
               of
               young
               people
               .
               For
               they
               too
               commonly
               are
               proud
               ,
               conceit
               ▪
               ed
               ,
               and
               self-witted
               :
               your
               Lessons
               therefore
               
               must
               be
               at
               such
               seasons
               ,
               and
               by
               such
               degrees
               ,
               as
               may
               render
               them
               most
               valuable
               and
               welcome
               :
               and
               must
               be
               sweetned
               with
               that
               love
               and
               dearness
               ,
               and
               withal
               interlac'd
               with
               such
               pleasant
               Diversion
               ,
               that
               their
               Appetite
               may
               not
               be
               cloyed
               ,
               nor
               your
               grave
               Advices
               be
               distasted
               .
               Thus
               the
               
                 Emperor
                 Augustus
              
               accosted
               his
               Hearers
               .
               
                 Audite
                 Iuvenes
                 senem
                 ,
                 quem
                 senes
                 juvenem
                 audiverunt
              
               ;
               You
               that
               are
               young
               ,
               hearken
               to
               me
               ,
               that
               now
               am
               old
               ,
               whom
               Old
               men
               hearkened
               unto
               ,
               when
               I
               was
               yet
               but
               young
               .
            
             
               Finally
               ,
               your
               Example
               should
               be
               a
               
                 Continual
                 Instruction
              
               to
               young
               people
               .
               They
               that
               will
               not
               heed
               your
               
                 good
                 words
              
               ,
               yet
               seeing
               your
               
                 good
                 works
              
               will
               have
               a
               constant
               copy
               before
               them
               ,
               and
               be
               induced
               to
               write
               after
               it
               .
               The
               objects
               of
               the
               Eye
               make
               deeper
               impression
               ,
               than
               those
               of
               the
               Ear
               :
               When
               they
               see
               the
               constant
               practice
               of
               piety
               and
               charity
               ,
               prudence
               and
               patience
               ,
               they
               conclude
               that
               your
               Directions
               are
               in
               good
               earnest
               ,
               that
               they
               are
               practicable
               ,
               that
               they
               are
               necessary
               ,
               or
               else
               what
               the
               
                 right
                 hand
              
               of
               good
               Counsel
               builds
               up
               ,
               the
               
                 left
                 hand
              
               of
               a
               loose
               practice
               will
               pull
               down
               .
            
          
           
             
             
               SECT
               .
               V.
               
            
             
               THE
               
                 Fifth
                 Work
              
               of
               Old-age
               is
               ,
               
               
                 Watchfulness
                 against
                 your
                 special
                 Temptations
              
               .
               For
               besides
               the
               abovesaid
               Sins
               ,
               that
               are
               most
               usual
               in
               Old-age
               ,
               there
               are
               some
               particular
               Weaknesses
               ,
               to
               which
               they
               are
               rather
               tempted
               ,
               than
               overcome
               ;
               wherein
               if
               they
               be
               not
               watchful
               ,
               they
               will
               become
               miserable
               .
               Such
               as
            
             
               1.
               
               
                 Discontentedness
                 of
                 mind
              
               .
               This
               is
               a
               Distemper
               to
               which
               Old-age
               is
               very
               liable
               .
               They
               want
               this
               ,
               and
               they
               want
               that
               ,
               which
               perhaps
               they
               have
               had
               heretofore
               ,
               and
               they
               cannot
               bear
               these
               wants
               .
               One
               loss
               or
               cross
               befalls
               them
               ,
               and
               e're
               they
               have
               well
               digested
               this
               ,
               another
               comes
               .
               One
               while
               this
               Disease
               or
               pain
               afflicts
               them
               ,
               and
               that
               no
               sooner
               over
               ,
               but
               they
               are
               smitten
               in
               another
               part
               ,
               so
               that
               they
               are
               prone
               to
               perpetual
               murmurings
               .
               Never
               was
               any
               bodies
               life
               so
               miserable
               ,
               as
               theirs
               ;
               they
               are
               ready
               to
               quarrel
               at
               God
               ,
               at
               men
               ,
               at
               any
               thing
               ,
               at
               nothing
               g
               .
               They
               are
               neither
               
                 content
                 to
                 live
              
               ,
               nor
               
                 ready
                 to
                 dy
              
               ;
               but
               yet
               
               seem
               to
               be
               fallen
               out
               with
               life
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               in
               love
               with
               death
               ,
               whereupon
               their
               common
               note
               is
               ,
               
                 I
                 have
                 lived
                 too
                 long
                 ,
                 O
                 that
                 I
                 were
                 in
                 my
                 grave
                 .
              
            
             
               But
               this
               Distemper
               argues
               great
               weakness
               of
               Grace
               ,
               yea
               a
               great
               weakness
               of
               Spirit
               .
               Hence
               that
               Philosopher
               that
               sometimes
               resolved
               ,
               that
               a
               wise
               and
               couragious
               man
               should
               not
               flee
               from
               life
               ,
               how
               discommodious
               soever
               ;
               but
               
                 fairly
                 depart
              
               from
               it
               h
               :
               yet
               at
               other
               times
               advised
               ,
               to
               let
               the
               wearied
               Soul
               out
               of
               the
               useless
               body
               ,
               before
               its
               time
               i
               .
               A
               crime
               of
               the
               deepest
               tincture
               !
               to
               snatch
               the
               Prerogative
               of
               our
               
                 Soveraign
                 Creatour
              
               out
               of
               his
               hands
               ,
               whose
               rightful
               priviledge
               alone
               it
               is
               ,
               to
               give
               life
               to
               men
               ,
               and
               to
               take
               it
               away
               .
               And
               why
               should
               you
               be
               so
               uneasie
               under
               these
               momentany
               tryals
               ?
               Is
               it
               not
               the
               Lot
               ,
               which
               your
               
                 heavenly
                 Father
              
               hath
               in
               great
               wisdom
               ,
               set
               out
               for
               you
               ?
               It
               is
               better
               to
               be
               Old
               ,
               and
               crazy
               on
               earth
               ,
               than
               to
               have
               been
               sent
               young
               to
               hell
               .
               You
               have
               your
               ailments
               ,
               and
               if
               you
               were
               privy
               to
               
                 others
                 mens
              
               ,
               you
               would
               be
               reconciled
               to
               
                 your
                 own
              
               .
               It
               was
               Socrates
               his
               Observation
               ,
               that
               if
               every
               mans
               burden
               were
               laid
               on
               a
               common
               heap
               ,
               each
               man
               would
               be
               glad
               to
               take
               up
               his
               own
               again
               .
               
               You
               should
               rather
               be
               thankful
               to
               God
               for
               the
               blessings
               of
               the
               former
               part
               of
               your
               life
               ,
               than
               murmur
               at
               the
               troubles
               of
               the
               present
               .
               You
               think
               it
               the
               only
               happiness
               ,
               to
               have
               
                 all
                 the
                 Comforts
              
               of
               this
               World
               ;
               but
               Others
               have
               thought
               it
               a
               greater
               ,
               to
               have
               a
               
                 Mind
                 above
                 them
              
               .
               You
               have
               ,
               or
               else
               the
               fault
               is
               your
               own
               ,
               the
               Company
               of
               a
               
                 gracious
                 God
              
               and
               a
               
                 good
                 Conscience
              
               k
               ,
               when
               you
               are
               uncapable
               of
               other
               company
               .
               You
               should
               imitate
               the
               Grashopper
               l
               ,
               to
               whom
               the
               Old
               man
               by
               some
               is
               likened
               ,
               who
               is
               made
               the
               Emblem
               of
               Contentation
               ,
               because
               she
               only
               sucks
               the
               dew
               and
               sings
               ;
               and
               is
               content
               with
               that
               ,
               hoping
               ,
               for
               better
               .
               One
               Crown
               will
               swallow
               up
               all
               your
               Crosses
               ,
               whereas
               Discontent
               makes
               your
               Condition
               most
               
                 uneasie
                 here
              
               ,
               and
               most
               unfit
               for
               Heaven
               hereafter
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               
                 Another
                 Temptation
              
               which
               you
               that
               are
               Old
               are
               in
               danger
               of
               ,
               is
               
                 Hardness
                 of
                 Heart
                 and
                 Security
              
               .
               You
               ha●…
               sinned
               often
               ,
               and
               perhaps
               repented
               bu●…
               seldom
               :
               you
               have
               heard
               and
               read
               many
               convincing
               Sermons
               ,
               and
               made
               but
               slender
               application
               of
               them
               :
               you
               have
               seen
               
                 many
                 swept
              
               away
               by
               the
               hand
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               you
               have
               escaped
               :
               yea
               some
               of
               you
               peradventure
               have
               lived
               long
               in
               some
               sinful
               
               course
               ,
               are
               grown
               
                 Old
                 in
                 adulteries
                 ,
                 Ezek.
              
               23.
               43.
               or
               in
               oppression
               ,
               or
               in
               some
               other
               Sin.
               These
               
                 things
                 you
                 have
                 done
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 kept
                 Silence
                 ,
              
               and
               now
               you
               are
               ready
               to
               think
               ,
               that
               
                 He
                 is
                 such
                 a
                 one
                 as
                 your selves
                 ,
              
               and
               to
               bless
               your selves
               in
               your
               woful
               wayes
               ,
               till
               your
               
                 iniquity
                 be
                 found
                 to
                 be
                 hateful
                 .
              
               The
               Aged
               person
               surely
               must
               have
               either
               a
               very
               tender
               heart
               ,
               or
               a
               very
               hard
               one
               .
               If
               Gods
               Ordinances
               and
               Providences
               ,
               that
               is
               Mercies
               and
               Afflictions
               ,
               have
               made
               a
               due
               impression
               upon
               you
               ,
               your
               hearts
               must
               be
               very
               soft
               ,
               but
               otherwise
               ,
               you
               are
               in
               the
               greatest
               danger
               of
               a
               hard
               heart
               ,
               and
               a
               spirit
               of
               slumber
               .
            
             
               Watch
               and
               pray
               therefore
               ,
               in
               the
               fear
               of
               God
               ,
               against
               this
               dangerous
               Temptation
               .
               They
               are
               
                 most
                 guilty
              
               of
               this
               distemper
               ,
               that
               were
               
                 never
                 afraid
              
               of
               it
               m
               .
               Preserve
               a
               due
               tenderness
               in
               your
               Consciences
               ,
               suffer
               not
               any
               sin
               to
               ly
               upon
               them
               unrepented
               .
               Endeavour
               to
               have
               daily
               a
               clearer
               sight
               of
               sin
               ,
               and
               a
               deeper
               sense
               of
               the
               evil
               of
               it
               .
               Let
               the
               exemplary
               Judgments
               upon
               others
               ,
               startle
               you
               .
               Know
               ,
               that
               if
               you
               sleep
               in
               sin
               ,
               your
               Preservation
               will
               be
               but
               a
               Reservation
               to
               some
               fearful
               issue
               .
               Remember
               that
               
                 though
                 a
                 Sinner
                 do
                 evil
                 an
                 hundred
              
               
               
                 times
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 dayes
                 be
                 prolonged
                 ,
              
               yet
               
                 it
                 shall
                 not
                 be
                 well
                 with
                 the
                 wicked
                 ,
              
               Eccl.
               8.
               12
               ,
               13.
               
               The
               greatest
               Iudgment
               that
               can
               befall
               a
               man
               upon
               earth
               ,
               is
               to
               
                 prosper
                 in
                 any
                 sinful
                 way
              
               .
            
             
               There
               is
               a
               Natural
               hardness
               in
               All
               men
               ,
               there
               is
               an
               Habitual
               hardness
               in
               some
               men
               ,
               but
               there
               is
               a
               Iudicial
               hardness
               only
               
                 in
                 such
              
               ,
               as
               are
               ripe
               for
               hell
               .
               And
               the
               First
               ,
               if
               it
               be
               not
               cured
               by
               Gods
               grace
               ,
               leads
               to
               the
               second
               ,
               and
               the
               second
               prepares
               for
               the
               third
               .
               Of
               all
               sorts
               of
               men
               ,
               ye
               that
               are
               Old
               have
               least
               cause
               to
               be
               secure
               ,
               that
               have
               one
               foot
               already
               in
               the
               grave
               .
               The
               green
               apple
               may
               be
               pluckt
               off
               ,
               but
               the
               ripe
               one
               is
               falling
               off
               already
               .
               But
               it
               is
               not
               the
               approach
               of
               Death
               ,
               without
               the
               effectual
               influence
               of
               
                 Gods
                 Spirit
              
               ,
               that
               will
               soften
               an
               hardned
               sinner
               ;
               as
               is
               too
               evident
               in
               the
               Malefactors
               in
               Newgate
               ,
               that
               will
               be
               drunk
               and
               swear
               at
               a
               dreadful
               rate
               ,
               when
               they
               know
               that
               the
               Execution-day
               is
               certainly
               at
               hand
               .
               Be
               instant
               therefore
               with
               the
               Lord
               ,
               to
               deliver
               you
               from
               
                 hardness
                 of
                 heart
              
               ,
               from
               a
               spirit
               of
               slumber
               and
               from
               a
               
                 reprobate
                 sense
              
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               A
               
                 Third
                 Temptation
              
               which
               Old-age
               must
               watch
               against
               ,
               is
               ,
               
                 Slothfulness
                 of
                 Spirit
              
               .
               The
               decay
               of
               
                 natural
                 Spirits
              
               disposeth
               
               them
               hereunto
               ,
               and
               
                 corrupt
                 Nature
              
               joyns
               with
               the
               temptation
               .
               It
               is
               an
               easie
               thing
               to
               be
               idle
               ,
               and
               flesh
               and
               blood
               is
               glad
               enough
               of
               excuses
               from
               pains
               and
               trouble
               .
               Indeed
               ,
               where
               natural
               Parts
               ,
               or
               natural
               Strength
               are
               wasted
               ,
               much
               cannot
               be
               expected
               ,
               
                 Iob
                 30.
                 2.
                 
                 Yea
                 ,
                 whereto
                 might
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 their
                 hands
                 profit
                 me
                 ,
              
               in
               
                 whom
                 old
                 age
                 was
                 perished
              
               ?
               yet
               that
               which
               will
               release
               them
               
                 in
                 part
              
               ,
               will
               not
               do
               it
               altogether
               .
               Time
               is
               so
               short
               ,
               so
               precious
               ,
               so
               irrevocable
               ,
               that
               it
               should
               not
               be
               slept
               or
               trif●…ed
               away
               ,
               if
               we
               can
               do
               any
               thing
               for
               the
               ends
               of
               life
               .
               The
               Aged
               person
               must
               consider
               ,
               how
               much
               
                 wast
                 ground
              
               there
               hath
               been
               in
               the
               field
               of
               his
               life
               n
               ;
               how
               many
               years
               are
               lost
               in
               Infancy
               and
               Childhood
               ;
               how
               much
               time
               at
               riper
               years
               in
               unnecessary
               sleep
               and
               recreations
               ;
               how
               much
               hath
               been
               consumed
               in
               doing
               nothing
               ;
               and
               how
               much
               in
               doing
               
                 worse
                 than
                 nothing
              
               ;
               and
               that
               it
               is
               an
               easie
               thing
               to
               lose
               time
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               an
               hard
               thing
               to
               redeem
               time
               ,
               and
               that
               it
               is
               an
               impossible
               thing
               to
               recall
               time
               ;
               and
               therefore
               they
               who
               have
               lost
               so
               much
               time
               ,
               and
               can
               
                 recall
                 none
              
               of
               it
               ,
               had
               need
               to
               redeem
               ,
               and
               make
               the
               best
               of
               that
               which
               
                 is
                 left
              
               .
               Few
               men
               will
               throw
               
               away
               their
               money
               ,
               but
               most
               men
               squander
               away
               their
               lives
               ;
               being
               most
               prodigal
               of
               that
               wherein
               we
               may
               most
               justly
               be
               covetous
               ,
               as
               the
               same
               Philosopher
               discourseth
               .
            
             
               Let
               no
               Aged
               person
               imagine
               ,
               that
               they
               are
               to
               live
               to
               no
               purpose
               .
               The
               Levites
               ,
               though
               at
               Fifty
               years
               of
               age
               ,
               they
               were
               discharged
               from
               the
               most
               laborious
               service
               of
               the
               Temple
               ,
               yet
               they
               were
               not
               left
               to
               be
               Idle
               ,
               but
               to
               do
               the
               work
               of
               the
               Lord
               in
               some
               more
               easie
               imployments
               .
               Tully
               brings
               in
               Cato
               telling
               how
               he
               learned
               Greek
               in
               his
               Old-age
               ,
               and
               that
               even
               at
               those
               years
               no
               body
               came
               to
               see
               him
               ,
               but
               they
               found
               him
               imployed
               o
               :
               and
               he
               reports
               of
               
                 Leontius
                 Gorgias
              
               ,
               who
               was
               an
               
                 hundred
                 and
                 seven
              
               years
               old
               ,
               and
               yet
               never
               was
               weary
               of
               his
               studies
               and
               labours
               .
               The
               truth
               is
               ,
               sloth
               is
               a
               vice
               that
               accelerates
               Old-age
               ,
               as
               you
               heard
               before
               ,
               and
               abetts
               that
               languishment
               of
               the
               Spirits
               which
               furthers
               it
               .
               We
               shall
               not
               feel
               it
               so
               sensibly
               ,
               while
               we
               are
               continually
               imployed
               p
               .
               How
               much
               knowledge
               and
               wisdom
               have
               we
               neglected
               ,
               which
               we
               might
               have
               obtained
               ,
               if
               our
               sloth
               had
               not
               beguiled
               us
               ?
            
             
               Hence
               comes
               Neglect
               of
               the
               
                 means
                 of
              
               
               Grace
               ,
               to
               which
               we
               may
               adde
               Drowsiness
               in
               the
               use
               of
               them
               .
               Aged
               people
               are
               apt
               to
               satisfie
               themselves
               in
               the
               Omission
               of
               
                 Reading
                 ,
                 Hearing
                 ,
                 Praying
              
               by
               their
               craziness
               and
               infirmities
               .
               Indeed
               when
               we
               are
               inevitably
               hindred
               in
               these
               Means
               ,
               and
               are
               grieved
               for
               that
               hindrance
               ,
               God
               will
               supply
               those
               wants
               ;
               but
               if
               we
               be
               glad
               that
               we
               have
               an
               occasion
               comen
               in
               the
               way
               ,
               whereby
               we
               may
               ,
               without
               sin
               omit
               our
               duty
               ,
               it
               savours
               strongly
               of
               hypocrisie
               .
               And
               Old
               people
               are
               more
               concern'd
               than
               others
               to
               be
               diligent
               herein
               ;
               for
               many
               of
               them
               have
               put
               off
               much
               of
               their
               greatest
               business
               to
               their
               Old-age
               ,
               and
               therefore
               their
               plea
               of
               Impotence
               will
               be
               
                 overruled
                 .
                 I
                 have
                 lost
                 a
                 World
                 of
                 time
                 ,
              
               said
               the
               learned
               Salmasius
               on
               his
               death-bed
               ;
               
                 If
                 I
                 had
                 one
                 year
                 longer
                 ,
                 I
                 would
                 spend
                 it
                 in
                 reading
              
               David's
               
                 Psalms
                 ,
                 and
                 in
              
               Paul's
               Epistles
               .
               Neither
               imagine
               ,
               that
               you
               are
               too
               old
               to
               learn
               :
               for
               the
               Fundamentals
               of
               Doctrine
               and
               Practice
               may
               easily
               ,
               and
               must
               necessarily
               be
               learned
               ,
               else
               
                 he
                 that
                 made
                 you
                 will
                 not
                 save
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 that
                 formed
                 you
                 will
                 shew
                 you
                 no
                 favour
                 ,
                 Isa.
              
               27.
               11.
               
               As
               weak
               as
               you
               are
               ,
               you
               could
               creep
               to
               the
               Assembly
               to
               be
               laden
               back
               again
               with
               Gold
               ;
               and
               a
               grain
               of
               
               grace
               is
               worth
               a
               world
               of
               riches
               .
               When
               some
               outward
               sickness
               afflicts
               ,
               you
               find
               a
               man
               carried
               
                 in
                 a
                 bed
              
               to
               Christ
               ,
               and
               the
               house
               untiled
               to
               let
               him
               down
               through
               the
               roof
               ,
               rather
               than
               continue
               under
               it
               ,
               Luk.
               5.
               18.
               and
               will
               you
               languish
               in
               your
               spiritual
               distempers
               ,
               and
               use
               no
               means
               for
               healing
               ?
               Be
               not
               deceived
               ,
               God
               is
               not
               mocked
               :
               he
               never
               accepts
               the
               will
               for
               the
               deed
               ,
               if
               the
               
                 deed
                 can
              
               well
               be
               done
               ;
               nor
               chuses
               Mercy
               before
               sacrifice
               ,
               where
               both
               may
               be
               offered
               .
            
             
               And
               though
               your
               Years
               may
               dispose
               you
               to
               Drowsiness
               in
               the
               service
               of
               God
               ,
               yet
               they
               will
               not
               wholly
               excuse
               you
               .
               We
               read
               but
               of
               one
               person
               in
               the
               Bible
               ,
               that
               slept
               at
               Sermon
               ,
               and
               he
               was
               taken
               
                 up
                 dead
              
               thereby
               ,
               Act.
               20.
               9.
               
               It
               is
               a
               sin
               charged
               on
               them
               of
               old
               ,
               
                 Isa.
                 64.
                 7.
                 
                 There
                 is
                 none
                 that
                 calleth
                 on
                 thy
                 name
                 ,
                 that
                 stirreth
                 up
                 himself
                 to
                 take
                 hold
                 on
                 thee
                 .
              
               You
               should
               use
               all
               possible
               means
               to
               shake
               off
               that
               drowsie
               distemper
               ,
               and
               set
               the
               holy
               God
               before
               you
               ,
               and
               remember
               that
               your
               own
               cause
               is
               still
               pleading
               or
               trying
               ;
               that
               the
               
                 diligent
                 hand
              
               makes
               rich
               in
               
                 this
                 world
              
               ,
               and
               the
               
                 diligent
                 heart
                 rich
              
               for
               ever
               ;
               and
               that
               Grace
               and
               Comfort
               are
               like
               the
               Manna
               ,
               which
               was
               to
               be
               gather'd
               early
               ,
               or
               else
               it
               vanished
               :
               
               they
               that
               loved
               their
               beds
               ,
               starved
               their
               bellies
               .
               How
               much
               good
               might
               you
               do
               and
               get
               ,
               notwithstanding
               your
               years
               ,
               if
               you
               would
               shake
               off
               that
               slothful
               distemper
               ,
               that
               haunts
               .
               you
               ?
               how
               many
               have
               lamented
               at
               their
               end
               their
               loss
               of
               time
               ?
               Nothing
               so
               much
               troubled
               that
               Excellent
               
                 Preacher
                 ,
                 Dr.
              
               Robert
               Harris
               ,
               when
               he
               was
               on
               his
               death-bed
               ,
               as
               
                 Loss
                 of
                 time
              
               .
               Rouse
               up
               then
               your
               benumbed
               spirits
               ,
               your
               time
               of
               Action
               will
               last
               but
               a
               while
               .
               Consider
               ,
               wherein
               you
               are
               capable
               to
               
                 serve
                 your
                 generation
                 by
                 the
                 will
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               and
               up
               and
               be
               doing
               .
               The
               Grave
               will
               be
               most
               irksome
               to
               the
               loyterer
               ,
               but
               most
               welcome
               to
               the
               labourer
               ,
               for
               there
               
                 the
                 weary
              
               ,
               and
               only
               they
               
                 will
                 be
                 at
                 rest
              
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               The
               
                 Fourth
                 Temptation
              
               which
               Aged
               persons
               are
               liable
               unto
               ,
               is
               ,
               
                 Expectation
                 still
                 of
                 longer
                 life
              
               .
               No
               man
               is
               so
               Old
               ,
               saith
               the
               Orator
               ,
               but
               thinks
               it
               very
               possible
               to
               weather
               it
               out
               a
               year
               longer
               q
               ;
               and
               such
               men
               do
               ,
               upon
               the
               matter
               ,
               think
               they
               may
               live
               alwayes
               .
               It
               hath
               been
               an
               old
               complaint
               ,
               that
               men
               eat
               and
               drink
               ,
               as
               though
               they
               must
               
                 dye
                 to
                 morrow
              
               ,
               and
               yet
               buy
               and
               build
               as
               though
               they
               must
               
                 live
                 alwayes
              
               .
               How
               usual
               is
               it
               with
               very
               Aged
               men
               and
               women
               ,
               to
               contrive
               
               and
               appoint
               affairs
               for
               a
               month
               ,
               or
               a
               year
               beforehand
               ?
               It
               is
               not
               only
               young
               persons
               that
               say
               ,
               
                 To
                 day
                 or
                 to
                 morrow
                 we
                 will
                 go
                 into
                 such
                 a
                 City
                 ,
                 and
                 continue
                 there
                 a
                 year
                 ,
                 and
                 buy
                 and
                 sell
                 and
                 get
                 gain
                 .
                 Whereas
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 ,
                 what
                 shall
                 be
                 on
                 the
                 morrow
                 .
                 For
                 what
                 is
                 your
                 life
                 ?
                 it
                 is
                 even
                 a
                 vapour
                 that
                 appeareth
                 for
                 a
                 little
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 vanisheth
                 away
                 ,
              
               Jam.
               5.
               13
               ,
               14.
               
               But
               even
               Old
               persons
               are
               apt
               to
               think
               the
               same
               thing
               .
               The
               most
               decrepit
               person
               fancies
               he
               shall
               abide
               here
               a
               
                 little
                 longer
              
               ;
               and
               when
               that
               time
               is
               expir'd
               ,
               still
               reckons
               to
               continue
               a
               
                 little
                 longer
              
               r
               .
            
             
               The
               folly
               and
               ungroundedness
               of
               this
               Imagination
               ,
               is
               obvious
               .
               For
               what
               should
               induce
               one
               that
               is
               already
               dying
               ,
               to
               think
               that
               he
               shall
               not
               very
               quickly
               
                 dy
                 out
                 and
                 out
              
               ?
               Alas
               !
               Death
               hath
               laid
               its
               
                 cold
                 hand
              
               already
               upon
               us
               s
               .
               Our
               Eyes
               ,
               our
               Ears
               ,
               our
               Hands
               ,
               our
               Legs
               ,
               our
               Lungs
               ,
               our
               very
               Vitals
               are
               death-struck
               already
               .
               Death
               puts
               in
               for
               a
               share
               in
               every
               day
               we
               spend
               t
               Have
               we
               taken
               any
               Lease
               of
               our
               lives
               ,
               for
               a
               determinate
               time
               ?
               Can
               we
               produce
               any
               Reason
               ,
               any
               
                 one
                 Reason
              
               to
               prove
               that
               we
               should
               live
               
                 a
                 year
              
               ,
               or
               a
               week
               longer
               ?
               I
               am
               sure
               the
               provoking
               Sins
               ,
               which
               are
               in
               our
               Souls
               ,
               and
               the
               
               unruly
               Humours
               which
               are
               in
               our
               Bodies
               ,
               render
               our
               speedy
               death
               more
               likely
               ,
               than
               a
               longer
               life
               :
               besides
               the
               rage
               of
               Satan
               against
               us
               ,
               and
               the
               many
               Casualties
               incident
               to
               us
               .
               Now
               when
               a
               man
               expects
               any
               thing
               ,
               and
               hath
               no
               reason
               for
               such
               his
               expectation
               ,
               it
               is
               lamentably
               ridiculous
               .
            
             
               But
               what
               little
               Reason
               soever
               there
               is
               for
               such
               an
               Imagination
               ,
               there
               is
               some
               
                 Cause
                 of
                 it
              
               :
               And
               the
               cause
               seems
               to
               be
               a
               
                 Lothness
                 to
                 dy
              
               .
               Too
               few
               there
               are
               ,
               that
               are
               willing
               to
               part
               with
               things
               seen
               ,
               for
               things
               unseen
               u
               .
               They
               are
               loth
               to
               go
               out
               of
               this
               world
               of
               men
               and
               women
               ,
               into
               a
               world
               of
               Souls
               .
               Death
               is
               like
               a
               cup
               that
               will
               either
               mend
               or
               end
               ,
               and
               such
               a
               dose
               is
               taken
               with
               a
               trembling
               hand
               .
               And
               therefore
               the
               heart
               cryes
               out
               ,
               
                 Let
                 me
                 alone
                 this
                 year
                 also
                 .
              
               Thus
               men
               would
               
                 put
                 far
                 from
                 them
                 the
                 evil
                 day
                 ,
              
               and
               it
               will
               prove
               an
               
                 evil
                 day
              
               ,
               when
               it
               is
               thus
               deferr'd
               .
               Alas
               !
               it
               is
               not
               the
               duration
               of
               ones
               life
               ,
               but
               the
               goodness
               and
               comfort
               of
               it
               ,
               that
               is
               considerable
               .
               This
               the
               dim
               eye
               of
               Nature
               saw
               and
               concluded
               ,
               that
               a
               wise
               man
               chuses
               to
               live
               as
               long
               
                 as
                 he
                 ought
              
               ,
               not
               as
               long
               
                 as
                 he
                 could
              
               w
               .
               I
               know
               it
               is
               a
               hard
               pluck
               ,
               to
               have
               a
               Soul
               and
               a
               body
               that
               
               have
               ▪
               lived
               long
               together
               ,
               to
               part
               a-sunder
               :
               but
               it
               is
               irrevocably
               appointed
               unto
               men
               to
               dye
               ;
               and
               when
               a
               thing
               is
               indispensably
               necessary
               ,
               it
               is
               the
               best
               course
               to
               consider
               what
               will
               best
               mitigate
               ,
               and
               render
               it
               either
               desirable
               or
               tolerable
               .
               Wherein
               as
               right
               Reason
               may
               contribute
               much
               ,
               so
               
                 Christian
                 Religion
              
               much
               more
               ;
               whereby
               the
               holy
               Soul
               is
               assured
               of
               a
               far
               better
               house
               ,
               than
               the
               body
               ,
               and
               the
               body
               of
               a
               far
               
                 better
                 estate
              
               ,
               after
               it
               hath
               slept
               a
               while
               in
               the
               grave
               .
            
             
               To
               Remedy
               therefore
               this
               Temptation
               ,
               Consider
               the
               Folly
               and
               
                 ill
                 Effects
              
               thereof
               .
               That
               is
               a
               foolish
               Traveller
               ,
               who
               being
               quite
               spent
               with
               the
               fatigue
               of
               his
               journey
               ,
               would
               turn
               again
               and
               trave●…
               it
               over
               again
               ;
               when
               as
               nothing
               is
               more
               welcome
               to
               the
               weary
               than
               a
               
                 quiet
                 lodging
              
               x
               .
               Upon
               occasion
               of
               this
               groundless
               Expectation
               in
               that
               rich
               man
               ,
               Luk.
               12
               ▪
               our
               Saviour
               plainly
               calls
               him
               ,
               
                 Thou
                 fool
                 ▪
              
               For
               it
               is
               the
               rankest
               folly
               ,
               to
               expect
               when
               winter
               is
               coming
               ,
               that
               it
               will
               relent
               and
               retire
               again
               ,
               because
               we
               distast
               it
               .
               No
               more
               will
               Death
               forbear
               us
               ,
               but
               when
               our
               Name
               is
               called
               ,
               we
               
                 must
                 go
              
               .
            
             
               But
               this
               vain
               expectation
               of
               a
               longer
               life
               unfits
               us
               for
               Death
               ,
               it
               keeps
               the
               Soul
               secure
               and
               careless
               ,
               we
               deferr
               that
               
               till
               
                 to
                 morrow
              
               ,
               which
               should
               be
               done
               
                 to
                 day
              
               ;
               we
               lose
               the
               present
               time
               ,
               and
               dispose
               of
               the
               future
               which
               is
               not
               in
               our
               hands
               ,
               but
               in
               Gods
               y
               .
               This
               causes
               Men
               to
               procrastinate
               their
               Repentance
               ,
               to
               deferr
               the
               
                 Good
                 works
              
               which
               they
               have
               purposed
               to
               do
               ,
               yea
               the
               very
               making
               of
               their
               
                 Last
                 Will
              
               hath
               been
               protracted
               hereupon
               by
               many
               ,
               until
               they
               have
               bin
               uncapable
               to
               do
               it
               .
               Let
               all
               Aged
               persons
               therefore
               be
               advised
               ,
               to
               set
               Death
               each
               morning
               between
               themselves
               ,
               and
               the
               ensuing
               night
               ;
               and
               every
               night
               make
               that
               reasonable
               supposition
               ,
               that
               it
               may
               arrest
               you
               before
               morning
               :
               The
               messenger
               that
               you
               have
               so
               long
               looked
               for
               ,
               will
               not
               amaze
               you
               ,
               when
               he
               comes
               .
               As
               the
               meeting
               of
               a
               stroke
               breaks
               the
               force
               of
               it
               ,
               so
               the
               
                 Sting
                 of
                 death
              
               is
               in
               a
               great
               measure
               lost
               ,
               when
               we
               are
               first
               aware
               of
               it
               .
               He
               that
               in
               this
               respect
               
                 dyes
                 daily
              
               ,
               will
               easily
               and
               happily
               dye
               at
               last
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               VI.
               
            
             
               THE
               
                 Sixth
                 Work
              
               of
               Old-age
               is
               ,
               Providence
               
               
                 for
                 Posterity
              
               .
               Too
               many
               when
               they
               are
               going
               out
               of
               this
               World
               ,
               
               care
               not
               what
               becomes
               ,
               either
               Temporally
               ,
               or
               Eternally
               ,
               of
               those
               that
               shall
               come
               
                 after
                 them
              
               .
               And
               accordingly
               will
               neither
               
                 plant'a
                 Tree
              
               ,
               nor
               
                 repair
                 an
                 House
              
               ,
               nor
               do
               
                 any
                 thing
              
               for
               the
               benefit
               of
               Posterity
               .
               They
               cry
               ,
               
                 It
                 will
                 serve
                 our
                 time
              
               :
               and
               so
               suffer
               all
               things
               to
               go
               to
               ruine
               ,
               because
               they
               are
               removing
               into
               another
               world
               themselves
               ;
               yea
               and
               commit
               ,
               or
               
                 permit
                 wilfull
                 wast
              
               divers
               ways
               ,
               for
               somepresent
               small
               advantage
               ,
               leaving
               great
               inconveniences
               to
               their
               Successors
               :
               whereas
               the
               very
               Heatheus
               had
               better
               principles
               ,
               and
               injoyned
               their
               Old
               men
               to
               
                 plant
                 trees
                 ,
                 &c.
              
               which
               might
               be
               usefull
               to
               another
               Generation
               z
               .
               Thus
               a
               man
               may
               be
               benefiting
               others
               still
               ,
               
                 after
                 he
                 is
                 dead
              
               and
               gone
               ,
               and
               God
               may
               be
               praised
               for
               your
               care
               and
               kindness
               ,
               by
               them
               which
               succeed
               you
               .
            
             
               And
               another
               sort
               there
               are
               ,
               that
               in
               stead
               of
               leaving
               any
               Blessing
               or
               benefit
               ,
               do
               lay
               up
               a
               Curse
               for
               their
               Posterity
               ;
               by
               leaving
               them
               Estates
               which
               they
               have
               got
               by
               Fraud
               and
               Injustice
               ,
               or
               some
               
                 unconscionable
                 course
              
               ;
               which
               is
               the
               ready
               way
               to
               melt
               away
               the
               rest
               how
               justly
               soever
               obtained
               .
               You
               cannot
               invent
               a
               more
               compendious
               and
               infallible
               means
               to
               undoe
               all
               your
               Posterity
               ,
               than
               by
               transferring
               
               to
               them
               Goods
               or
               Estates
               indirectly
               gotten
               :
               for
               
                 God
                 is
                 righteous
              
               ,
               and
               will
               not
               prosper
               unrighteous
               dealings
               .
               
                 Those
                 riches
                 will
                 perish
                 by
                 evil
                 travel
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 begetteth
                 a
                 Son
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 in
                 his
                 hand
                 .
                 Eccl.
              
               5.
               14.
               
            
             
               But
               if
               you
               have
               any
               care
               or
               concern
               for
               your
               Posterity
               ,
               lay
               up
               a
               stock
               of
               Prayers
               for
               them
               ,
               and
               leave
               them
               ,
               as
               is
               aforemention'd
               ,
               wholsome
               and
               good
               Rules
               concerning
               
                 Piety
                 ,
                 Equity
              
               and
               Charity
               .
               Leave
               them
               an
               Account
               of
               your
               own
               Experience
               in
               all
               things
               material
               ;
               that
               so
               ,
               if
               they
               have
               any
               brains
               ,
               they
               may
               
                 cheaply
                 learn
              
               what
               you
               have
               
                 dearly
                 bought
              
               .
               And
               especially
               leave
               them
               a
               Copy
               of
               your
               own
               good
               Example
               ,
               which
               will
               be
               a
               constant
               Monitor
               ,
               and
               Check
               to
               them
               in
               the
               whole
               course
               of
               their
               conversation
               .
            
             
               But
               these
               having
               bin
               touched
               before
               ,
               that
               which
               remains
               for
               the
               
                 Peace
                 ,
                 Comfort
              
               and
               good
               of
               Posterity
               ,
               is
               a
               Prudent
               and
               
                 seasonable
                 Settling
              
               of
               your
               
                 outward
                 Estate
              
               .
               It
               is
               strange
               to
               see
               the
               great
               backwardness
               of
               many
               Aged
               persons
               to
               this
               work
               ,
               as
               if
               making
               their
               Will
               would
               either
               
                 lessen
                 their
                 Estates
              
               ,
               or
               
                 shorten
                 their
                 Lives
              
               ,
               a
               gross
               and
               groundless
               Opinion
               ;
               whereas
               the
               neglecting
               of
               this
               affair
               ,
               hath
               a
               train
               of
               very
               
                 ill
                 consequences
              
               ;
               
               particularly
               ,
               many
               of
               the
               most
               tedious
               
                 Suits
                 of
                 Law
              
               are
               occasion'd
               thereby
               ,
               mutual
               Love
               among
               Relations
               spoiled
               ,
               the
               poor
               overcome
               by
               the
               rich
               ,
               the
               simple
               by
               the
               cunning
               ,
               the
               Orphan
               by
               the
               Guardian
               ,
               and
               very
               often
               the
               
                 whole
                 Estate
              
               squandred
               away
               in
               trying
               for
               it
               .
               What
               a
               folly
               is
               this
               ,
               to
               neglect
               that
               which
               would
               both
               quiet
               your
               own
               minds
               ,
               and
               preserve
               quiet
               among
               them
               that
               
                 come
                 after
                 ?
                 Ten
                 lines
              
               discreetly
               written
               ,
               would
               prevent
               
                 ten
                 thousand
                 lines
              
               when
               you
               are
               dead
               .
               When
               the
               Lord
               therefore
               sent
               a
               Message
               of
               Death
               ,
               by
               the
               
                 Prophet
                 Isaiah
              
               ,
               to
               King
               Hezekiah
               ,
               he
               commanded
               him
               to
               
                 set
                 his
                 house
                 in
                 order
              
               ,
               Isa.
               38.
               1.
               as
               if
               that
               work
               must
               of
               right
               go
               before
               his
               death
               .
               The
               Aged
               person
               then
               ought
               to
               present
               this
               Message
               daily
               to
               his
               Soul
               ,
               
                 Man
                 ,
                 Woman
                 ,
                 set
                 thy
                 house
                 in
                 order
                 .
              
               For
               since
               it
               is
               uncertain
               in
               what
               place
               ,
               or
               in
               what
               
                 moment
                 Death
              
               waiteth
               for
               us
               ;
               it
               behoves
               us
               to
               wait
               for
               it
               in
               every
               place
               ,
               and
               every
               moment
               ,
               and
               consequently
               to
               set
               not
               only
               the
               heart
               ,
               but
               the
               house
               in
               Order
               .
            
             
               And
               in
               the
               doing
               of
               this
               work
               ,
               let
               Reason
               and
               Iudgment
               over-rule
               Passion
               and
               Affection
               .
               If
               need
               be
               ,
               advise
               in
               Law
               ;
               the
               neglect
               whereof
               renders
               the
               Testaments
               
               of
               many
               persons
               nothing
               ,
               but
               Bones
               of
               Contention
               ;
               and
               so
               the
               sparing
               of
               a
               small
               Fee
               at
               present
               ,
               proves
               the
               spending
               of
               many
               in
               a
               short
               time
               .
               But
               however
               ,
               weigh
               your
               Purposes
               in
               a
               good
               Conscience
               ,
               and
               remember
               that
               you
               are
               only
               Deputies
               under
               
                 God
                 ,
                 whose
                 you
                 are
              
               ,
               and
               your
               whole
               Estate
               ;
               that
               it
               be
               so
               Devised
               ,
               as
               may
               agree
               with
               his
               
                 Revealed
                 will
                 ▪
              
               Think
               with
               your selves
               ,
               what
               judgment
               wise
               ,
               and
               impartial
               persons
               will
               pass
               upon
               your
               Disposals
               ,
               when
               you
               are
               in
               the
               grave
               .
               Pray
               therefore
               unto
               God
               on
               this
               occasion
               ,
               that
               he
               would
               first
               Direct
               ,
               and
               then
               Establish
               your
               Purposes
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               likeliest
               way
               to
               bring
               them
               to
               pass
               .
            
             
               And
               dispatch
               this
               affair
               Timcusly
               ,
               while
               you
               are
               in
               health
               and
               strength
               .
               For
               you
               can
               never
               do
               it
               as
               you
               would
               ,
               nor
               perhaps
               as
               you
               should
               ,
               when
               you
               are
               in
               the
               power
               of
               those
               ,
               that
               stand
               waiting
               for
               your
               Estate
               a
               .
               They
               who
               are
               so
               weak
               ,
               that
               they
               must
               be
               beholden
               to
               their
               Relations
               ,
               for
               every
               Refreshment
               they
               have
               need
               of
               ,
               cannot
               have
               the
               liberty
               or
               opportunity
               to
               order
               their
               affairs
               in
               an
               impartial
               manner
               .
               What
               if
               upon
               the
               alteration
               of
               your
               circumstances
               ,
               you
               revise
               your
               Will
               ,
               and
               alter
               it
               every
               year
               ?
               Is
               it
               not
               much
               better
               to
               be
               at
               that
               trouble
               ,
               
               than
               either
               to
               deferr
               it
               till
               you
               can
               make
               
                 none
                 at
                 all
              
               ,
               or
               such
               as
               must
               savour
               greatly
               of
               your
               present
               weakness
               ?
               Do
               not
               imagine
               ,
               that
               the
               Expedition
               of
               this
               ,
               will
               hasten
               your
               Death
               .
               For
               what
               influence
               or
               efficacy
               can
               this
               have
               ,
               to
               procure
               any
               such
               effect
               ?
               It
               were
               easie
               to
               produce
               those
               ,
               that
               have
               never
               bin
               without
               a
               Will
               written
               and
               sealed
               ,
               for
               Thirty
               or
               Forty
               years
               together
               .
               It
               affords
               a
               man
               great
               satisfaction
               ,
               in
               case
               any
               
                 sudden
                 sickness
              
               seize
               upon
               him
               ,
               that
               he
               hath
               nothing
               of
               any
               earthly
               affairs
               to
               trouble
               him
               ,
               nothing
               to
               do
               but
               to
               bear
               ,
               or
               to
               be
               relieved
               of
               his
               distemper
               .
               For
               when
               our
               inward
               State
               is
               fixed
               ,
               and
               our
               outward
               State
               is
               settled
               ,
               yet
               we
               shall
               find
               it
               work
               enough
               ,
               to
               grapple
               with
               the
               disquiets
               of
               a
               disease
               ,
               and
               with
               the
               pangs
               of
               Death
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               VII
               .
            
             
               THE
               
                 Seventh
                 Work
              
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               is
               ,
               
               Mortification
               .
               And
               the
               Object
               hereof
               is
               double
               :
               1.
               
               That
               which
               is
               
                 Evil
                 in
                 it self
              
               .
               2.
               
               That
               which
               is
               
                 Lawful
                 in
                 it self
              
               .
               The
               
                 Religious
                 Old
              
               person
               hath
               work
               in
               both
               these
               .
            
             
             
               1.
               
               One
               great
               work
               of
               Old-age
               is
               
                 Dying
                 to
                 sin
              
               ,
               to
               all
               sin
               .
               
                 The
                 time
                 past
                 of
                 our
                 life
                 may
                 suffice
                 us
                 to
                 have
                 walked
                 in
                 lasciviousness
                 ,
                 lusts
                 ,
                 excess
                 of
                 Wine
                 ,
                 revellings
                 ,
                 banquettings
                 ,
              
               &c.
               
               1
               Pet.
               4.
               3.
               
               We
               have
               sinn'd
               enough
               already
               ,
               yea
               much
               more
               than
               enough
               ;
               it
               is
               high
               time
               to
               undo
               that
               which
               hath
               almost
               undone
               us
               .
               We
               are
               dying
               ,
               it
               is
               necessary
               that
               our
               sins
               dy
               before
               us
               b
               ,
               and
               that
               by
               Faith
               in
               the
               death
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               Repentance
               from
               dead
               works
               ;
               for
               want
               of
               which
               course
               ,
               our
               Evidences
               prove
               litigious
               ,
               and
               snarled
               with
               inextricable
               doubts
               .
               It
               is
               not
               enough
               ,
               that
               we
               want
               strength
               ,
               or
               opportunity
               to
               sin
               ,
               but
               our
               wills
               and
               desires
               towards
               it
               ,
               must
               be
               dead
               also
               .
               Sin
               is
               only
               asleep
               ,
               or
               benumbed
               in
               us
               ,
               if
               we
               have
               not
               used
               
                 Gods
                 means
              
               to
               crucify
               it
               .
               It
               's
               not
               sufficient
               that
               we
               leave
               it
               ,
               except
               we
               loath
               it
               .
               Go
               through-stitch
               therefore
               with
               this
               work
               ;
               do
               it
               quickly
               ,
               do
               it
               sincerely
               :
               it
               is
               ,
               Kill
               or
               
                 be
                 Kill'd
              
               ,
               and
               necessity
               makes
               the
               Coward
               resolute
               .
               Dread
               not
               any
               
                 Scriptural
                 severities
              
               necessary
               in
               Mortification
               .
               Some
               Devils
               are
               not
               cast
               out
               without
               Prayer
               and
               Fasting
               ;
               and
               Hippocrates
               c
               observes
               ,
               that
               Old-age
               is
               the
               fittest
               for
               the
               use
               of
               Fasting
               .
               The
               wounds
               that
               sin
               hath
               made
               ,
               must
               be
               searched
               to
               the
               bottom
               ,
               and
               
               doubtless
               it
               is
               never
               crucified
               ,
               no
               more
               than
               Christ
               was
               ,
               without
               pain
               .
            
             
               How
               justly
               doth
               the
               Scripture
               still
               stigmatize
               sin
               with
               the
               name
               of
               Folly
               ?
               to
               weave
               a
               Webb
               that
               must
               be
               unrav'led
               ;
               and
               to
               make
               us
               spend
               our
               lives
               between
               
                 sinfull
                 joyes
              
               ,
               and
               
                 painfull
                 sorrowes
              
               .
               And
               though
               Old-age
               doth
               not
               mortify
               sin
               by
               it self
               ,
               yet
               cooling
               our
               lusts
               and
               passions
               ,
               it
               proves
               helpfull
               in
               that
               work
               d
               :
               and
               provided
               ,
               we
               be
               truly
               thankful
               unto
               God
               for
               that
               advantage
               ,
               and
               that
               we
               use
               other
               necessary
               means
               to
               that
               end
               ,
               we
               may
               comfortably
               acquiesce
               in
               that
               blessed
               effect
               ;
               and
               rejoyce
               that
               the
               things
               which
               are
               displeasing
               to
               God
               ,
               are
               become
               
                 unpleasant
                 to
                 us
              
               .
               But
               we
               must
               not
               be
               content
               to
               be
               only
               passive
               ,
               in
               the
               decayes
               of
               sin
               ;
               we
               must
               be
               active
               in
               that
               work
               .
               
                 If
                 ye
                 ,
                 through
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 mortifie
                 the
                 deeds
                 of
                 the
                 Body
                 ,
                 ye
                 shall
                 live
                 ,
              
               Rom.
               8.
               13.
               
            
             
               And
               as
               
                 All
                 sin
              
               must
               be
               the
               Object
               of
               Mortification
               ,
               so
               especially
               all
               
                 Youthful
                 sins
              
               e
               .
               For
               as
               Chrysostom
               says
               ,
               An
               Old
               man
               acting
               
                 juvenile
                 sins
              
               ,
               is
               far
               more
               ridiculous
               than
               young
               persons
               ,
               that
               commit
               those
               sins
               .
               To
               have
               our
               hearts
               
               burn
               with
               Lust
               ,
               or
               Revenge
               ,
               when
               our
               veins
               are
               freezing
               with
               Age
               ,
               the
               soul
               rampant
               and
               the
               body
               dying
               ,
               is
               monstrous
               f
               .
               And
               yet
               we
               know
               ,
               how
               S.
               Hierom
               himself
               complains
               of
               scalding
               motions
               ,
               that
               were
               ready
               to
               invade
               his
               withered
               body
               .
               And
               the
               Scripture
               gives
               us
               a
               sad
               Instance
               hereof
               ,
               even
               of
               Solomon
               the
               best
               and
               wisest
               of
               men
               alive
               ,
               that
               had
               done
               more
               
                 for
                 God
              
               ,
               and
               
                 God
                 for
                 him
              
               ,
               than
               any
               man
               in
               the
               age
               he
               lived
               in
               ;
               that
               he
               when
               he
               was
               between
               Fifty
               and
               Sixty
               years
               of
               age
               ,
               should
               be
               so
               far
               inslaved
               to
               his
               
                 strange
                 wives
              
               ,
               as
               to
               be
               carried
               by
               them
               to
               worship
               
                 strange
                 gods
                 .
                 For
                 it
                 came
                 to
                 pass
                 ,
                 when
                 Soloman
                 was
                 Old
                 ,
                 that
                 his
                 wives
                 turned
                 away
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
              
               &c.
               
               1
               Kin.
               11.
               4.
               
               Whereby
               he
               set
               in
               such
               a
               cloud
               ,
               as
               hath
               drawn
               his
               very
               Salvation
               into
               question
               .
               Let
               it
               be
               a
               warning
               to
               all
               Aged
               people
               ,
               to
               see
               that
               their
               Corruptions
               be
               not
               asleep
               but
               dead
               ,
               as
               far
               as
               is
               attainable
               in
               this
               life
               ;
               that
               the
               
                 Old
                 man
              
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               the
               
                 outward
                 man
              
               perish
               ,
               and
               which
               will
               be
               a
               good
               proof
               thereof
               ,
               that
               the
               
                 inward
                 man
                 be
                 renewed
                 day
                 by
                 day
                 .
              
               That
               our
               Thoughts
               ,
               our
               Words
               ,
               our
               very
               Behaviour
               and
               Attire
               proclaim
               ,
               that
               Sin
               and
               we
               are
               parted
               never
               to
               meet
               again
               .
               It
               was
               a
               good
               
               answer
               of
               a
               Lacedemonian
               to
               one
               that
               asked
               him
               ,
               why
               he
               wore
               his
               
                 Beard
                 so
                 long
                 ?
                 Answ.
              
               It
               is
               to
               mind
               me
               ,
               that
               I
               do
               nothing
               unbeseeming
               my
               
                 hoary
                 hairs
              
               .
               A
               light
               behaviour
               in
               a
               grave
               person
               is
               foolish
               and
               loathsome
               :
               For
               
                 as
                 dead
                 flies
                 cause
                 the
                 ointment
                 of
                 the
                 Apothecary
                 to
                 send
                 forth
                 a
                 stinking
                 saviour
                 ;
                 so
                 doth
                 a
                 little
                 folly
                 ,
                 him
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 reputation
                 for
                 wisdom
                 and
                 honour
                 ,
              
               Eccl.
               10.
               1.
               
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               
                 Other
                 Object
              
               of
               Mortification
               proper
               for
               Old-age
               ,
               is
               
                 The
                 World
              
               and
               all
               the
               innocent
               ,
               but
               charming
               vanities
               thereof
               .
               Not
               that
               they
               are
               bound
               actually
               to
               forsake
               the
               World
               ,
               either
               the
               needful
               cares
               ,
               or
               the
               lawful
               comforts
               of
               it
               :
               But
               to
               wean
               and
               abate
               their
               desires
               of
               it
               ,
               their
               delights
               in
               it
               ,
               their
               cares
               about
               it
               g
               .
               This
               should
               be
               every
               Christians
               work
               ,
               but
               it
               should
               be
               the
               Aged
               persons
               care
               ,
               in
               a
               more
               eminent
               measure
               .
               For
               they
               are
               ready
               to
               leave
               this
               world
               ,
               and
               ascend
               into
               another
               ;
               and
               every
               one
               takes
               off
               their
               mind
               from
               an
               house
               they
               are
               leaving
               .
               The
               world
               also
               is
               forsaking
               them
               ,
               the
               pleasure
               they
               have
               formerly
               taken
               in
               meats
               ,
               apparel
               ,
               building
               ,
               is
               much
               decayed
               ;
               the
               things
               which
               did
               formerly
               ravish
               ,
               are
               now
               grown
               insipid
               ;
               and
               doth
               not
               this
               call
               aloud
               to
               
               them
               to
               real
               Mortification
               ?
               you
               should
               most
               readily
               consent
               to
               part
               with
               them
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               Farewell
               my
               gold
               and
               all
               my
               gayeties
               ,
               I
               meant
               not
               to
               injoy
               ,
               but
               use
               you
               ,
               
                 I
                 can
                 be
                 happy
                 without
                 you
                 .
              
            
             
               It
               is
               the
               absurdest
               sight
               in
               the
               world
               ,
               to
               see
               one
               gaping
               and
               grasping
               after
               
                 this
                 world
              
               ,
               when
               he
               is
               
                 going
                 into
                 another
                 .
                 Let
                 your
                 moderation
                 be
                 known
                 unto
                 all
                 men
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 at
                 hand
                 ,
              
               Phil.
               4.
               5.
               
               Your
               loyns
               should
               be
               always
               
                 girded
                 about
                 ,
                 and
                 your
                 lights
                 burning
                 ,
                 and
                 ye
                 your selves
                 like
                 unto
                 men
                 that
                 wait
                 for
                 your
                 Lord
                 ,
              
               Luk.
               12.
               35.
               
               
                 I
                 write
                 unto
                 you
                 Fathers
                 ,
                 Love
                 not
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 neither
                 the
                 things
                 that
                 are
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
              
               1
               Joh.
               2.
               14
               ,
               15.
               
               Abate
               your
               love
               to
               things
               below
               ,
               and
               increase
               your
               love
               to
               things
               above
               :
               Nothing
               can
               overcome
               love
               but
               Love
               ,
               love
               of
               earthly
               things
               ,
               but
               the
               Love
               of
               heavenly
               things
               ,
               as
               nothing
               can
               fetch
               out
               fire
               like
               fire
               .
               O
               when
               we
               do
               love
               all
               these
               things
               
                 for
                 God
              
               ,
               we
               will
               willingly
               leave
               them
               all
               to
               go
               
                 to
                 God
              
               ,
               for
               whose
               sake
               only
               we
               valued
               them
               .
               Otherwise
               you
               will
               find
               it
               an
               hard
               pluck
               to
               leave
               them
               ,
               even
               like
               the
               plucking
               the
               
                 Skin
                 off
              
               your
               hand
               ;
               whereas
               the
               heart
               that
               is
               mortified
               to
               them
               ,
               can
               part
               with
               them
               ,
               as
               easily
               as
               you
               can
               
               draw
               the
               
                 glove
                 off
              
               your
               hand
               .
               How
               readi●…
               did
               〈◊〉
               g●…
               up
               into
               the
               mount
               ,
               and
               dye
               !
               what
               little
               noise
               or
               dispute
               did
               Iacob
               ,
               or
               David
               ,
               or
               Paul
               make
               about
               leaving
               ●…he
               world
               ?
               They
               were
               dead
               to
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               ▪
               He
               that
               said
               
                 I
                 am
                 ready
                 to
                 be
                 offer●…
                 ,
              
               had
               said
               before
               ,
               
                 the
                 world
                 is
                 crucified
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 unto
                 ●…he
                 world
                 .
              
            
             
               So
               that
               the
               Aged
               person
               should
               be
               mortified
               to
               Life
               it self
               ;
               he
               should
               be
               very
               well
               content
               to
               dy
               .
               It
               was
               a
               sad
               Confession
               of
               
                 Caesar
                 Borgia
              
               that
               ambitious
               Grandee
               ,
               when
               he
               was
               near
               his
               end
               ,
               that
               he
               was
               prepar'd
               for
               every
               occurrent
               but
               Death
               ;
               which
               was
               the
               only
               thing
               that
               he
               should
               have
               been
               most
               ready
               for
               .
               But
               't
               is
               Grace
               ,
               not
               years
               that
               makes
               us
               dead
               to
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               to
               the
               desire
               of
               Life
               h
               .
               When
               the
               Aged
               man
               hath
               made
               it
               his
               business
               to
               honour
               God
               ,
               to
               save
               his
               own
               soul
               ,
               and
               to
               serve
               his
               own
               generation
               ,
               he
               may
               with
               unconceivable
               comfort
               say
               with
               
                 Old
                 Simeon
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 now
                 lettest
                 thou
                 thy
                 Servant
                 depart
                 in
                 peace
              
               ;
               I
               have
               done
               with
               this
               life
               ,
               welcome
               be
               the
               grave
               ,
               welcome
               everlasting
               life
               .
            
          
           
             
             
               SECT
               .
               VIII
               .
            
             
               THE
               
                 Eighth
                 Work
              
               of
               Old-age
               is
               ,
               
               
                 Laying
                 up
                 a
                 treasure
                 in
                 Heaven
                 .
              
               Where
               by
               Heaven
               I
               understand
               not
               only
               the
               Place
               ,
               but
               the
               Nature
               of
               the
               
                 Treasures
                 ,
                 heavenly
                 Treasures
              
               .
               Some
               of
               these
               the
               Aged
               will
               have
               need
               of
               
                 Before
                 Death
              
               ,
               of
               some
               
                 At
                 Death
              
               ,
               of
               some
               
                 After
                 Death
              
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               You
               should
               lay
               up
               for
               your selves
               a
               Treasure
               of
               Prayers
               ,
               and
               Promises
               to
               support
               you
               before
               Death
               comes
               .
               Of
               Prayer
               I
               have
               spoken
               before
               ;
               but
               there
               are
               Promises
               that
               are
               very
               comfortable
               and
               very
               necessary
               for
               Old
               people
               ;
               which
               they
               who
               are
               assured
               of
               
                 Gods
                 Veracity
              
               ,
               and
               their
               
                 own
                 Integrity
              
               ,
               may
               apply
               to
               themselves
               ,
               as
               if
               individually
               directed
               unto
               them
               .
               The
               Apostle
               makes
               that
               inference
               from
               that
               excellent
               Promise
               ,
               which
               hath
               more
               value
               in
               it
               ,
               than
               all
               the
               Old
               mans
               baggs
               and
               bonds
               ,
               Heb.
               13.
               5.
               
               
                 I
                 will
                 never
                 leave
                 thee
                 ,
                 nor
                 forsake
                 thee
              
               ;
               whence
               he
               inferrs
               ,
               vers
               .
               6.
               
               
                 So
                 that
                 we
              
               ,
               even
               we
               ,
               
                 may
                 boldly
                 say
                 ,
                 The
                 Lord
                 is
                 my
                 helper
                 .
              
               Another
               Promise
               there
               is
               ,
               
               most
               comfortable
               for
               Ancient
               people
               ,
               Isa.
               46.
               4.
               
               
                 Even
                 to
                 your
                 Old-age
                 I
                 am
                 he
                 ,
                 and
                 even
                 to
                 hoar
                 hairs
                 will
                 I
                 carry
                 you
                 :
                 I
                 have
                 made
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 bear
                 ,
                 even
                 I
                 will
                 carry
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 deliver
                 you
                 .
              
               When
               our
               feeble
               legs
               will
               not
               carry
               us
               ;
               when
               the
               pillars
               of
               the
               
                 house
                 tremble
              
               ,
               and
               in
               effect
               cry
               out
               ,
               
                 we
                 can
                 bear
                 you
                 no
                 longer
              
               ;
               then
               will
               the
               power
               and
               goodness
               of
               God
               
                 carry
                 us
              
               up
               and
               
                 deliver
                 us
              
               ,
               yea
               when
               we
               approach
               to
               Death
               ,
               and
               fear
               presents
               it
               ,
               and
               the
               grave
               most
               formidably
               ,
               we
               may
               then
               apply
               what
               the
               Lord
               spake
               to
               
                 Old
                 Iacob
              
               ,
               concerning
               his
               going
               down
               into
               Egypt
               ,
               Gen.
               46.
               3.
               
               
                 I
                 am
                 God
                 ,
                 the
                 God
                 of
                 thy
                 father
                 ,
                 fear
                 not
                 to
                 go
                 down
                 into
                 Egypt
                 :
                 For
                 I
                 will
                 go
                 down
                 with
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 also
                 surely
                 bring
                 thee
                 up
                 again
                 .
              
               So
               assuredly
               will
               the
               
                 Lord
                 go
                 down
              
               with
               us
               to
               the
               grave
               ,
               and
               as
               surely
               
                 bring
                 us
                 up
              
               again
               ,
               and
               how
               can
               we
               be
               afraid
               with
               such
               company
               ,
               and
               with
               such
               a
               promise
               ?
               Hoard
               on
               still
               ,
               there
               is
               another
               gracious
               Promise
               ,
               Psal.
               23.
               4.
               
               
                 Yea
                 ,
                 though
                 I
                 walk
                 through
                 the
                 valley
                 of
                 the
                 shadow
                 of
                 death
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 fear
                 no
                 evil
                 ,
                 for
                 thou
                 art
                 with
                 me
                 ,
                 thy
                 rod
                 and
                 thy
                 staff
                 they
                 comfort
                 me
                 :
              
               More
               yet
               ,
               Psal.
               48.
               last
               .
               
                 For
                 this
                 God
                 is
                 our
                 God
                 for
                 ever
                 and
                 ever
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 our
                 guide
                 even
                 unto
                 death
                 .
              
               These
               
               and
               such
               like
               Promises
               ,
               left
               by
               him
               that
               
                 cannot
                 lye
              
               ,
               will
               support
               the
               sinking
               spirits
               of
               a
               poor
               Christian
               more
               than
               all
               the
               friends
               ,
               the
               cordials
               ,
               the
               extrinsick
               comforts
               in
               the
               whole
               world
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               
                 At
                 Death
              
               you
               will
               need
               a
               Treasure
               of
               Faith
               and
               Patience
               .
               The
               reign
               of
               Sense
               is
               expired
               ;
               somewhat
               is
               necessary
               to
               support
               a
               dying
               man
               ,
               more
               than
               a
               
                 living
                 healthy
              
               man.
               What
               is
               it
               that
               makes
               Death
               terrible
               to
               a
               poor
               creature
               ?
               The
               withdrawing
               of
               all
               a
               mans
               outward
               comforts
               ,
               and
               the
               Appearance
               of
               all
               his
               Sins
               :
               When
               one
               is
               dying
               ,
               they
               must
               leave
               husband
               ,
               wife
               ,
               children
               ,
               parents
               ,
               friends
               ,
               house
               ,
               all
               .
               Now
               Faith
               will
               give
               us
               a
               real
               sight
               of
               the
               other
               world
               ;
               and
               one
               sight
               of
               that
               quite
               disgraces
               and
               annihilates
               all
               the
               comforts
               of
               this
               world
               .
               Adieu
               poor
               house
               ,
               I
               see
               a
               far
               better
               ready
               for
               me
               !
               adieu
               my
               dearest
               friends
               and
               relations
               ,
               I
               see
               those
               enjoyments
               before
               me
               ,
               that
               utterly
               eclypse
               you
               all
               !
               And
               then
               ,
               when
               your
               Sins
               are
               mustered
               up
               before
               you
               ,
               their
               heinous
               nature
               ,
               and
               deserved
               punishment
               ,
               and
               that
               Satan
               bestirs
               him
               ,
               to
               represent
               them
               with
               the
               greatest
               Terror
               ,
               to
               the
               Aged
               dying
               person
               ;
               if
               Faith
               be
               dormant
               ,
               the
               poor
               soul
               is
               driven
               into
               the
               pit
               of
               despair
               .
               
               But
               a
               lively
               Faith
               flies
               to
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               runs
               into
               his
               wounds
               ,
               lays
               hold
               on
               his
               everlasting
               righteousness
               ,
               and
               so
               bids
               defiance
               to
               Satan
               ,
               yea
               even
               to
               the
               law
               ,
               and
               all
               his
               sins
               ,
               with
               ,
               
                 Who
                 is
                 he
                 that
                 condemneth
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 Christ
                 that
                 dyed
                 .
              
               It
               is
               related
               in
               an
               Epistle
               prefixed
               to
               
               Brentius's
               works
               ,
               that
               when
               a
               certain
               Senator
               in
               Suevia
               lay
               dying
               ,
               one
               like
               a
               Scribe
               came
               into
               his
               chamber
               with
               pen
               and
               paper
               ,
               calling
               to
               him
               to
               reckon
               up
               his
               sins
               ;
               for
               ,
               saith
               he
               ,
               I
               am
               sent
               from
               God
               to
               bring
               an
               account
               of
               them
               to
               his
               Tribunal
               :
               Well
               ,
               saith
               the
               
                 Sick
                 man
              
               ,
               raising
               up
               himself
               as
               well
               as
               he
               could
               ,
               and
               perceiving
               that
               he
               had
               to
               do
               with
               his
               great
               Enemy
               ,
               the
               Devil
               ;
               write
               this
               down
               
                 first
                 ,
                 The
                 seed
                 of
                 the
                 woman
                 shall
                 break
                 the
                 serpents
                 head
                 ,
              
               and
               thou
               mayst
               write
               all
               my
               sins
               under
               it
               :
               Whereupon
               the
               
                 Accuser
                 of
                 the
                 brethren
              
               presently
               vanished
               ,
               and
               left
               the
               weak
               man
               in
               peace
               .
            
             
               And
               you
               will
               have
               need
               of
               Patience
               also
               ,
               that
               after
               ye
               have
               done
               and
               suffered
               the
               
                 will
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               ye
               may
               
                 receive
                 the
                 promise
              
               ,
               Heb.
               10.
               36.
               
               So
               acute
               ,
               or
               else
               tedious
               are
               some
               Distempers
               ,
               that
               they
               will
               strain
               all
               the
               nerves
               of
               the
               Soul
               ,
               to
               wrestle
               with
               them
               .
               Lay
               up
               therefore
               ,
               by
               diligent
               reading
               ,
               hearing
               ,
               meditation
               ,
               
               and
               Prayer
               ,
               a
               stock
               of
               these
               Graces
               ,
               before
               the
               evil
               day
               come
               .
               These
               are
               the
               true
               riches
               ,
               and
               which
               neither
               the
               fire
               can
               burn
               ,
               nor
               the
               plague
               infect
               ,
               nor
               time
               wast
               ,
               nor
               thieves
               purloyn
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               And
               lastly
               ,
               It
               behoves
               the
               Aged
               to
               lay
               up
               a
               Treasure
               ,
               which
               they
               may
               meet
               with
               
                 After
                 death
              
               ;
               to
               wit
               ,
               of
               
                 Good
                 works
              
               .
               In
               this
               life
               is
               your
               
                 seed
                 time
              
               for
               these
               ;
               and
               they
               that
               scatter
               this
               precious
               seed
               ,
               
                 shall
                 doubtless
              
               ,
               mark
               ,
               
                 doubtless
                 they
                 shall
                 come
                 again
                 with
                 rejoycing
                 ,
                 bringing
                 their
                 sheaves
                 with
                 them
                 ,
              
               Psal.
               126.
               6.
               
               Faith
               and
               
                 good
                 works
              
               may
               well
               agree
               in
               a
               Christian
               ,
               and
               though
               they
               cannot
               cooperate
               to
               a
               mans
               Iustification
               ,
               (
               for
               though
               both
               of
               them
               are
               Acts
               of
               a
               creature
               ,
               yet
               Faith
               derives
               not
               this
               influence
               from
               the
               Subject
               ,
               but
               from
               the
               Object
               ;
               it
               justifies
               as
               it
               apprehends
               and
               imbraces
               Christ
               )
               notwithstanding
               both
               are
               necessary
               to
               Salvation
               ,
               Luk.
               12.
               33.
               
               
                 Sell
                 that
                 ye
                 have
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 alms
                 ,
                 provide
                 your selves
                 baggs
                 which
                 wax
                 not
                 old
                 ,
                 a
                 treasure
                 in
                 the
                 heavens
                 that
                 faileth
                 not
                 ,
                 where
                 no
                 thief
                 approacheth
                 ,
                 neither
                 moth
                 corrupteth
              
               ;
               i.
               e.
               This
               treasure
               is
               neither
               liable
               to
               
                 intrinsick
                 decay
              
               ,
               nor
               to
               
                 extrinsick
                 casualty
              
               .
               What
               other
               treasure
               hath
               
               escaped
               danger
               ,
               but
               who
               can
               scale
               the
               
                 Empyrean
                 Heaven
              
               ?
               These
               the
               Apostle
               calls
               a
               
                 good
                 foundation
              
               ,
               1
               Tim.
               6.
               19.
               
               
                 Charge
                 the
                 rich
                 that
                 they
                 do
                 good
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 be
                 rich
                 in
                 good
                 works
                 ,
                 ready
                 to
                 distribute
                 ,
                 willing
                 to
                 communicate
                 :
                 Laying
                 up
                 in
                 store
                 for
                 themselves
                 a
                 good
                 foundation
                 against
                 the
                 time
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 lay
                 hold
                 on
                 eternal
                 life
                 .
              
               Other
               riches
               you
               lay
               up
               for
               others
               ,
               yea
               perhaps
               for
               such
               as
               you
               
                 know
                 not
              
               ;
               but
               by
               doing
               all
               the
               good
               you
               can
               ,
               you
               lay
               up
               something
               in
               store
               for
               your selves
               .
               What
               if
               the
               advantage
               be
               not
               at
               present
               visible
               ,
               men
               will
               lay
               out
               money
               upon
               a
               good
               Reversion
               ,
               though
               they
               never
               live
               to
               injoy
               it
               .
               Here
               is
               a
               Reversion
               worth
               the
               having
               ,
               
                 Eternal
                 life
              
               .
            
             
               Many
               useful
               things
               may
               be
               done
               in
               
                 this
                 life
              
               ,
               which
               cannot
               be
               done
               by
               you
               when
               this
               life
               is
               ended
               .
               Now
               you
               may
               feed
               the
               poor
               ,
               cloath
               the
               naked
               ,
               redeem
               the
               captive
               ,
               incourage
               learning
               ,
               promote
               Soul-saving
               Preaching
               ,
               &c.
               
               Are
               you
               any
               other
               than
               
                 Gods
                 Stewards
              
               ?
               and
               poor
               Christians
               ,
               poor
               Tradesmen
               ,
               poor
               Scholars
               ,
               poor
               Ministers
               are
               
                 Gods
                 Assigns
              
               ,
               to
               whom
               he
               appoints
               you
               to
               do
               good
               out
               of
               his
               stock
               in
               your
               hand
               ,
               according
               to
               your
               ability
               and
               their
               necessity
               .
               You
               do
               but
               
               
                 draw
                 Bills
              
               upon
               
                 Almighty
                 God
              
               by
               every
               good
               Work
               ,
               which
               he
               will
               most
               faithfully
               and
               fully
               pay
               in
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               Heaven
               .
               I
               omit
               the
               Story
               of
               Synesius
               ;
               our
               blessed
               Saviour
               hath
               said
               enough
               to
               perswade
               us
               ,
               if
               we
               be
               not
               Infidels
               ,
               from
               that
               Parable
               of
               the
               
                 unjust
                 Steward
              
               ,
               Luk.
               16.
               where
               he
               thus
               concludes
               ,
               ver
               .
               9.
               
               
                 Make
                 to
                 your selves
                 friends
                 of
                 the
                 Mammon
                 of
                 unrighteousness
                 ,
                 that
                 when
                 ye
                 fail
                 ,
                 they
                 may
                 receive
                 you
                 into
                 everlasting
                 habitations
                 .
              
               Consider
               now
               before
               it
               be
               too
               late
               ,
               what
               a
               sad
               prospect
               it
               will
               be
               for
               you
               on
               your
               death-bed
               ,
               to
               review
               the
               book
               of
               a
               life
               ,
               wherein
               is
               nothing
               but
               Blots
               ,
               transgressions
               on
               the
               one
               side
               of
               the
               page
               ;
               and
               Blanks
               ,
               omissions
               of
               good
               on
               the
               other
               .
            
             
               Bethink
               your selves
               therefore
               ,
               which
               way
               you
               may
               yet
               do
               some
               good
               in
               the
               world
               .
               Do
               not
               live
               ,
               do
               not
               dye
               to
               your selves
               :
               poor
               Christ
               in
               his
               members
               begs
               of
               you
               to
               remember
               him
               .
               Oblige
               him
               here
               in
               the
               Countrey
               ,
               and
               he
               will
               befriend
               you
               at
               the
               
                 Court.
                 Whilst
                 you
                 have
                 opportunity
                 ,
                 do
                 good
                 unto
                 all
                 ,
                 especially
                 to
                 the
                 houshold
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
              
               Gal.
               6.
               10.
               your
               opportunity
               will
               shortly
               be
               over
               and
               past
               ;
               yet
               you
               have
               something
               to
               give
               ,
               and
               
                 some
                 body
              
               to
               give
               unto
               :
               but
               if
               you
               
               refuse
               or
               delay
               it
               ,
               shortly
               you
               will
               have
               nothing
               to
               give
               ,
               
                 no
                 body
              
               to
               relieve
               .
               And
               remember
               Gods
               Counsel
               ,
               2
               Cor.
               9.
               6.
               
               
                 He
                 which
                 soweth
                 sparingly
                 ,
                 shall
                 reap
                 sparingly
                 ;
                 and
                 he
                 which
                 soweth
                 bountifully
                 ,
                 shall
                 reap
                 bountifully
                 .
              
               I
               urge
               you
               not
               ,
               to
               undoe
               your selves
               by
               
                 doing
                 good
              
               to
               others
               ;
               but
               that
               ye
               be
               
                 ready
                 ,
                 willing
              
               ,
               and
               rich
               in
               good
               works
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               talents
               wherewith
               you
               are
               intrusted
               .
               And
               this
               will
               be
               a
               good
               Proof
               that
               your
               Faith
               is
               sound
               ,
               when
               you
               can
               part
               with
               present
               and
               visible
               things
               ,
               upon
               the
               word
               and
               promise
               of
               an
               
                 Invisible
                 God
              
               ,
               for
               future
               things
               which
               are
               unseen
               .
            
             
               And
               ,
               if
               the
               circumstances
               of
               your
               Estate
               will
               bear
               it
               ▪
               let
               me
               prevail
               with
               you
               to
               make
               your
               
                 own
                 Eyes
              
               your
               Overseers
               ,
               and
               your
               
                 own
                 hands
              
               your
               Executors
               .
               For
               though
               I
               would
               not
               discourage
               any
               one
               from
               making
               pious
               or
               charitable
               Bequests
               in
               their
               Wills
               ,
               by
               bewailing
               the
               uncertainty
               ,
               the
               abuse
               ,
               and
               loss
               of
               such
               intentions
               :
               But
               the
               thing
               it self
               is
               no
               way
               so
               laudable
               ,
               or
               acceptable
               ;
               only
               to
               part
               with
               what
               we
               cannot
               keep
               :
               it
               insinuates
               ,
               that
               if
               we
               could
               
                 alwayes
                 live
              
               ,
               we
               would
               
                 never
                 part
              
               with
               any
               thing
               ;
               whereby
               there
               is
               neither
               that
               Faith
               ,
               nor
               that
               Charity
               exercised
               which
               becomes
               a
               Christian.
               
               
                 Withhold
                 not
                 good
                 from
                 them
                 to
                 whom
                 it
                 is
                 due
                 :
                 mark
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 due
              
               to
               them
               ,
               
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 thine
                 hand
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 ,
              
               Prov.
               3.
               27.
               
               You
               are
               just
               ready
               to
               travel
               into
               
                 another
                 Countrey
              
               ,
               take
               care
               to
               send
               something
               
                 before
                 you
              
               ,
               lest
               you
               lose
               both
               Earth
               and
               Heaven
               at
               once
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               IX
               .
            
             
               THE
               
                 Ninth
                 Work
              
               of
               Old-age
               is
               Meditation
               
               
                 of
                 Death
              
               and
               
                 Eternity
                 .
                 Meditation
              
               in
               general
               is
               the
               application
               of
               our
               thoughts
               to
               some
               particular
               Subject
               :
               which
               being
               imployed
               about
               things
               Holy
               ,
               becomes
               one
               of
               the
               parts
               of
               
                 Inward
                 Religion
              
               .
               A
               most
               excellent
               and
               useful
               exercise
               ,
               and
               which
               greatly
               inriches
               the
               Soul
               i
               .
               It
               was
               a
               clear
               proof
               of
               the
               great
               sanctity
               of
               Davids
               heart
               ,
               that
               he
               was
               so
               frequent
               and
               familiar
               in
               this
               imployment
               ;
               sometimes
               on
               God
               ,
               sometimes
               on
               his
               Word
               ,
               sometimes
               on
               his
               Works
               ,
               both
               of
               Creation
               and
               of
               Providence
               ,
               &c.
               
               O
               that
               we
               all
               had
               the
               Art
               of
               it
               ,
               the
               Heart
               of
               it
               ,
               for
               the
               
                 heart
                 is
                 all
              
               .
               Doubtless
               if
               our
               Love
               were
               stronger
               ,
               our
               meditation
               would
               be
               longer
               
               on
               these
               things
               ,
               for
               where
               the
               treasure
               is
               ,
               there
               the
               heart
               will
               dwell
               also
               .
               I
               know
               some
               Constitutions
               of
               body
               are
               more
               capable
               of
               it
               than
               others
               ,
               but
               certainly
               the
               more
               the
               soul
               is
               sanctified
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               mortified
               to
               things
               below
               and
               vivified
               to
               things
               above
               ,
               the
               more
               chearfully
               will
               it
               dwell
               upon
               spiritual
               things
               ;
               such
               as
               the
               Stomach
               is
               ,
               such
               food
               will
               it
               desire
               .
            
             
               But
               among
               other
               useful
               Points
               ,
               The
               Aged
               is
               greatly
               concern'd
               to
               Meditate
               on
               Death
               ,
               and
               the
               
                 endless
                 Life
              
               after
               it
               ;
               which
               is
               ,
               to
               pencill
               out
               before
               the
               Eyes
               of
               his
               mind
               the
               time
               of
               his
               Departure
               ,
               the
               serious
               Circumstances
               and
               Consequences
               of
               it
               .
               We
               should
               place
               our selves
               upon
               our
               Death-beds
               ,
               gasping
               there
               for
               breath
               ,
               our
               Friends
               ready
               to
               close
               our
               Eyes
               ,
               the
               dabbe
               of
               flegme
               ready
               to
               stop
               our
               breath
               ,
               and
               our
               Souls
               just
               forsaking
               the
               poor
               carkass
               .
               When
               we
               look
               upon
               our
               hands
               and
               feet
               ,
               it
               should
               be
               attended
               with
               these
               thoughts
               ,
               that
               shortly
               they
               will
               be
               turn'd
               to
               rottenness
               ;
               that
               the
               worms
               will
               make
               furrows
               in
               our
               faces
               ,
               and
               feed
               upon
               our
               
                 very
                 hearts
              
               ;
               yea
               that
               we
               at
               present
               do
               breed
               and
               nourish
               the
               vermine
               ,
               that
               wait
               for
               to
               devour
               us
               :
               that
               e're
               long
               we
               shall
               have
               
               nothing
               to
               do
               here
               ,
               our
               house
               and
               goods
               in
               the
               possession
               of
               those
               that
               would
               be
               affrighted
               to
               see
               us
               again
               :
               that
               we
               must
               lodge
               a
               long
               time
               in
               the
               
                 dark
                 grave
              
               ,
               and
               the
               Soul
               must
               go
               into
               an
               unknown
               world
               ,
               and
               that
               unto
               all
               Eternity
               .
               These
               are
               thoughts
               for
               Aged
               persons
               ;
               and
               not
               to
               ▪
               be
               roving
               about
               things
               past
               to
               no
               purpose
               ,
               or
               contriving
               about
               things
               of
               this
               world
               
                 to
                 come
              
               .
               This
               is
               in
               some
               sence
               to
               
                 dy
                 daily
              
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               by
               serious
               thoughts
               concerning
               
                 our
                 latter
                 end
              
               .
            
             
               The
               truth
               is
               ,
               this
               is
               a
               duty
               incumbent
               
                 upon
                 all
              
               .
               Hence
               that
               saying
               ,
               Deut.
               32.
               29.
               
               
                 O
                 that
                 they
                 were
                 wise
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 understood
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 would
                 consider
                 their
                 latter
                 end
                 .
              
               A
               Deaths-head
               is
               no
               unfit
               furniture
               ,
               for
               a
               young
               persons
               closet
               k
               .
               The
               serious
               apprehensions
               of
               the
               exceeding
               great
               change
               ,
               which
               Death
               will
               make
               ,
               would
               give
               a
               check
               to
               that
               
                 wantonness
                 ,
                 worldliness
              
               and
               vain-glory
               ,
               which
               cleaves
               to
               us
               all
               by
               nature
               .
               For
               Death
               observes
               not
               our
               humane
               order
               ,
               it
               ▪
               is
               anomalous
               ,
               we
               are
               not
               called
               according
               to
               our
               Age
               ;
               it
               proceeds
               not
               according
               to
               our
               Registers
               l
               .
               Your
               considering
               of
               Death
               will
               not
               make
               you
               Older
               but
               Better
               .
               But
               principally
               it
               concerns
               
               the
               Aged
               ,
               who
               live
               in
               the
               confines
               of
               the
               grave
               .
               You
               should
               be
               acquainted
               with
               it
               ,
               for
               you
               are
               neighbour's
               to
               it
               .
               It
               is
               one
               of
               the
               
                 Spanish
                 Proverbs
                 ,
                 That
                 the
                 Old
                 mans
                 Staff
                 is
                 the
                 Rapper
                 at
                 Deaths-door
                 .
              
               When
               Cato
               would
               awaken
               the
               
                 Roman
                 Senate
              
               to
               level
               Carthage
               ,
               he
               brought
               in
               some
               
                 green
                 figs
              
               thence
               among
               them
               ,
               thereby
               to
               shew
               unto
               them
               ,
               how
               soon
               those
               their
               inveterate
               Enemies
               ,
               their
               distance
               being
               so
               small
               ,
               might
               be
               with
               a
               Fleet
               among
               them
               ;
               alas
               !
               how
               small
               is
               the
               distance
               between
               an
               
                 Old
                 man
              
               and
               his
               grave
               !
               Is
               it
               not
               reasonable
               therefore
               ,
               is
               it
               not
               necessary
               ,
               that
               we
               should
               be
               provided
               for
               this
               enemy
               ?
               and
               since
               we
               cannot
               escape
               it
               ,
               ought
               we
               not
               to
               be
               reconciled
               to
               it
               ,
               to
               be
               better
               acquainted
               with
               it
               ,
               yea
               and
               learn
               some
               way
               to
               overcome
               it
               .
               And
               certainly
               the
               more
               we
               rightly
               think
               of
               it
               ,
               the
               less
               we
               shall
               fear
               it
               or
               be
               hurt
               by
               it
               m
               .
               We
               must
               
                 drink
                 this
                 Cup
              
               ,
               and
               therefore
               it
               is
               all
               the
               reason
               in
               the
               world
               ,
               that
               we
               should
               take
               some
               foretasts
               of
               it
               ,
               especially
               considering
               the
               sequele
               of
               it
               :
               that
               it
               sets
               us
               on
               an
               everlasting
               shore
               .
               It
               's
               time
               for
               Old
               people
               to
               bethink
               them
               well
               ,
               sith
               a
               Crown
               or
               Flames
               are
               just
               before
               them
               :
               When
               you
               sit
               
                 trimming
                 the
                 fire
              
               ponder
               
               this
               ,
               whether
               you
               can
               indure
               the
               fire
               that
               is
               unquenchable
               ;
               when
               you
               lift
               up
               those
               dazled
               eyes
               towards
               Heaven
               ,
               consider
               what
               title
               you
               have
               to
               the
               blessed
               Mansions
               there
               .
               What
               have
               you
               to
               do
               below
               ?
               your
               traffick
               now
               should
               be
               in
               Invisibles
               ;
               you
               have
               studied
               long
               enough
               
                 how
                 to
                 live
              
               ,
               at
               length
               you
               should
               study
               
                 how
                 to
                 dy
              
               .
            
             
               These
               Meditations
               are
               certainly
               of
               great
               Excellence
               ,
               and
               of
               great
               
                 Use.
                 Better
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 mourning
                 ,
                 than
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 feasting
                 ,
                 for
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 all
                 men
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 living
                 will
                 lay
                 it
                 to
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
              
               Eccl.
               7.
               2.
               
               'T
               is
               more
               pleasant
               indeed
               to
               go
               to
               the
               house
               of
               feasting
               ,
               how
               gladly
               do
               people
               go
               that
               way
               ?
               but
               it
               is
               better
               to
               go
               to
               the
               house
               of
               mourning
               ,
               for
               there
               we
               see
               what
               is
               
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 all
                 men
              
               ,
               and
               so
               the
               
                 living
                 will
                 lay
              
               something
               that
               's
               useful
               
                 to
                 his
                 heart
              
               .
               These
               thoughts
               will
               quicken
               any
               rational
               man
               to
               do
               and
               get
               all
               the
               good
               he
               can
               ,
               while
               he
               is
               on
               this
               side
               the
               
                 line
                 of
                 Eternity
              
               .
               The
               less
               a
               poor
               Old
               creature
               can
               do
               about
               the
               affairs
               of
               this
               life
               ,
               the
               more
               he
               should
               endeavour
               to
               do
               about
               that
               better
               life
               .
               These
               presentiating
               thoughts
               of
               Death
               will
               make
               us
               careful
               and
               conscionable
               in
               all
               our
               wayes
               ,
               
               as
               seeing
               that
               Change
               alwayes
               at
               hand
               .
               I
               write
               this
               Letter
               ,
               saith
               Seneca
               n
               ,
               with
               such
               a
               mind
               ,
               as
               if
               Death
               were
               to
               call
               me
               away
               ,
               before
               I
               have
               done
               :
               and
               being
               ready
               to
               go
               ,
               the
               less
               I
               value
               Life
               ,
               the
               more
               comfortably
               I
               enjoy
               it
               .
               For
               ,
               as
               the
               same
               Authour
               o
               saith
               in
               another
               place
               ;
               Theirs
               is
               the
               most
               anxious
               life
               ,
               that
               forget
               what
               's
               past
               ,
               neglect
               what
               's
               present
               ,
               and
               are
               afraid
               of
               what
               's
               to
               come
               .
               For
               certainly
               they
               that
               forget
               their
               
                 past
                 sins
              
               ,
               and
               neglect
               their
               
                 present
                 duty
              
               ,
               have
               cause
               to
               
                 fear
                 their
                 reckoning
                 to
                 come
              
               .
               As
               on
               the
               the
               other
               side
               ,
               he
               that
               ,
               having
               an
               inlightned
               and
               sensible
               Conscience
               ,
               can
               think
               of
               Death
               without
               disturbance
               ,
               hath
               made
               a
               good
               progress
               in
               Religion
               .
            
             
               And
               yet
               if
               Death
               ,
               were
               only
               the
               
                 finishing
                 of
                 Life
              
               ,
               these
               Thoughts
               about
               it
               were
               not
               so
               necessary
               or
               considerable
               :
               but
               we
               are
               assured
               of
               an
               
                 Everlasting
                 Life
              
               immediately
               following
               ;
               that
               the
               extremest
               happiness
               or
               misery
               commences
               thereupon
               ,
               which
               also
               
                 never
                 ends
              
               .
               Now
               what
               Thoughts
               or
               cares
               can
               be
               so
               momentous
               ,
               as
               those
               about
               our
               endless
               Glory
               or
               Torment
               ?
               
               Sit
               down
               then
               ,
               compose
               your selves
               to
               this
               Meditation
               ;
               draw
               a
               Curtain
               over
               all
               this
               present
               World
               and
               your
               Concerns
               therein
               ,
               and
               open
               a
               window
               into
               Eternity
               ,
               and
               by
               Faith
               look
               steadily
               into
               it
               .
               Look
               Upward
               first
               ,
               and
               survey
               those
               blessed
               Mansions
               ,
               that
               glorious
               Company
               ,
               the
               sweet
               Imployment
               ,
               the
               unconceivable
               Injoyment
               ,
               the
               transcendent
               Bliss
               of
               Body
               and
               Soul
               in
               the
               full
               Fruition
               of
               God
               to
               all
               Eternity
               .
               And
               will
               not
               these
               
                 Meditations
                 nullifie
              
               all
               the
               faint
               and
               fading
               comforts
               of
               this
               Life
               ?
               will
               they
               not
               cause
               you
               to
               trample
               under
               foot
               the
               Pleasures
               of
               sin
               ,
               that
               are
               but
               
                 for
                 a
                 season
              
               ?
               will
               they
               not
               easily
               wean
               you
               from
               your
               dearest
               Relations
               upon
               Earth
               ?
               will
               they
               not
               carry
               you
               with
               longing
               desires
               to
               injoy
               the
               
                 beatifical
                 Vision
              
               ?
               will
               you
               not
               cry
               out
               with
               
                 Augustine
                 ,
                 Can
                 no
                 man
                 see
                 thy
                 face
                 and
                 live
                 ?
                 O
                 let
                 me
                 dy
                 then
                 ,
                 to
                 see
                 thy
                 face
                 !
              
            
             
               Again
               ,
               look
               Downward
               into
               that
               
                 Bottomless
                 Pit
              
               ,
               and
               by
               faith
               behold
               the
               desperate
               condition
               of
               the
               Damned
               :
               lay
               your
               Ear
               to
               the
               Key-hole
               of
               Hell
               ,
               and
               hearken
               a
               while
               to
               the
               weeping
               ,
               wailing
               and
               gnashing
               of
               teeth
               there
               .
               Consider
               the
               torments
               of
               a
               roaring
               Conscience
               ,
               the
               fury
               of
               exasperated
               Devils
               ,
               the
               unspeakable
               
               racks
               and
               tortures
               of
               wofull
               Bodies
               ,
               which
               must
               be
               as
               much
               beyond
               what
               the
               most
               cruel
               Malice
               can
               invent
               or
               act
               ,
               as
               the
               Almighty
               and
               just
               indignation
               of
               God
               exceeds
               the
               weak
               and
               finite
               wrath
               of
               Man
               :
               And
               these
               to
               continue
               during
               the
               innumerable
               spaces
               of
               an
               unconceivable
               Eternity
               ;
               and
               the
               Aged
               man
               must
               conclude
               ,
               that
               there
               is
               no
               other
               way
               for
               him
               to
               take
               at
               Death
               ,
               but
               into
               one
               of
               these
               Receptacles
               :
               and
               that
               he
               may
               justly
               expect
               by
               reason
               of
               his
               Age
               very
               shortly
               to
               determine
               this
               point
               ,
               that
               he
               is
               even
               
                 at
                 the
                 door
              
               ;
               that
               he
               hangs
               over
               this
               Etenity
               by
               a
               slender
               twist
               ,
               which
               is
               now
               almost
               fretted
               through
               ,
               and
               that
               before
               a
               few
               weeks
               or
               days
               are
               come
               ,
               he
               must
               go
               
                 the
                 way
                 whence
                 he
                 shall
                 not
                 return
                 .
              
               What
               agitations
               of
               heart
               would
               these
               Meditations
               produce
               in
               us
               ?
               what
               diligence
               in
               making
               our
               Calling
               and
               Election
               sure
               ?
               what
               contempt
               of
               all
               the
               World
               ?
               what
               detestation
               of
               the
               sweetest
               sins
               ?
               In
               short
               ,
               the
               Thoughts
               of
               Eternity
               would
               effectually
               disgrace
               the
               
                 trifles
                 of
                 Time
              
               ,
               and
               prepare
               the
               Aged
               for
               the
               injoyment
               of
               it
               .
            
             
               How
               comes
               it
               then
               to
               pass
               ,
               that
               we
               are
               so
               backward
               to
               the
               thoughts
               of
               Death
               and
               the
               World
               to
               come
               ?
               The
               truth
               is
               ,
               
               it
               is
               not
               gratefull
               to
               Flesh
               and
               Blood.
               Hence
               ,
               when
               thousands
               died
               in
               the
               Wilderness
               ,
               which
               should
               probably
               of
               it self
               have
               made
               impressions
               on
               the
               rest
               ,
               yet
               then
               Moses
               finds
               it
               needfull
               to
               beg
               of
               God
               ,
               
                 Psal.
                 90.
                 12.
                 
                 So
                 teach
                 us
                 to
                 number
                 our
                 dayes
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 apply
                 our
                 hearts
                 to
                 wisdom
                 .
              
               Alas
               !
               we
               find
               that
               we
               can
               think
               on
               any
               Person
               in
               the
               world
               rather
               than
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               of
               any
               Thing
               in
               the
               world
               rather
               than
               of
               our
               Soul
               ,
               and
               of
               any
               part
               of
               our
               Lives
               rather
               than
               of
               Death
               ,
               and
               of
               any
               place
               in
               the
               world
               rather
               than
               of
               Heaven
               .
               But
               should
               
                 Flesh
                 and
                 Blood
              
               be
               gratified
               ,
               rather
               than
               our
               Maker
               ,
               our
               Redeemer
               ,
               our
               Comforter
               ,
               our
               own
               
                 Souls
                 ?
                 God
              
               forbid
               .
               How
               many
               
                 unpleasant
                 doses
              
               do
               we
               take
               ,
               to
               preserve
               or
               recover
               the
               health
               of
               the
               body
               ?
               But
               here
               the
               health
               and
               happiness
               both
               of
               body
               and
               soul
               are
               concerned
               .
               I
               may
               boldly
               say
               ,
               that
               Death
               will
               prove
               a
               bitter
               Cup
               to
               those
               that
               
                 live
                 at
                 ease
              
               ,
               and
               that
               will
               make
               no
               acquaintance
               with
               it
               ,
               before
               it
               seize
               upon
               them
               .
               We
               are
               surpriz'd
               with
               any
               thing
               that
               is
               altogether
               new
               ,
               but
               frequent
               converse
               maketh
               the
               most
               fearfull
               Objects
               familiar
               .
               Walk
               then
               into
               the
               place
               of
               Skulls
               ;
               make
               room
               for
               your
               Coffin
               in
               your
               Chambers
               or
               in
               your
               Minds
               ,
               
               and
               call
               before
               you
               all
               the
               solemn
               Circumstances
               of
               your
               own
               Funerals
               ,
               and
               step
               now
               and
               then
               into
               the
               
                 other
                 world
              
               by
               holy
               Meditation
               .
               Your
               natural
               Eye
               growes
               dim
               ,
               open
               then
               the
               Eye
               of
               Faith
               ,
               and
               penetrate
               into
               things
               unseen
               .
               You
               cannot
               work
               ,
               but
               you
               can
               think
               ;
               your
               sleeps
               are
               broken
               ,
               but
               then
               you
               may
               have
               
                 golden
                 hours
              
               :
               When
               you
               have
               various
               discomforts
               below
               ,
               you
               may
               have
               hereby
               unspeakable
               comfort
               above
               ;
               yea
               this
               will
               inure
               you
               unto
               ,
               and
               begin
               that
               blessed
               life
               which
               you
               hope
               to
               live
               for
               ever
               .
               He
               that
               thus
               travels
               often
               to
               Heaven
               while
               he
               lives
               ,
               will
               more
               certainly
               and
               comfortably
               be
               lodged
               there
               for
               ever
               ,
               when
               he
               dies
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT
               .
               X.
               
            
             
               THE
               Tenth
               and
               
                 last
                 Work
              
               of
               Old-age
               ,
               
               is
               
                 Perseverance
                 to
                 the
                 End
              
               ,
               and
               that
               ,
               1.
               
               In
               doing
               :
               2.
               
               In
               suffering
               the
               will
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               1.
               
               In
               
                 Active
                 Obedience
              
               .
               You
               must
               never
               be
               
                 weary
                 of
                 well-doing
              
               ,
               nor
               imagine
               that
               your
               work
               is
               done
               ,
               till
               your
               life
               is
               done
               .
               It
               was
               an
               evil
               Servant
               ,
               that
               because
               his
               
                 Lord
                 delayed
                 his
                 coming
              
               ,
               fell
               
               
                 to
                 smite
                 his
                 fellow-servants
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 eat
                 and
                 drink
                 with
                 the
                 drunken
                 ,
              
               Matt.
               24.
               48.
               
               Alas
               !
               there
               are
               many
               points
               of
               your
               duty
               ,
               which
               you
               have
               formerly
               Omitted
               ,
               and
               there
               are
               other
               which
               you
               have
               done
               by
               the
               halves
               ,
               and
               spoiled
               them
               in
               your
               performing
               of
               them
               .
               You
               had
               need
               therefore
               to
               be
               as
               busie
               as
               ever
               you
               can
               ,
               to
               correct
               the
               
               Errata's
               in
               the
               large
               book
               of
               your
               Lives
               .
               You
               should
               think
               ,
               that
               there
               be
               many
               Persons
               who
               were
               born
               
                 after
                 you
              
               ,
               who
               have
               got
               the
               start
               of
               you
               in
               
                 Knowledge
                 ,
                 Holiness
              
               and
               Charity
               ,
               and
               therefore
               you
               had
               need
               to
               crowd
               as
               much
               work
               into
               your
               narrow
               time
               ,
               as
               you
               can
               .
               If
               your
               Principles
               be
               sound
               ,
               you
               will
               be
               
                 some
                 way
              
               fruitfull
               to
               the
               last
               .
               
                 The
                 righteous
                 man
                 will
                 hold
                 on
                 his
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 that
                 hath
                 clean
                 hands
                 will
                 be
                 stronger
                 and
                 stronger
                 ,
              
               Job
               17.
               9.
               
               It
               's
               
                 Elementary
                 fire
              
               that
               's
               apt
               to
               go
               out
               ,
               the
               
                 celestial
                 fire
              
               is
               never
               quenched
               .
               If
               you
               had
               but
               one
               grain
               of
               the
               right
               Mustard-seed
               ,
               it
               will
               grow
               to
               be
               a
               
                 great
                 tree
                 .
                 The
                 path
                 of
                 the
                 just
                 is
                 like
                 the
                 shining
                 light
                 ,
                 that
                 shineth
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 to
                 the
                 perfest
                 day
                 .
                 Prov.
              
               4.
               18.
               
               O
               labour
               to
               cross
               that
               uncharitable
               
                 Proverb
                 ,
                 A
                 young
                 Saint
                 ,
                 and
                 an
                 old
                 Devil
              
               p
               :
               rather
               ,
               he
               that
               is
               a
               Saint
               when
               he
               is
               young
               ,
               should
               be
               an
               Angel
               
               when
               he
               is
               old
               .
               The
               nearer
               any
               thing
               comes
               to
               its
               center
               ,
               the
               faster
               it
               moves
               ;
               so
               the
               nearer
               we
               approach
               perfection
               ,
               the
               more
               we
               should
               hunger
               after
               it
               and
               labour
               for
               it
               .
               No
               man
               approached
               nearer
               unto
               God
               than
               Moses
               ,
               and
               no
               man
               made
               so
               ambitious
               a
               suit
               ,
               that
               he
               might
               draw
               nearer
               to
               him
               .
               
                 And
                 the
                 Lord
                 said
                 unto
                 Moses
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 found
                 grace
                 in
                 my
                 sight
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 know
                 thee
                 by
                 name
                 .
                 And
                 he
                 said
                 ,
                 I
                 beseech
                 thee
                 ,
                 shew
                 me
                 thy
                 Glory
                 ,
              
               Exod.
               33.
               17
               ,
               18.
               
               It
               was
               a
               complaint
               of
               old
               ,
               that
               few
               people
               were
               solicitous
               
                 how
                 well
              
               ,
               but
               only
               
                 how
                 long
              
               they
               should
               live
               :
               when
               as
               a
               good
               life
               might
               be
               attained
               by
               many
               ,
               a
               long
               life
               only
               by
               a
               few
               q
               .
               But
               our
               business
               should
               be
               to
               live
               well
               ,
               and
               referr
               it
               to
               the
               wise
               God
               to
               determine
               how
               long
               .
               It
               is
               said
               ,
               
                 Isa.
                 65.
                 20.
                 
                 There
                 shall
                 not
                 be
                 an
                 old
                 man
                 that
                 hath
                 not
                 filled
                 his
                 dayes
                 :
              
               It
               s
               true
               ,
               that
               signifies
               ,
               all
               the
               Aged
               shall
               compleat
               their
               time
               ,
               they
               shall
               fall
               ripe
               into
               their
               graves
               :
               But
               then
               it
               should
               follow
               ,
               that
               if
               God
               in
               his
               goodness
               please
               to
               
                 fill
                 up
              
               the
               dayes
               of
               the
               Aged
               ,
               surely
               they
               also
               should
               
                 fill
                 their
                 dayes
              
               with
               some
               good
               service
               or
               other
               .
            
             
               Hold
               out
               then
               to
               
                 run
                 with
                 patience
                 the
                 race
                 that
                 is
                 set
                 before
                 you
                 .
              
               He
               that
               sits
               
               down
               within
               sight
               of
               the
               goal
               ,
               loseth
               the
               race
               ,
               and
               so
               loseth
               the
               
                 things
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 wrought
                 :
                 Si
                 dixisti
                 ,
                 sufficit
                 ,
                 periisti
                 .
              
               He
               that
               concludes
               ,
               I
               have
               believed
               or
               obeyed
               sufficiently
               ,
               is
               a
               lost
               man.
               
                 The
                 hoary
                 head
                 must
                 be
                 still
                 found
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
              
               Prov.
               16.
               31.
               
               If
               our
               face
               be
               withered
               ,
               yet
               we
               must
               take
               care
               that
               our
               faith
               be
               not
               withered
               .
               We
               should
               make
               it
               appear
               ,
               that
               our
               
                 spiritual
                 heat
              
               or
               zeal
               did
               not
               result
               only
               from
               our
               
                 natural
                 heat
              
               and
               vigour
               .
               To
               see
               a
               
                 young
                 man
                 wise
              
               ,
               and
               an
               
                 Old
                 man
                 zealous
              
               are
               most
               grateful
               objects
               to
               God
               and
               man.
               They
               are
               those
               
                 that
                 by
                 patient
                 continuance
                 in
                 well
                 doing
                 ,
                 seek
                 for
                 glory
                 and
                 honour
                 and
                 immortality
                 ,
              
               that
               shall
               obtain
               
                 eternal
                 life
              
               ,
               Rom.
               2.
               7.
               
            
             
               And
               here
               let
               all
               Aged
               persons
               beware
               of
               the
               Rock
               of
               
                 Carnal
                 Security
              
               and
               
                 Presumption
                 .
                 Some
              
               of
               those
               that
               have
               lived
               long
               ,
               are
               prone
               to
               rely
               upon
               their
               very
               Age
               as
               an
               Argument
               of
               Gods
               favour
               :
               Whereas
               Old-age
               will
               save
               no
               man.
               It
               may
               be
               a
               means
               of
               Salvation
               in
               a
               large
               sence
               ,
               in
               affording
               you
               Space
               of
               Repentance
               :
               And
               it
               will
               be
               an
               aggravation
               of
               your
               impenitence
               ,
               in
               case
               you
               have
               such
               space
               ,
               and
               yet
               not
               grace
               to
               repent
               :
               But
               otherwise
               it
               can
               make
               no
               
               argument
               for
               your
               salvation
               ;
               for
               God
               hath
               said
               ,
               
                 that
                 the
                 sinner
                 being
                 an
                 hundred
                 years
                 old
                 shall
                 be
                 accursed
                 ,
              
               Isa.
               65.
               20.
               
            
             
               And
               Others
               that
               have
               been
               serious
               and
               serviceable
               in
               their
               dayes
               ,
               may
               perhaps
               presume
               upon
               what
               they
               
                 have
                 been
              
               or
               
                 have
                 done
              
               ,
               as
               if
               they
               might
               be
               justified
               thereby
               ;
               or
               else
               that
               they
               need
               to
               take
               no
               further
               pains
               about
               their
               own
               Salvation
               or
               others
               good
               ;
               whereas
               in
               
                 the
                 morning
              
               we
               must
               
                 sow
                 our
                 seed
              
               ,
               and
               not
               
                 withhold
                 our
                 hand
                 in
                 the
                 evening
                 ;
                 for
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 whether
                 shall
                 prosper
                 ,
                 either
                 this
                 or
                 that
                 ;
                 or
                 whether
                 they
                 both
                 shall
                 be
                 alike
                 good
                 :
              
               Which
               S.
               Hierom
               applies
               to
               this
               matter
               ;
               Say
               not
               ,
               saith
               he
               ,
               I
               have
               been
               diligent
               while
               I
               was
               able
               ;
               I
               may
               rest
               my self
               in
               mine
               Old-age
               ;
               for
               thou
               knowest
               not
               ,
               whether
               shall
               more
               please
               and
               honour
               God
               in
               thy
               Youth
               ,
               or
               in
               thine
               Age
               r
               .
               Thus
               we
               read
               that
               when
               
                 Old
                 Mr.
                 Knox
              
               was
               dying
               ,
               he
               was
               assaulted
               with
               this
               proud
               Engine
               ,
               what
               Service
               he
               had
               done
               his
               Master
               ,
               which
               he
               presently
               repelled
               with
               that
               of
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               1
               Cor.
               4.
               7.
               
               
                 Who
                 maketh
                 thee
                 to
                 differ
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 hast
                 thou
                 that
                 thou
                 di●…st
                 not
                 receive
                 ?
              
               And
               the
               same
               Apostle
               had
               said
               a
               little
               before
               ,
               ver
               .
               4.
               
               
                 I
                 know
                 nothing
                 by
                 my self
                 ,
                 yet
                 am
                 I
                 not
                 hereby
                 justified
                 .
              
               Alas
               !
               all
               our
               
               righteousness
               will
               not
               cover
               one
               of
               our
               Sins
               .
               We
               must
               say
               without
               a
               complement
               ,
               
                 we
                 are
                 unprofitable
                 Servants
              
               ,
               when
               we
               have
               done
               our
               best
               .
               Neither
               may
               we
               imagine
               that
               any
               our
               former
               diligence
               ,
               will
               excuse
               our
               future
               negligence
               .
               As
               long
               as
               we
               live
               we
               must
               
                 not
                 live
                 to
                 our selves
              
               s
               ,
               but
               we
               ought
               to
               
                 live
                 unto
                 the
                 Lord
              
               ,
               Rom.
               14.
               7
               ,
               8.
               
               The
               
                 ancient
                 Servant
              
               cannot
               do
               so
               much
               as
               he
               hath
               done
               ,
               but
               he
               oversees
               affairs
               ,
               he
               directs
               others
               in
               their
               imployments
               ,
               his
               head
               is
               full
               of
               cares
               about
               his
               Masters
               business
               ,
               and
               therein
               he
               dies
               and
               so
               must
               we
               .
               No
               man
               must
               think
               ,
               saith
               Seneca
               t
               ,
               that
               because
               of
               his
               gray
               hairs
               only
               or
               wrinkles
               he
               hath
               
                 lived
                 long
              
               ;
               he
               may
               have
               
                 indured
                 long
              
               ,
               but
               he
               hath
               not
               lived
               ,
               unless
               he
               have
               improved
               his
               life
               .
               It
               was
               the
               honourable
               Epitaph
               of
               
                 Abraham
                 ,
                 Gen.
              
               25.
               8.
               
               
                 He
                 died
                 in
                 a
                 good
                 old
                 age
                 ,
                 an
                 old
                 man
                 and
                 full
              
               —
               there
               is
               no
               more
               in
               the
               Hebrew
               ,
               you
               may
               adde
               full
               of
               dayes
               ,
               full
               of
               Grace
               and
               Comfort
               ,
               full
               of
               Heaven
               .
               And
               it
               was
               the
               comfortable
               incouragement
               of
               Eliphaz
               to
               Iob
               ,
               which
               was
               truly
               fulfilled
               unto
               him
               ,
               
                 Thou
                 shalt
                 come
                 to
                 thy
                 grave
                 in
                 a
                 full
                 age
                 ,
                 like
                 as
                 a
                 shock
                 of
                 corn
                 cometh
                 in
                 ,
                 in
                 its
                 season
                 ,
              
               Job
               5.
               26.
               for
               he
               died
               
                 old
                 and
                 full
              
               
               
                 of
                 dayes
              
               ,
               Job
               42.
               last
               :
               he
               had
               lived
               as
               long
               as
               he
               could
               wish
               ,
               and
               had
               lived
               to
               good
               purpose
               .
               He
               was
               full
               of
               dayes
               ,
               and
               his
               dayes
               were
               full
               of
               good
               fruits
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               Other
               branch
               of
               Perseverance
               is
               ,
               in
               
                 Suffering
                 the
                 will
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               or
               in
               
                 Passive
                 Obedience
              
               .
               The
               Aged
               person
               must
               hold
               out
               herein
               to
               the
               end
               .
               He
               
                 that
                 endureth
                 to
                 the
                 end
                 shall
                 be
                 saved
                 .
              
               Perhaps
               you
               will
               be
               followed
               with
               great
               distress
               and
               
                 of
                 long
                 continuance
              
               ,
               and
               
                 sore
                 sickness
                 and
                 of
                 long
                 continuance
                 ,
              
               as
               is
               threatned
               ,
               Deut.
               28.
               59.
               
               You
               cannot
               reasonably
               expect
               ,
               but
               that
               at
               least
               some
               bodily
               distemper
               will
               last
               as
               
                 long
                 as
                 your
                 life
              
               ,
               yea
               peradventure
               such
               
                 painful
                 diseases
              
               as
               will
               put
               all
               your
               patience
               to
               the
               rout
               ,
               if
               the
               Lord
               be
               not
               your
               helper
               :
               but
               yet
               you
               must
               not
               murmur
               ,
               nay
               you
               must
               not
               grudge
               ,
               nor
               
                 make
                 hast
              
               ;
               but
               indure
               the
               
                 Lords
                 pleasure
              
               ,
               and
               wait
               the
               
                 Lords
                 leisure
                 .
                 I
                 was
                 dumb
                 ,
                 I
                 opened
                 not
                 my
                 mouth
                 ,
                 because
                 thou
                 didst
                 it
                 .
              
               The
               sight
               of
               the
               haven
               animates
               the
               weather-beaten
               
                 mariner
                 .
                 Hitherto
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 helped
              
               you
               ,
               and
               
                 as
                 a
                 father
                 pitieth
                 his
                 children
                 ,
                 so
                 the
                 Lord
                 pitieth
                 them
                 that
                 fear
                 him
                 .
              
               He
               that
               hath
               put
               that
               compassion
               into
               the
               heart
               of
               a
               father
               ,
               hath
               a
               surpassing
               infinite
               Ocean
               of
               it
               in
               himself
               u
               :
               
               and
               withal
               
                 he
                 knows
                 our
                 frame
                 ,
                 he
                 remembers
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 but
                 dust
                 ,
              
               Psal.
               103.
               13
               ,
               14.
               
               He
               that
               hath
               the
               wisdom
               and
               power
               of
               a
               God
               ,
               and
               the
               pity
               of
               a
               father
               ,
               will
               be
               sure
               to
               lay
               no
               more
               upon
               you
               ,
               than
               he
               will
               inable
               you
               to
               bear
               and
               to
               overcome
               .
            
             
               And
               therefore
               the
               Aged
               must
               beware
               of
               the
               
                 other
                 Extream
              
               ,
               namely
               ,
               the
               Gulf
               of
               Despondence
               ,
               and
               
                 Dejection
                 of
                 Spirit
              
               .
               Their
               Sins
               are
               mustered
               up
               against
               them
               ,
               their
               outward
               strength
               is
               decayed
               ,
               their
               Spirits
               broken
               with
               a
               succession
               of
               cares
               and
               troubles
               ,
               their
               distempers
               and
               pains
               are
               heavy
               upon
               them
               ,
               their
               friends
               and
               relations
               seem
               to
               be
               weary
               of
               them
               ,
               and
               an
               unperswadable
               
                 Enemy
                 Death
              
               stands
               just
               before
               them
               .
               And
               what
               flesh
               alive
               can
               bear
               up
               under
               such
               and
               so
               many
               weights
               together
               !
               But
               besides
               what
               hath
               been
               offered
               before
               ,
               I
               adde
               ,
               that
               as
               all
               these
               Mortifications
               are
               needful
               to
               wean
               us
               from
               this
               world
               ,
               from
               the
               love
               whereof
               even
               these
               can
               hardly
               divorce
               us
               ;
               so
               all
               such
               Discomsorts
               should
               drive
               the
               Aged
               person
               no
               lower
               than
               his
               knees
               ,
               even
               unto
               God
               who
               hath
               said
               ,
               
                 Be
                 not
                 dismayed
                 ,
                 for
                 I
                 am
                 thy
                 God
                 :
                 I
                 will
                 strengthen
                 thee
                 ,
                 yea
                 I
                 will
                 help
                 thee
                 ,
                 yea
                 I
                 will
                 uphold
                 thee
                 with
                 the
                 right
                 hand
              
               
               
                 of
                 my
                 righteousness
              
               ,
               Isa.
               41.
               10.
               
               Have
               not
               all
               the
               Saints
               and
               Servants
               of
               God
               that
               have
               lived
               to
               Old-age
               ,
               pass'd
               these
               pikes
               before
               you
               ?
               have
               they
               not
               born
               these
               burdens
               ,
               that
               you
               sink
               under
               .
               There
               
                 is
                 no
                 temptation
                 befaln
                 you
              
               ,
               but
               
                 what
                 is
                 common
                 to
                 men
              
               .
               Where
               is
               the
               faith
               ,
               where
               are
               the
               prayers
               that
               you
               have
               been
               laying
               up
               for
               such
               a
               time
               ?
               O
               miserable
               Old-man
               ,
               said
               the
               
                 Heathen
                 Orator
              
               ,
               that
               in
               so
               long
               a
               life
               ,
               hast
               not
               yet
               learned
               to
               despise
               Death
               ;
               which
               is
               not
               at
               all
               to
               be
               feared
               ,
               if
               it
               extinguish
               the
               Soul
               ;
               and
               greatly
               to
               be
               desired
               ,
               if
               it
               convey
               the
               Soul
               into
               an
               everlasting
               good
               condition
               w
               .
               And
               then
               for
               the
               pain
               in
               Death
               ,
               the
               same
               Author
               tells
               us
               ,
               that
               if
               there
               be
               any
               sense
               of
               pain
               
                 in
                 dying
              
               ,
               it
               is
               but
               very
               short
               ;
               especially
               to
               
                 Old
                 people
              
               ,
               that
               have
               prevented
               it
               and
               tasted
               it
               by
               degrees
               .
               And
               therefore
               never
               render
               your
               life
               or
               death
               unquiet
               as
               many
               do
               ,
               that
               
                 even
                 dye
                 for
                 fear
                 of
                 dying
                 ,
              
               that
               create
               by
               their
               melancholy
               fancies
               greater
               torments
               to
               themselves
               ,
               than
               Death
               brings
               with
               it
               .
               Behold
               it
               through
               the
               glass
               of
               
                 Gods
                 word
              
               ,
               which
               represents
               it
               only
               as
               a
               Dissolution
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               out
               of
               a
               prison
               to
               
                 go
                 to
                 Christ
              
               ,
               Phil.
               1.
               23.
               
               
                 Going
                 to
                 rest
              
               ,
               Isa.
               57.
               2.
               
               
                 Finishing
                 our
                 course
              
               ,
               
               2
               Tim.
               4.
               8.
               
               
                 Falling
                 asleep
                 in
                 Iesus
              
               ,
               1
               Thes.
               4.
               14.
               and
               a
               stepping
               out
               of
               this
               world
               
                 unto
                 our
                 father
              
               ,
               Joh.
               13.
               1.
               and
               why
               should
               the
               prospect
               hereof
               at
               all
               deject
               us
               ?
               Yea
               ,
               in
               case
               you
               should
               have
               the
               honour
               to
               be
               called
               to
               suffer
               Death
               for
               Christ
               ,
               and
               his
               Truth
               ;
               yet
               fear
               it
               not
               under
               its
               most
               
                 terrible
                 Aspect
              
               :
               for
               the
               Supports
               and
               Comforts
               of
               that
               Tryal
               will
               ballance
               ,
               yea
               surmount
               the
               fears
               and
               pains
               thereof
               .
               
                 As
                 the
                 sufferings
                 of
                 Christ
                 abound
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 so
                 our
                 consolation
                 also
                 aboundeth
                 by
                 Christ
                 ,
              
               2
               Cor.
               1.
               5.
               
               Strive
               therefore
               rather
               to
               adorn
               ,
               than
               to
               avoid
               the
               Cross
               :
               considering
               that
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               a
               great
               honour
               for
               you
               in
               your
               Old-age
               to
               
                 suffer
                 for
                 the
                 Truth
              
               x
               ,
               so
               it
               is
               a
               great
               shame
               ,
               that
               the
               Truth
               should
               
                 suffer
                 by
                 you
              
               .
               It
               was
               the
               worthy
               Resolution
               of
               
                 Old
                 Eleazar
              
               ,
               when
               he
               was
               urged
               to
               counterfeit
               the
               eating
               of
               
                 Swines
                 flesh
              
               ,
               to
               save
               his
               life
               :
               
                 No
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 it
                 becometh
                 not
                 our
                 Age
                 in
                 any
                 wise
                 to
                 dissemble
                 ,
                 whereby
                 many
                 young
                 persons
                 might
                 think
                 ,
                 that
                 Eleazar
                 being
                 
                   fourscore
                   and
                   ten
                
                 ,
                 were
                 now
                 gone
                 to
                 a
                 strange
                 Religion
                 .
                 —
                 And
                 so
                 they
                 through
                 my
                 hypocrisie
                 and
                 desire
                 to
                 live
                 a
                 little
                 time
                 ,
                 should
                 be
                 deceived
                 by
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 get
                 a
                 stain
                 to
                 my
                 Old-age
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 make
                 it
                 abominable
                 .
                 Wherefore
                 now
                 manfully
                 changing
                 this
                 life
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 shew
                 my self
                 such
                 an
                 one
                 as
                 mine
                 Age
                 requireth
                 .
              
               So
               Polycarp
               ,
               when
               he
               was
               tempted
               to
               deny
               Christ
               ,
               and
               to
               swear
               by
               the
               
                 Fortune
                 of
                 Caesar
              
               ,
               answered
               ;
               
                 
                   Fourscore
                   and
                   six
                
                 years
                 have
                 I
                 served
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 found
                 him
                 a
                 good
                 Master
                 ,
                 and
                 should
                 I
                 now
                 deny
                 him
                 ?
                 I
                 have
                 lived
                 by
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 live
                 and
                 dye
                 to
                 him
                 .
              
               Let
               us
               resolve
               ,
               by
               Gods
               grace
               ,
               to
               write
               after
               these
               Copies
               .
               Doubtless
               ,
               if
               there
               be
               any
               going
               to
               Heaven
               on
               horse-back
               ,
               as
               Mr.
               Bradford
               styles
               it
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               in
               Honour
               and
               State
               ,
               it
               is
               by
               Martyrdom
               .
            
             
               Nay
               ,
               it
               is
               not
               enough
               ,
               that
               we
               be
               content
               and
               quiet
               under
               these
               discouragements
               ,
               that
               we
               who
               have
               
                 received
                 good
                 at
                 the
                 hands
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
              
               be
               
                 content
                 with
                 evil
                 also
              
               :
               but
               we
               should
               triumph
               over
               them
               .
               In
               
                 all
                 these
                 things
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 more
                 than
                 conquerours
                 through
                 him
                 that
                 loved
                 us
                 .
              
               Our
               rooted
               Faith
               ,
               our
               fixed
               Hope
               ,
               our
               long
               Experience
               should
               lift
               us
               up
               to
               surmount
               all
               these
               fears
               and
               troubles
               .
               The
               veterane
               Soldier
               must
               not
               be
               scared
               with
               such
               Hydra's
               .
               We
               are
               near
               the
               promised
               Land
               ,
               the
               news
               of
               these
               Anakims
               in
               our
               way
               should
               not
               affright
               us
               ,
               they
               
               are
               
                 bread
                 for
                 us
              
               ,
               as
               Ioshua
               said
               .
               When
               these
               things
               come
               upon
               you
               ,
               then
               
                 look
                 up
                 and
                 lift
                 up
                 your
                 heads
                 ,
                 for
                 your
                 redemption
                 draweth
                 nigh
              
               y
               .
               Be
               
                 faithful
                 unto
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 give
                 you
                 a
                 crown
                 of
                 life
                 ,
              
               Rev.
               2.
               10.
               
            
             
               And
               thus
               we
               are
               at
               length
               arrived
               at
               the
               end
               of
               the
               Aged
               persons
               Work
               ,
               which
               was
               the
               Seventh
               and
               Last
               thing
               to
               be
               treated
               of
               in
               this
               Subject
               .
            
             
               The
               Practice
               of
               these
               things
               now
               only
               remains
               :
               That
               we
               study
               to
               correct
               the
               
                 Causes
                 ,
                 avoid
              
               the
               
                 Sins
                 ,
                 obtain
              
               the
               
                 Graces
                 ,
                 sustain
              
               the
               
                 Inconveniences
                 ,
                 improve
              
               the
               Priviledges
               ,
               and
               dispatch
               the
               Work
               described
               before
               us
               .
               Wherein
               we
               must
               earnestly
               implore
               the
               gracious
               
                 Assistance
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               who
               
                 worketh
                 in
                 us
                 both
                 to
                 will
                 and
                 to
                 do
                 of
                 his
                 good
                 pleasure
                 ,
              
               and
               who
               will
               not
               fail
               us
               therein
               ,
               unless
               we
               be
               wanting
               to
               our selves
               .
            
             
               And
               O
               that
               all
               Younger
               people
               would
               learn
               
                 Knowledge
                 ,
                 Temperance
              
               ,
               and
               Industry
               z
               in
               their
               youth
               ,
               which
               will
               be
               the
               only
               means
               to
               attain
               to
               an
               
                 Healthy
                 ,
                 Wealthy
              
               ,
               and
               
                 Holy
                 Old-age
              
               .
            
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           Books
           Printed
           for
           ,
           and
           sold
           by
           
             Thomas
             Parkhurst
          
           at
           the
           Bible
           and
           three
           Crowns
           at
           the
           lower
           end
           of
           Cheap-side
           near
           
             Mercers
             Chappel
          
           .
        
         
           
             A
             Present
             for
             Teeming
             Women
             to
             be
             given
             to
             them
             by
             their
             Husbands
             or
             Friends
             .
             By
             
               Iohn
               Oliver
            
             Minister
             of
             the
             Gospel
             .
             In
             Octavo
             .
          
           
             A
             Serious
             Exhortation
             to
             Self-Examination
             ,
             delivered
             in
             five
             Sermons
             on
             the
             2
             Cor.
             13.
             5.
             
             By
             
               Thomas
               Wadsworth
            
             M.
             A.
             Minister
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             sometime
             at
             
               Newington
               Butts
               Southwark
            
             ,
             In
             Octavo
             .
          
           
             The
             difference
             between
             the
             Spots
             of
             the
             Godly
             and
             the
             Wicked
             .
             By
             Mr.
             
               Ieremiah
               Burroughs
            
             of
             Cripplegate
             .
          
           
             Scripture
             Warrant
             ,
             sufficient
             proof
             for
             Infant
             Baptism
             ,
             being
             a
             Reply
             to
             Mr.
             Granthams
             Presumption
             no
             proof
             :
             by
             
               Giles
               Firmin
            
             .
             In
             Octavo
             .
          
           
             Mr.
             
             Wadsworth's
             Remains
             ,
             being
             Meditations
             with
             Respect
             to
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
             Thoughtfulness
             for
             the
             Morrow
             .
          
           
             The
             Redeemers
             Tears
             .
          
           
             Charity
             in
             Reference
             to
             other
             Mens
             Sins
             .
             All
             Three
             by
             
               Iohn
               How
            
             ,
             Minister
             of
             the
             Gospel
             .
          
        
         
      
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A61390-e350
           
             Plutarch
             ,
             Cicero
             ,
             Seneca
             ,
             Palaeotus
             ,
             Tossanus
             ,
             Rivet
             ,
             &c.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A61390-e3240
           
             §
             1.
             
             The
             Names
             for
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             a
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
          
           
             b
             Senectus
             non
             est
             aetas
             ultima
             .
             Hier.
             in
             
               Jer.
               6.
            
             
          
           
             c
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             vel
             quasi
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             terr●…stris
             .
             Aristot
             .
             Vetus
             à
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             vel
             quasivietus
             .
             
               i.
               e.
            
             sine
             vi
             .
          
           
             d
             Antiquus
             qui
             ante
             nos
             fuit
             .
             Senex
             ,
             quasi
             seminex
             ,
             semimortuus
             .
          
           
             e
             Alt.
             quasi
             aetate
             altus
             .
          
           
             f
             Vel
             à
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             alah
             ,
             as●…ndere
             in
             altum
             ▪
             
               Minshew
               ▪
            
          
           
             g
             If
             Youth
             knew
             what
             Age
             would
             crave
             ,
             It
             would
             be
             sure
             to
             get
             and
             save
             .
          
           
             §
             II.
             The
             Nature
             thereof
             .
          
           
             h
             Vel
             ,
             corporis
             temperamentum
             frigidum
             &
             siccum
             quod
             sequitur
             quantitatem
             certorum
             annorum
             vitae
             praeteritae
             .
             Rivet
             .
          
           
             i
             Senecta
             lass●…
             non
             fractae
             aetatis
             nomen
             est
             .
             
               Sen.
               Ep.
               26.
            
             
          
           
             k
             Aristot.
             
               Hist
               anim
            
             .
             l.
             3.
             c.
             11.
             
             And
             Cassiodorus
             faith
             ,
             that
             Seneca
             was
             so
             call'd
             ,
             because
             he
             was
             born
             Gray
             .
             
               H●…ff
               .
               L●…x
            
             .
          
           
             l
             Senium
             est
             naturalis
             caloris
             tabes
             ,
             mors
             extinctio
             ,
             Galen
             .
          
           
             §.
             3.
             
             The
             Beginning
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             m
             Seniores
             ab
             ano.
             46
             dicebantur
             ,
             Gell.
             ab
             ano.
             50
             ad
             finem
             vitae
             ,
             Keck
             .
             Phys.
             
          
           
             n
             The
             Rabbins
             indeed
             begin
             the
             first
             at
             60.
             the
             second
             at
             70
             ▪
             and
             the
             third
             at
             80.
             
             Galen
             .
             
               de
               Sanit
               :
               tuend
            
             .
             c.
             12.
             
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
          
           
             §
             4.
             
             The
             long
             lives
             of
             divers
             .
          
           
             o
             Omnium
             aetatum
             certus
             est
             terminus
             ,
             senectutis
             autem
             nullus
             certus
             est
             .
             Cicer.
             de
             sen.
             
          
           
             p
             Euseb.
             Hist.
             Eccl.
             
               lib.
               6.
            
             c.
             10
             ▪
             
          
           
             q
             Sanson
             ,
             p.
             485.
             
          
           
             r
             See
             Tho.
             of
             Ravenna
             who
             Ao.
             1553.
             wrote
             a
             book
             wherein
             he
             relates
             in
             one
             Chapter
             of
             such
             as
             had
             lived
             in
             that
             age
             above
             120
             ▪
             years
             .
          
           
             s
             Dr.
             Hakewells
             Apal
             .
             
               l.
               3.
               c.
               5.
            
             
          
           
             t
             Plin.
             hist.
             lib.
             7.
             c.
             48.
             
          
           
             u
             Dr.
             Plot.
             Nat.
             hist.
             of
             Staffordsh
             .
             c.
             8.
             
          
           
             Cap.
             2.
             
             The
             Causes
             of
             Old
             age
             .
          
           
             §.
             1.
             
             The
             Original
             cause
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             *
             Viv●…bat
             homo
             in
             Paradiso
             sicut
             volebat
             ;
             quam
             diu
             volebat
             quod
             Deus
             jusserat
             :
             cibus
             aderat
             ,
             ne
             esuriret
             ;
             potus
             ne
             sitiret
             ,
             lignum
             vitae
             ne
             illum
             senectus
             dissolveret
             .
             August
             de
             Civ
             .
             Dei.
             
               c
               :
               26.
            
             
          
           
             §
             2.
             
             The
             Natural
             cause
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             §.
             3.
             
             The
             Preternatural
             Causes
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             x
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Hesiod
             .
             Op.
             &
             Di.
             l.
             x.
             
          
           
             y
             De
             Brevit
             .
             vit
             .
             
               cap.
               1.
            
             
          
           
             z
             Pont
             gulae
             metas
             ,
             ut
             sit
             tibi
             longior
             aetas
             .
             Esse
             cupis
             sanus
             ?
             sit
             tibi
             parc●…
             manus
             .
          
           
             a
             Nihil
             est
             quod
             senectuti
             magis
             noceat
             ac
             dies
             hominis
             abbreviet
             ,
             quam
             tristitia
             ,
             languor
             animi
             ,
             &
             ira
             .
             Nihil
             enim
             bilari
             senectute
             jucundius
             .
             Cass.
             
          
           
             b
             T
             is
             mirth
             that
             nursethlise
             and
             blood
             ,
             Far
             more
             than
             wine
             ,
             or
             rest
             ,
             or
             food
             .
          
           
             c
             See
             
               Ro.
               Bacons
            
             cure
             of
             old
             age
             ,
             with
             Dr.
             Browns
             Notes
             .
          
           
             d
             Lib.
             de
             marcore
             .
             
               c.
               2
            
          
           
             §
             4.
             
             The
             Preservatives
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             e
             
               Hier.
               Psal.
               91.
            
             in
             unde
             vide
             tur
             nomen
             hoc
             sanctis
             non
             longae
             aetatis
             ratione
             sed
             authoritatis
             ascribi
             .
          
           
             f
             Orig.
             in
             Gen.
             18.
             
          
           
             g
             Pugnandum
             tanquam
             contra
             morbum
             est
             ,
             sic
             contra
             senectutem
             .
             Habenda
             ratio
             valetudinis
             :
             utendum
             exercitationibus
             modicis
             .
             Tantum
             cibi
             &
             potionis
             adhibendum
             ,
             ut
             reficiantur
             vires
             ,
             non
             opprimantur
             .
             Cic.
             de
             se●…ct
             .
          
           
             h
             Sen.
             Ep.
             58
             ▪
             
          
           
             Cap.
             3.
             
             The
             Sins
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             i
             Haec
             morum
             vitra
             sunt
             ,
             non
             senectutis
             .
             Cicer.
             de
             Senect
             .
          
           
             §
             1.
             
             Peevishness
             .
          
           
             k
             In
             fragili
             corpore
             odi●…sa
             omnis
             offensio
             est
             .
             Cic.
             de
             senect
             .
          
           
             l
             Contemni
             se
             putant
             despici
             ,
             illudi
             .
             
               id
               .
               ibid.
            
             
          
           
             m
             Severitatem
             in
             senectute
             probo
             ,
             sed
             eum
             modicam
             ;
             acerbitatem
             nullo
             modo
             .
             Cic.
             de
             senect
             .
          
           
             n
             Si
             is
             qui
             corrigere
             nititur
             ,
             irâ
             superatur
             ,
             opprimit
             antequam
             corrigat
             .
             Greg.
             Mor.
             
          
           
             o
             In
             moribus
             est
             culpa
             ,
             non
             in
             aetate
             :
             moderati
             enim
             ,
             &
             nec
             difficiles
             senes
             nec
             inhumani
             ,
             tolerabilem
             agunt
             senectutem
             .
             Importunitas
             autem
             &
             inhumanitas
             omni
             aetati
             molesta
             est
             .
             Cic.
             de
             senect
             .
          
           
             §.
             2.
             
             Talkativeness
             .
          
           
             p
             Dissi●…ibus
             ac
             morosis
             senibus
             a●…res
             libenter
             prebeto
             ;
             qui
             proverhiorum
             sententiis
             adolescentes
             ad
             recta
             studia
             〈◊〉
             .
             Hieron
             .
             Ep.
             ad
             Aug.
             
          
           
             Lib.
             de
             garr●…l
             .
          
           
             Si●…onides
             .
          
           
             q
             Oportet
             ut
             senilis
             sermo
             non
             solum
             sit
             gravis
             ,
             s●…d
             etiam
             brevis
             .
             Aug.
             
          
           
             §
             3.
             
             Envy
             .
          
           
             r
             T●…lle
             in●…
             &
             hab●…s
             quod
             m●…um
             est
             .
             Aug.
             
          
           
             §.
             4.
             
             Arrogance
             .
          
           
             §.
             5.
             
             Covetousness
             .
          
           
             s
             Simonides
             ob
             avaritiam
             culpatus
             respondit
             ,
             se
             per
             senectutem
             reliquis
             spoliatum
             voluptatibus
             ,
             unicâ
             lucrandi
             voluptate
             gravem
             recreare
             aetatem
             .
             Plutarch
             .
          
           
             t
             Omnia
             in
             homine
             senescunt
             vitia
             :
             sola
             avaritia
             juvenescit
             .
             Aug.
             Serm.
             48.
             ad
             fratres
             in
             eremo
             .
          
           
             u
             Gratiùs
             aurum
             intuetur
             quam
             solem
             .
             Ambros
             .
          
           
             w
             Avaritia
             verò
             senilis
             quid
             sibi
             velit
             non
             intelligo
             ;
             potest
             enim
             quicquam
             esse
             absurdius
             quam
             quo
             minus
             viae
             restat
             ,
             eo
             plus
             viatici
             quaerere
             .
             Cicer.
             de
             sen.
             
          
           
             x
             Gravioribus
             sumptibus
             se
             onerare
             f●…stinat
             ,
             cùm
             jam
             pervenerit
             quo
             tendebat
             .
             Aug.
             ser.
             de
             temp
             .
             247.
             
          
           
             Fugientem
             sequimur
             mundum
             .
          
           
             §
             6.
             
             Other
             Vices
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             y
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             z
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             Quid
             miserius
             misero
             non
             miserantem
             seipsum
             ?
          
           
             a
             Optima
             poenitentia
             ,
             nova
             vita
             .
             Luther
             .
          
           
             b
             Projice
             quaecunque
             cor
             tuum
             lamiant
             ,
             quae
             si
             aliter
             extrahi
             nequirent
             cor
             ipsum
             cum
             illis
             revellendum
             erat
             .
             Sen.
             Ep.
             51.
             
          
           
             Cap.
             4.
             
             The
             Graces
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             c
             Sunt
             quidem
             in
             juventute
             senes
             ,
             &
             alii
             juvenes
             in
             senectute
             .
             Ambros.
             
          
           
             §.
             1.
             
             Knowledge
             .
          
           
             d
             A
             Temple
             was
             once
             dedicated
             in
             Spain
             to
             Old-age
             ,
             as
             to
             the
             mistress
             of
             Knowledge
             .
             Dr.
             Sheafe
             of
             Old
             age
             .
          
           
             e
             As
             Lumen
             is
             the
             Vehicle
             of
             influence
             ,
             so
             the
             foundation
             of
             Regeneration
             is
             Illumination
             .
          
           
             f
             Tum
             maximè
             mentis
             oculus
             acutè
             cernere
             incipit
             ,
             cum
             primum
             diflorescit
             corporis
             oculus
             .
             Plato
             in
             conviv
             .
          
           
             g
             Discamus
             in
             terrâ
             ea
             quarum
             scientia
             nobis
             perseveret
             in
             coelo
             .
             Paraei
             scitum
             Script
             .
             in
             Auditorio
             suo
             Theologico
             .
          
           
             §
             2.
             
             Faith.
             
          
           
             h
             Fides
             est
             amplexus
             Christi
             .
             
               Dr
               :
               Redman
            
             .
          
           
             i
             Circumferentia
             fidei
             est
             Verbum
             Dei
             ;
             centrum
             fidei
             est
             Verbum
             Deus
             .
             
               Dr.
               Arrowsmith
            
             .
          
           
             〈◊〉
             .
             
               St.
               〈◊〉
            
             the
             Bp.
             of
             Winchester
             could
             say
             ,
             Though
             Iustification
             by
             Faith
             were
             not
             a
             good
             breakfast
             for
             men
             in
             the
             hea●…
             of
             youth
             ,
             yet
             it
             was
             a
             good
             Supper
             for
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             §.
             3.
             
             Wisdom
             .
          
           
             l
             In
             senibus
             gravitas
             ,
             in
             juvenibus
             alacritas
             ,
             in
             adolescentibus
             verecundia
             .
             Bern.
             de
             ordin
             .
             vitae
             .
          
           
             m
             Temeritas
             est
             florentis
             aetatis
             ,
             prudentia
             senectutis
             .
             Cicer.
             de
             senect
             .
          
           
             n
             Senex
             plus
             prospicit
             ,
             meliùs
             consulit
             ,
             minus
             decipitur
             ,
             certiùs
             judic●…it
             .
             Palaeol
             .
          
           
             o
             M.
             Castritius
             Placentinus
             Carboni
             consuli
             .
             
               Val
               ▪
               Max.
            
             
          
           
             p
             Difficile
             est
             verba
             dare
             seni
             .
             Proverb
             .
          
           
             q
             Misera
             quippe
             est
             senectus
             ,
             quae
             praeter
             rugas
             &
             canos
             nil
             senile
             habet
             .
             Cicero
             .
          
           
             r
             Senectus
             aetate
             fit
             doctior
             ,
             usu
             tritior
             ,
             processu
             temporis
             sapientior
             .
             Hier.
             ad
             Nepotia
             .
          
           
             Ut
             aequalium
             usus
             dulcior
             ,
             it
             a
             senex
             tutior
             est
             .
             Amb.
             de
             offic
             .
             
               c.
               43.
            
             
          
           
             s
             Senectus
             nostra
             albescat
             canis
             sapientiae
             ,
             non
             marcescat
             carnis
             vetustate
             .
             Aug
             :
             in
             
               Ps.
               112.
            
             
          
           
             t
             Consilia
             senum
             ,
             hastas
             juvenum
             esse
             .
          
           
             u
             Infirmitas
             corporis
             est
             sobrietas
             mentis
             .
             Ambros
             .
             Hex
             .
             
               lib
               1.
               c.
               8.
            
             
          
           
             ●…
             .
             4.
             
             Patience
             .
          
           
             w
             Patientia
             est
             honestatis
             &
             utilitatis
             causà
             ,
             rerum
             arduarum
             ac
             difficilium
             voluntaria
             &
             diuturna
             per●…
             .
             Cicero
             .
          
           
             x
             Patientia
             servunt
             Domino
             ,
             dominum
             Deo
             commendat
             :
             faeminar
             exornat
             ,
             virum
             approbat
             ;
             amatur
             in
             puero
             ,
             laudatur
             in
             juvene
             ,
             suspicitur
             in
             sene
             .
             Tert.
             de
             pat
             .
             
               c.
               15.
            
             
          
           
             y
             Patientia
             iram
             temperat
             ,
             linguam
             fraenat
             ,
             mentem
             gubernat
             ,
             pacem
             custodit
             .
             Cyprian
             .
          
           
             §
             5.
             
             Stedfastness
             .
          
           
             z
             He
             dyed
             at
             107
             years
             ,
             having
             lived
             in
             nine
             Kings
             and
             Queens
             reigns
             .
          
           
             a
             Pius
             esse
             nequit
             ,
             qui
             non
             est
             fortis
             ,
             
               Dr.
               Sanderson
            
             .
          
           
             b
             Sola
             mens
             senescens
             juvenescit
             .
             Plutarch
             .
          
           
             †
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Nazian
             .
          
           
             §
             6.
             
             Temperance
             .
          
           
             c
             Sobrietas
             corporis
             &
             mentis
             .
             Rivet
             .
          
           
             Vinum
             lac
             senum
             .
          
           
             Plato
             de
             legibus
             Dial.
             2.
             
          
           
             d
             Habeo
             senectutis
             magnam
             gratiam
             ,
             quae
             mihi
             sermonis
             aviditatem
             auxit
             ,
             potionis
             &
             cibi
             sustulit
             .
             Cato
             in
             Cicerone
             .
          
           
             e
             Amor
             in
             puero
             ,
             pudor
             ;
             in
             virgine
             ,
             rubor
             ;
             in
             f●…minâ
             ,
             fur●…r
             ;
             in
             juvene
             ,
             ardor
             ;
             in
             sene
             ,
             risus
             .
             Epictet
             .
          
           
             §
             7.
             
             Love.
             
          
           
             f
             Charitas
             dicit
             alioram
             bona
             certa
             ,
             m●…liora
             ;
             certa
             mala
             ,
             minora
             ;
             bona
             dubia
             ,
             certa
             ;
             dubia
             mala
             ,
             nulla
             .
          
           
             g
             Occultis
             se
             notis
             noscunt
             &
             amant
             mutuò
             penè
             antequam
             noverint
             .
             
               Min.
               Fel.
            
             
          
           
             h
             Principium
             vitae
             ,
             fides
             ;
             finis
             ,
             charitas
             :
             haec
             duo
             perficiunt
             Dei
             hominem
             .
             Ignatius
             .
          
           
             i
             Old
             Fish
             ,
             old
             Oil
             ,
             and
             an
             old
             Friend
             are
             best
             .
             Ital.
             Proverb
             .
          
           
             Cap.
             5.
             
             The
             Inconveniences
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             k
             Malè
             a
             particulari
             ad
             universale
             argument
             antur
             nec
             distinguere
             volunt
             aut
             valent
             interea
             quae
             propriè
             senectuti
             conveniunt
             &
             ea
             quae
             ei
             ex
             accidenti
             adveniunt
             ;
             &
             quae
             omnibus
             vitae
             gradibus
             aut
             communia
             sunt
             aut
             non
             infrequentia
             .
             Rivet
             desen
             .
             bonâ
             .
          
           
             l
             Senectus
             mare
             malorum
             .
             Plaut
             .
          
           
             m
             Extreme
             displicent
             .
             Geier
             .
             in
             loc
             .
          
           
             n
             Miseria
             est
             copia
             tribulationis
             &
             inopia
             consolationis
             .
          
           
             §.
             1.
             
             It
             is
             deprived
             of
             Pleasures
             .
          
           
             o
             Magnum
             munus
             senectutis
             est
             ,
             quod
             id
             nobis
             aufert
             ,
             quod
             in
             adolescentia
             est
             vitiosissimum
             .
             Cicer.
             
          
           
             p
             Nulla
             capitalior
             pestis
             est
             ,
             quam
             corporis
             voluptas
             .
             
               Architas
               Tarent
            
             .
          
           
             q
             Dii
             melipra
             libenter
             〈◊〉
             tanquam
             a
             Domino
             ●…urioso
             pro●…ugi
             .
             Cicer.
             de
             senect
             .
          
           
             r
             Gentlemans
             Calling
             .
          
           
             s
             Nihil
             autem
             molestum
             ,
             quod
             non
             desideramus
             .
             Non
             caret
             is
             ,
             qui
             non
             desiderat
             .
             Cicer.
             
          
           
             t
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Plato
             .
          
           
             §
             2.
             
             Strength
             and
             Beauty
             decreased
             .
          
           
             u
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             P.
             mi●…
             .
          
           
             x
             Intemperans
             Adolescentia
             effaetum
             corpus
             tradit
             senectuti
             .
             Cicer.
             
          
           
             y
             Ista
             ipsae
             defectio
             virium
             ,
             adolescentiae
             vitiis
             ▪
             efficitur
             saepius
             ,
             quam
             senectuti
             .
             Id.
             
          
           
             z
             Non
             sunt
             senibus
             vires
             ;
             nec
             postulantur
             vires
             à
             senectute
             .
             Cicero
             .
          
           
             a
             Euripides
             .
          
           
             b
             Quid
             times
             ne
             te
             abjiciat
             in
             tempore
             senectutis
             cum
             defecerit
             virtus
             tu●…
             ?
             Immo
             tunc
             in
             te
             erit
             virtus
             ejus
             ,
             quando
             defecerit
             virtus
             tua
             .
             
               Aug.
               in
               Psal.
               70.
            
             
          
           
             §
             3
             Faculties
             weakned
             .
          
           
             c
             In
             omnibus
             iis
             studiorum
             agitatio
             vitae
             aequalis
             fuit
             ▪
             Cicer.
             
          
           
             §.
             4.
             
             Senses
             decayed
             .
          
           
             d
             Constant
             Visus
             &
             Auditus
             ,
             nec
             quicquam
             in
             iis
             imminutum
             experior
             .
             
               Guil.
               River
            
             .
             aetatis
             70.
             
          
           
             Nec
             dum
             caligant
             oculi
             eo
             usque
             ut
             perspicillis
             opus
             sit
             .
             
               And.
               Rivet
            
             .
             aetat
             .
             78.
             
          
           
             e
             Sozom.
             lib.
             3.
             c.
             14.
             
             Hieron
             .
             ep
             .
             ad
             Abigaum
             .
          
           
             §.
             5.
             
             Distemper
             and
             Pain
             .
          
           
             Senectus
             incurabilis
             morbus
             .
          
           
             f
             Dr.
             Harris
             his
             Sermon
             on
             Hezekiah's
             recovery
             .
          
           
             g
             Faciliùs
             in
             morbos
             incidune
             adolescentes
             ,
             graviùs
             aegrotant
             ,
             tristiùs
             curantur
             .
             Cicer
             .
          
           
             h
             Hom.
             11.
             in
             Hex
             .
          
           
             §.
             6.
             
             Broken
             with
             Crosses
             .
          
           
             i
             Nihil
             infelicius
             mihi
             eo
             videtur
             ,
             cui
             nihil
             unquam
             evenit
             adversi
             .
             Seneca
             .
          
           
             k
             Chamier
             .
          
           
             l
             Quod
             diu
             vivendo
             multa
             quae
             non
             vult
             videt
             :
             R.
             Et
             multa
             fortasse
             ,
             quae
             vult
             .
             Cicer.
             
          
           
             m
             Quo
             fortiter
             fortuita
             patiamur
             &
             naturae
             consentiamus
             .
             Senec.
             
          
           
             n
             Optimum
             est
             pati
             ,
             quod
             emendare
             non
             possis
             ;
             &
             Deum
             ,
             quo
             auctore
             cuncta
             proveniunt
             sine
             murmuratione
             comitari
             :
             malus
             miles
             est
             ,
             qui
             Imperatorem
             gemens
             sequitur
             .
             Sen.
             
          
           
             §.
             7.
             
             Attended
             with
             Contempt
             .
          
           
             o
             Beatus
             juvenis
             qui
             benè
             vivit
             ,
             sed
             magis
             beatus
             est
             senex
             qui
             benè
             vixit
             :
             quod
             enim
             juvenis
             sperat
             ,
             adeptus
             est
             senex
             .
             Ambr.
             de
             Iacob
             .
             &
             vit
             .
             beat
             .
             c.
             8.
             
          
           
             §.
             8.
             
             Disabled
             from
             Service
             .
          
           
             p
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Plato
             .
          
           
             q
             Nullane
             res
             seniles
             sunt
             ,
             quae
             vel
             infirmis
             corporibus
             ,
             animo
             tamen
             administrentur
             ?
             Cicer.
             
          
           
             §.
             9.
             
             Unfit
             for
             Religious
             Exercises
             .
          
           
             §.
             10.
             
             Terrified
             with
             the
             approach
             of
             Death
             .
          
           
             r
             Plerique
             inter
             mortis
             metum
             &
             vitae
             tormenta
             miseri
             fluctuant
             :
             &
             vivere
             nolunt
             ,
             &
             mori
             nesciunt
             .
             Sen.
             Ep.
             4.
             
          
           
             s
             Casus
             nunciat
             mortem
             latentem
             ;
             infirmitas
             apparentem
             ;
             senectus
             presentem
             .
             Ex
             incertituditudine
             ,
             timor
             ;
             ex
             infirmitate
             dolor
             ;
             ex
             certitudine
             afflictio
             .
             Palaeot
             .
             ex
             Hug.
             de
             claustr
             .
             anim
             .
          
           
             t
             Every
             thing
             is
             good
             that
             is
             agreeable
             to
             Nature
             ;
             what
             more
             natural
             ,
             than
             for
             an
             old
             man
             to
             dy
             ?
          
           
             u
             The
             Godly
             in
             Death
             is
             alive
             .
             
               Hebr.
               Prov.
            
             
          
           
             w
             Vita
             Christi
             instruxit
             nostram
             ;
             mors
             Christi
             destruxit
             nostram
             .
             Bern.
             
          
           
             
               z
               Mrs.
            
             Ann
             Aiscough
             .
          
           
             y
             Mortem
             timere
             dementis
             estquia
             certa
             expectantur
             ,
             dubia
             metuuntur
             .
             Senec
             .
             Ep.
             30.
             
          
           
             z
             Nulli
             potest
             secura
             vita
             contingere
             ,
             qui
             de
             producenda
             nimis
             cogitat
             .
             Id.
             
          
           
             a
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Menecrates
             .
          
           
             Valeant
             s●…olidi
             illi
             qui
             ,
             dum
             abest
             senectus
             ,
             eam
             optant
             ;
             dum
             adest
             ,
             accusant
             .
             Cicer
             .
          
           
             Cap.
             6.
             
             The
             Priviledges
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             b
             Ad
             multos
             Annos
             :
          
           
             c
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Proverb
             .
          
           
             Lacedemone
             esse
             honestefri
             domi
             inline
             senectutis
             .
             Cicero
             .
          
           
             §
             1.
             
             It
             is
             greater
             in
             Authority
             .
          
           
             d
             Qui
             cum
             refugeret
             Apostolum
             se
             scrsbere
             ,
             senioremscripsit
             .
             Ambros.
             in
             Psal.
             37.
             
          
           
             e
             Arist.
             polit
             .
             lib.
             7.
             cap.
             14.
             
          
           
             f
             Ut
             quisqaetate
             antecellit
             ,
             ita
             sententiae
             principatum
             tenet
             .
             Ci●…r
          
           
             g
             Senibus
             Authoritas
             major
             〈◊〉
             ▪
             quod
             plur●…
             nôsse
             &
             vidisse
             credunt●…r
             .
             
               Quintil
               .
               lib.
               1●…
               .
               c
               c
               4.
               
            
          
           
             h
             Multum
             est
             quod
             à
             sapiente
             vel
             tacente
             proficias
             .
             Senec
             .
          
           
             i
             Non
             cani
             ▪
             no●…rugae
             repentè
             authoritatem
             aferre
             possunt
             ,
             s●…d
             honestè
             acta
             superior
             aetas
             ●…ructus
             capit
             authoritatis
             extremos
             .
             Cicero
             .
          
           
             §
             2.
             
             Richer
             in
             Experience
             .
          
           
             k
             Serus
             venit
             usus
             ab
             annis
             .
             
               Ovid.
               Met.
            
             
          
           
             l
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             Sophocl
             .
          
           
             m
             Experience
             is
             a
             sedious
             b●…t
             a
             sure
             Master
             .
          
           
             n
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
          
           
             o
             Arist.
             l.
             1.
             
             Met.
             
          
           
             Justin.
             lib.
             ●…1
             .
          
           
             p
             Ex
             multis
             memor●…is
             ejusdem
             rei
             conflatur
             experientia
             .
             Palaeot
             .
          
           
             §.
             3.
             
             Freer
             from
             Sin.
             
          
           
             q
             Id
             ago
             senex
             ne
             videar
             velle
             ,
             quae
             puer
             volui
             .
             Sen.
             Ep.
             61.
             
          
           
             r
             Qui
             se
             libidinum
             vinculis
             laxatos
             no●…
             molesti
             ●…errent
             .
             Cicer.
             
          
           
             s
             Non
             sentio
             in
             animo
             aetatis
             injuriam
             ,
             cùm
             sentiam
             in
             corpore
             :
             tantum
             vitia
             &
             vitiorum
             ministeria
             senu●…runt
             ;
             vig●…t
             animus
             &
             gaudet
             non
             multum
             sibi
             cum
             corpore
             ;
             magnam
             partem
             oneris
             sui
             deposuit
             ;
             Exultat
             &
             mihi
             facit
             controversiam
             de
             senectute
             ,
             hanc
             ait
             esse
             ●…orem
             suum
             ;
             credamus
             illi
             ,
             bono
             suo
             utat●…r
             .
             Sen.
             Ep.
             26.
             
          
           
             t
             One
             may
             desire
             the
             Death
             of
             this
             Body
             ,
             to
             be
             delivered
             from
             the
             Body
             of
             this
             death
             ,
             Mr.
             Caryll
             .
          
           
             §.
             4.
             
             Proner
             to
             Piety
             .
          
           
             u
             Quid
             enim
             stolidius
             fieri
             posset
             ,
             si
             mens
             ad
             perfectionem
             non
             contendit
             ,
             quando
             totus
             corporis
             habitus
             senectute
             confectus
             ad
             interitum
             properat
             ?
             Cyprian
             .
          
           
             w
             Dr.
             Lo●…d
             Fair
             warning
             ,
             p.
             162.
             
          
           
             x
             Hae●…
             aetas
             optimè
             facit
             ad
             studia
             ,
             jam
             despumavit
             ,
             jam
             vitia
             adolescentiae
             domita
             ,
             lassavit
             :
             non
             multum
             superest
             ,
             ut
             extinguat
             :
             si
             quis
             quaerat
             ,
             quando
             proderit
             ,
             quod
             in
             exit●…
             discitur
             ,
             aut
             in
             quam
             rem
             ?
             In
             hanc
             ,
             ut
             exeat
             melior
             .
             Senec.
             Ep.
             78.
             
          
           
             §.
             5.
             
             Riper
             in
             Fruits
             .
          
           
             y
             Senectus
             enim
             ipsa
             in
             bonis
             moribus
             dulcior
             ,
             in
             consiliis
             utilior
             ,
             ad
             constantiam
             subeundae
             mortis
             paratior
             ,
             ad
             reprimendas
             libidines
             firmior
             .
             Ambros
             .
             Hex
             .
             
               l.
               1.
               c.
               8.
            
             
          
           
             z
             See
             Dr.
             
             Sheafe's
             Vindication
             of
             Old-age
             ,
             written
             by
             Him
             at
             80.
             
             Dedicated
             to
             Dr.
             Chaderton
             who
             was
             100.
             and
             published
             by
             Dr.
             Gouge
             at
             65.
             
             A.
             D.
             1639.
             
          
           
             Plutarch
             .
             An.
             seni
             ,
             &c.
             
               p.
               519.
            
             
          
           
             a
             Ille
             ergo
             bene
             senescit
             ,
             qui
             bene
             senserit
             .
             Ambr.
             
          
           
             §.
             6.
             
             Worthier
             of
             Respect
             .
          
           
             b
             Magna
             fuit
             capitis
             quondam
             reverentia
             cani
             .
             
               Ovid.
               5.
            
             
             Fast.
             
          
           
             c
             Credebant
             hoc
             grande
             nefas
             &
             morte
             piandum
             ,
             Si
             Iuvenis
             vetulo
             non
             assurrexerat
             —
             
               Juv.
               Sat.
               13.
            
             
          
           
             d
             Nil
             habui
             antiquius
             .
          
           
             §.
             7.
             
             Further
             from
             the
             World.
             
          
           
             e
             Quod
             si
             quis
             Deus
             mihi
             largiatur
             ut
             ex
             hac
             aetate
             repuerascam
             &
             in
             cunis
             vagiam
             ,
             valdè
             recusem
             :
             nec
             vero
             velim
             ,
             quasi
             decurso
             spatio
             ,
             a
             calce
             ad
             carceres
             revocari
             .
             Seneca
             .
          
           
             f
             Nec
             me
             vixisse
             poenitet
             ;
             quoniam
             it
             a
             vixi
             ,
             ut
             frustra
             me
             natum
             non
             existimem
             :
             &
             ex
             vitâ
             istâ
             discedo
             ,
             tanquam
             ex
             hospitio
             ,
             non
             tanquam
             ex
             domo
             :
             commora●…di
             enim
             Natura
             diversorium
             nobis
             ,
             non
             habitandi
             ,
             dedit
             .
             Senec.
             
          
           
             g
             Nihil
             de
             seculo
             desiderare
             potest
             ,
             qui
             seculo
             major
             est
             .
             Tertul.
             
          
           
             h
             At
             senex
             est
             eò
             melior
             conditione
             quam
             adolescens
             ,
             cùm
             id
             quod
             sperat
             ille
             ,
             hic
             jam
             assecutus
             est
             .
             Ille
             vult
             diu
             vivere
             ,
             hic
             diu
             vixit
             .
             Cicero
             .
          
           
             i
             Solenne
             in
             confinio
             mortis
             positis
             ,
             res
             humanas
             ex
             ignotâ
             quadam
             &
             supernaturali
             causa
             fastidire
             .
             
               P.
               Suav
            
             :
             Histor
             .
             Conc.
             Trident.
             
          
           
             ●…
             8.
             
             Nearer
             to
             Death
             and
             Eternity
             .
          
           
             †
             Of
             young
             men
             dy
             many
             ,
             Of
             old
             men
             scape
             not
             any
             .
          
           
             k
             Pugnae
             finis
             est
             initium
             victoriae
             ,
             &
             dum
             finiuntur
             labores
             ,
             accedunt
             honores
             .
             Rivet
             .
             de
             senbon
             .
          
           
             l
             Chrysost.
             hom
             .
             49.
             in
             Matth.
             
          
           
             m
             Mo●…
             quid
             est
             ?
             aut
             finis
             est
             ,
             aut
             transitus
             :
             nec
             desinere
             timeo
             ,
             idem
             est
             enim
             quod
             non
             coepisse
             :
             nec
             transire
             ,
             quia
             nusquam
             tam
             angustè
             ero
             .
             Senec.
             Ep.
             65.
             
          
           
             n
             Facilè
             contemnit
             omnia
             ,
             qui
             semper
             cogitat
             se
             esse
             moriturum
             .
             Hieron
             .
             ep
             .
             ad
             Paul.
             
          
           
             o
             O
             preclaram
             di●…
             ,
             cum
             ad
             illud
             amicorum
             concilium
             coetumque
             profi●…iscar
             &
             cum
             ex
             hac
             turbâ
             &
             colluvione
             discedam
             !
             Cicero
             .
          
           
             p
             Ennius
             .
          
           
             q
             Ante
             senectutem
             curavi
             ,
             ut
             benè
             viverem
             ;
             in
             senectute
             ,
             ut
             benè
             moriar
             ;
             benè
             autem
             mori
             est
             libenter
             mori
             .
             Sen.
             ep
             .
             61.
             
          
           
             r
             O
             veneranda
             ante
             alias
             senectus
             !
             O
             diu
             optata
             !
             O
             nequicquam
             formidata
             mortalibus
             !
             Et
             si
             nôsse
             coeperis
             ,
             faelix
             aetas
             :
             Indignus
             est
             ad
             te
             pervenire
             ,
             qui
             te
             metuit
             :
             Indignus
             pervenisse
             qui
             te
             accusat
             .
             Petrarch
             .
             lib.
             8.
             ep
             .
             ●…enil
             .
             ep
             .
             2.
             
          
           
             Cap.
             7.
             
             The
             Work
             of
             Old-age
             .
          
           
             §.
             1.
             
             Repentance
             of
             their
             Sins
             .
          
           
             s
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             t
             I
             repent
             of
             all
             my
             life
             ,
             but
             that
             part
             I
             have
             spent
             in
             communion
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             in
             doing
             good
             .
             Dr.
             Donn●…
             on
             his
             Death-bed
             .
          
           
             u
             Quidam
             tunc
             vivere
             incipiunt
             ,
             cum
             desinendu●…
             est
             :
             si
             hoc
             judice●…
             mirum
             ;
             adjiciam
             quod
             magis
             admireris
             ,
             quidam
             ante
             vivere
             desierunt
             quam
             incipiunt
             .
             Sen.
             Ep.
             23.
             
          
           
             w
             Nonne
             tota
             vita
             ob
             commissa
             damnabilis
             ,
             vel
             ob
             omissa
             inutilis
             ?
             quid
             restat
             ,
             ô
             peccator
             ,
             nisi
             ut
             in
             tota
             vita
             deplores
             totam
             vitam
             .
             Anselm
             .
          
           
             x
             In
             quantum
             non
             peperceris
             tibi
             ,
             in
             tantum
             Deus
             ,
             crede
             ,
             parcet
             .
             Tertul
             .
             de
             poen
             .
             
               c.
               9.
            
             
          
           
             y
             O
             that
             this
             flesh
             had
             bin
             compos'd
             of
             Snow
             ,
             Instead
             of
             Earth
             ●…
             and
             bones
             of
             Ice
             ,
             that
             so
             Feeling
             the
             fervour
             of
             my
             sins
             ,
             and
             loathing
             The
             Fire
             I
             feel
             ,
             I
             might
             be
             thaw'd
             to
             nothing
             .
             Quarles
             .
          
           
             z
             Quid
             quoque
             die
             dixerim
             ,
             audiverim
             ,
             egerim
             ,
             commemoro
             vesperi
             .
             
               Cato
               in
               Tully
            
             .
          
           
             a
             An
             melius
             est
             damnatum
             latere
             ,
             quam
             palam
             absolvi
             ?
             Tertul
             :
             de
             poen●…
             
               c.
               10.
            
             
          
           
             §.
             2.
             
             Obtaining
             of
             Assurance
             :
          
           
             b
             August
             .
             
               Ep.
               110.
            
             
          
           
             c
             C●…rneades
             &
             Chesila●…s
             .
          
           
             §.
             3.
             
             Prayer
             and
             Praises
             .
          
           
             d
             Rivet
             .
             ep
             .
             de
             bona
             senectute
             .
          
           
             §.
             4.
             
             Instruction
             of
             the
             Younger
             .
          
           
             e
             Plutarch
             .
          
           
             f
             Major
             pars
             aetatis
             certè
             melior
             Reipublicae
             data
             sit
             :
             aliquid
             temporis
             tui
             s●…me
             etiam
             tibi
             .
             Sen.
             de
             br
             .
             vit
             .
             
               c.
               18.
            
             
          
           
             §.
             5.
             
             Watchfulness
             against
             several
             Temptations
             .
          
           
             g
             Omne
             p●…catum
             impatientiae
             ascribendum
             .
             Tert
             :
             de
             pat
             .
             
               c.
               6.
            
             
          
           
             h
             Vir
             fortis
             &
             sapiens
             non
             fugere
             debet
             ●…
             vitâ
             sed
             exire
             .
             Sen.
             ep
             .
             24.
             
          
           
             i
             Atsi
             inutile
             ministeriis
             est
             c●…rpus
             ,
             quidni
             oportent
             educere
             animam
             laborantem
             ,
             &
             fortasse
             antequam
             debet
             ,
             faciendum
             est
             :
             ne
             cùm
             fieri
             debeat
             ,
             facere
             non
             posses
             .
             Id.
             ep
             .
             58.
             
          
           
             k
             Conscientia
             benè
             actae
             vitae
             ,
             multorumque
             bene
             factorum
             recordatio
             jucundissima
             est
             .
             Cicero
             .
          
           
             l
             Tithonus
             being
             very
             old
             ,
             was
             ,
             say
             the
             Poets
             ,
             turn'd
             into
             a
             Grashopper
             .
          
           
             m
             Ne
             pergas
             quaererè
             qui●…
             cor
             durum
             sit
             ,
             si
             non
             expavisti
             ,
             tuum
             est
             .
             Bern.
             
          
           
             n
             Exig●…a
             pars
             est
             vitae
             ,
             quam
             nos
             vivimus
             ,
             non
             exiguum
             temporis
             habemus
             ,
             sed
             multum
             perdimus
             .
             Re
             omnium
             pretiosissimâ
             luditur
             .
             Sen.
             de
             ●…r
             .
             vit
             .
          
           
             o
             Animus
             fuit
             victor
             annorum
             .
             as
             Bernard
             
               saith
               of
            
             Humbertus
             .
          
           
             p
             Semp●…r
             enim
             in
             iis
             studiis
             laboribusque
             viventi
             ,
             non
             intelligitur
             quando
             obrepat
             s●…ectus
             .
             Cicero
             .
          
           
             q
             Nemo
             est
             tam
             senex
             quise
             annum
             non
             putet
             posse
             vivere
             .
             Cicer.
             
          
           
             r
             Quotidiè
             morimur
             ,
             quotidiè
             mutamur
             ,
             &
             tamen
             aeternos
             nos
             esse
             credimus
             .
             Hieron
             ep
             .
             ad
             Helvi●…
             .
          
           
             s
             Seni
             mors
             in
             januis
             est
             .
             Bern.
             ep
             .
             185.
             
          
           
             t
             Hunc
             ipsum
             diem
             quem
             agimus
             cum
             morte
             dividimus
             .
             Senec
             .
             ep
             .
             24.
             
          
           
             u
             Mors
             omnibus
             est
             finis
             ,
             multis
             remedium
             ,
             paucis
             [
             probis
             ]
             etiam
             votum
             .
          
           
             w
             Non
             enim
             vivere
             bonum
             est
             ,
             sed
             bene
             vivere
             .
             Itaque
             sapiens
             vivit
             ,
             quantum
             debet
             ,
             non
             quantum
             potest
             ,
             Sen.
             Ep.
             70.
             
             Quomodo
             fabula
             ,
             sic
             vita
             :
             non
             quamdiu
             ,
             sed
             quam
             bene
             acta
             ,
             refert
             .
             Id.
             Ep.
             76.
             
          
           
             x
             Every
             bird
             is
             on
             the
             wing
             to
             its
             nest
             .
             Every
             tratraveller
             his
             mind
             is
             still
             on
             home
             ,
             home
             .
             This
             was
             
               Barzilla
               s
            
             Song
             ,
             &c.
             Dr.
             Harris
             .
          
           
             y
             Maximum
             vivendi
             impedimentum
             est
             expectatio
             quae
             pendet
             ex
             crastino
             ;
             perdis
             hodiernum
             :
             quod
             in
             manu
             fortunae
             disponis
             ,
             quod
             in
             t●…
             dimittis
             .
             Sen.
             de
             br
             .
             vit
             .
             c.
             9.
             
          
           
             §.
             6
             Providence
             for
             Posterity
             .
          
           
             z
             Serant
             arbores
             ,
             que
             alteri
             seculo
             prosint
             .
             Cicero
             ex
             Statio
             .
          
           
             a
             Dispone
             de
             rebus
             ante
             mortem
             :
             saepe
             quis
             efficitur
             infirmitatis
             servus
             ,
             testari
             non
             potest
             :
             liber
             ergo
             testeris
             antequam
             servus
             efficiaris
             .
             Ber●…
          
           
             §.
             7.
             
             Mor●…fication
             to
             Sin
             and
             to
             the
             World.
             
          
           
             b
             Hoc
             denique
             tibi
             citra
             mortem
             praesta
             :
             moriantur
             ante
             te
             vitia
             .
             Sen.
             ep
             .
             27.
             
          
           
             c
             Hippocr
             .
             
               Aph.
               13.
            
             
          
           
             d
             Si
             vol●…ptatem
             aspernari
             ratione
             &
             sapientiâ
             non
             possumus
             ,
             magnam
             〈◊〉
             senectuti
             gratiam
             ,
             q●…ae
             effecerit
             ,
             ut
             id
             non
             liberet
             ,
             quod
             non
             oport●…ret
             .
             Cicer.
             
          
           
             e
             Hoc
             q●…idem
             p●…jus
             est
             ,
             quod
             autoritatem
             habemus
             senum
             ,
             vitia
             verò
             puerorum
             ;
             nec
             puerorum
             tantùm
             ,
             sed
             etiam
             insantum
             .
             Sen.
             ep
             .
             16.
             
          
           
             f
             Anus
             quum
             ludit
             ,
             morti
             delitias
             ●…acit
             .
             Sen.
             
          
           
             g
             When
             one
             Similis
             a
             great
             Captain
             in
             
             Adrian's
             time
             had
             retir'd
             into
             the
             Countrey
             seven
             years
             before
             he
             died
             ,
             he
             caused
             this
             Epitaph
             to
             be
             prepared
             for
             him
             .
             
               Smilis
               hic
               jacet
               ,
               cujus
               aetas
               quidem
               multorum
               annorum
               fuit
               .
               Septem
               tamen
               duntaxat
               annis
               vixit
               .
            
          
           
             h
             Ut
             satis
             vixerimus
             ,
             nec
             anni
             nec
             dies
             faciunt
             ,
             sed
             animus
             ;
             vixi
             quantum
             satis
             erat
             :
             mortem
             ple●…us
             expecto
             .
             Sen.
             ep
             .
             61.
             
          
           
             §.
             8.
             
             Laying
             up
             a
             Treasure
             in
             Heaven
             .
          
           
             §.
             9
             ▪
             Meditation
             on
             Death
             and
             Eternity
             .
          
           
             i
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Periander
             .
          
           
             k
             Vivere
             totâ
             vitâ
             discendum
             est
             ,
             &
             quod
             magis
             fortasse
             miraberis
             totâ
             vitâ
             discendum
             est
             mori
             .
             Sen.
             de
             br
             .
             vit
             .
             
               c.
               7.
            
             
          
           
             l
             Non
             citamur
             ex
             censu
             .
             Sen.
             ●…p
             .
             12.
             
          
           
             m
             Non
             mortem
             timem●…s
             sed
             cogitationem
             mortis
             .
             —
             T●…
             tamen
             ut
             nunquam
             timeas
             ,
             semper
             cogita
             .
             Sen.
             ep
             .
             30.
             
          
           
             n
             Hoc
             animo
             tibi
             hanc
             Epistolam
             scribo
             ,
             tanquam
             cum
             maxime
             scribentem
             mors
             evocatura
             sit
             .
             Paratus
             exire
             sum
             &
             ideo
             fruor
             vitâ
             ,
             quia
             quamdiu
             futurum
             hoc
             sit
             ,
             minime
             pendo
             .
             Sen.
             ep
             .
             61.
             
          
           
             o
             Illorum
             brevissi●…a
             &
             solicitissima
             aetas
             est
             ,
             qui
             praeteritorum
             obliviscuntur
             ,
             praesentia
             negligunt
             ,
             de
             futuro
             timent
             .
             Id.
             de
             br
             .
             vit
             .
             
               c.
               15.
            
             
          
           
             §.
             10.
             
             Perseverance
             to
             the
             end
             .
          
           
             p
             Iuvenis
             in
             sanctis
             senibus
             satanizat
             in
             annis
             .
          
           
             q
             Nemo
             quam
             benè
             vivat
             sed
             quamdiu
             ,
             curat
             :
             cum
             omnibus
             possit
             contingere
             ,
             ut
             bene
             vivant
             ;
             ut
             diu
             ,
             nulli
             .
             Sen.
             ep
             .
             22.
             
          
           
             r
             Hier.
             in
             
               Eccl.
               11.
            
             
          
           
             s
             Mallem
             mortuum
             esse
             quam
             non
             viveres
             
               Curius
               Dentatus
            
             .
          
           
             t
             Non
             itaque
             quod
             quenquam
             propter
             canos
             aut
             rugas
             putas
             diu
             vi●…isse
             :
             non
             ille
             diu
             vixit
             ,
             sed
             diu
             fuit
             .
             Sen.
             de
             brvit
             .
             
               c.
               8.
            
             
          
           
             u
             Tam
             pater
             nemo
             ,
             tam
             pius
             nemo
             .
             Tert.
             de
             poenit
             .
             
               c.
               8.
            
             
          
           
             w
             O
             miserum
             senem
             qui
             mortem
             contemnendam
             esse
             in
             tam
             longa
             aetate
             non
             viderit
             !
             quae
             qut
             planè
             negligenda
             est
             ,
             si
             omnino
             extinguit
             animum
             ,
             aut
             etiam
             appetenda
             si
             aliquò
             eum
             deducit
             ,
             ubi
             sit
             futurus
             eternus
             .
             Atqui
             certè
             nihil
             tertium
             inveniri
             potest
             .
             Cicero
             .
          
           
             x
             Bona
             senectus
             non
             vitae
             longevitate
             imbecilla
             ad
             usum
             ;
             sed
             maturitat
             !
             virtutis
             ad
             martyrium
             preparata
             .
             Ambr.
             in
             Luc.
             
               l.
               10.
            
             
          
           
             y
             Neque
             enim
             peterit
             nisi
             &
             laetus
             &
             gratus
             semper
             esse
             ,
             qui
             cu●…
             morti
             fuisset
             obnoxius
             ,
             factus
             est
             de
             immortalitate
             securus
             .
             Cypr.
             
          
           
             z
             There
             is
             scarce
             any
             
               old
               man
            
             ,
             but
             then
             sees
             how
             he
             might
             formerly
             have
             improved
             his
             talents
             better
             .
             Dr.
             Sheaf
             his
             Vind.
             of
             Old-age
             .