[ExcK, in tne 86tn year or ms age. leral, Saturday at eleven o'clocJ:, at the sburg Presbyterian Churcli. NCk.— On Dec. 2nd, Sakah, wife of Mr iel 11. Schenck,of Jameaburg, aged 75 yea (nths. t3,V ^ jc^..^e^^ ^yii^s^ THE EVENING OF LIFE. EVENING OF LIFE; LIGHT AND COMPORT AMIDST TH] SHADOWS OF DECLINING YEARS B e REV. JEREMIAH CHAPLIN, D.D. THE HOART BEAD IS A CROWN OF GLORT, IF IT BE FOITHD IN THE WAT OF RIGHTEO0SNESS. — PrOV. XVI. 31. A NEW EDITION, BEVISED AND MUCH ENLARG ^RV OF PRI«Cf^ APR 11 2001 BOSTON: X^W 06 !C AL SElA^*^ GOULD AND LINCOLN 59 WASHINOTOK STREET. NEW YORK: SHELDON AND COMPANY. CINCINNATI : GEORGE S. BLANCHARD. 1867. MOTHEK'S WAY. Oft within our little cottage As the ehadowB gently fall, While the eunrght lightly touches One Bweet face nprtn the wall - Do we gather close tog« ther. And in hashed and tender tone Ask each o her's fnll f or^jivenees For the wrong that each has done. Should you wonder why this custom A.t the ending of the day. Bye and voice would quickly answer, •'It was once our mother's way." If our h:>m be bright and cheery. If it hold* a welcome true, Opening wide its door of greeting To the many— not the few; If we share our father s bounty , With the needy day by day, 'Tis because our hearts remember This was ever mother's way. Sometimes when our hands grow weary, Or our taekt» seem very long ; When our burdens lo k too heavy, And we deem the right all wrong- Then we ga'n anew fresh courage, ' g^^gg^ in the year 1858, by And we rise to proudly say : r t ^ r o T, N -Let us do our duty bravely; LINCOL^, This was our dear mother's way." -t for the District of Massachusetts. Thus we keep her memorylpreciouB. While we never cease to pray That at last, when letgtheniDg shadows Mark the evening of our day, They may find us waiiii g calmly To go home our mothers way. -» • »■ THIS SLIGHT OFFERING OF AFFECTIOP! TS INSCRIBED, WITH THE FERVENT PRATER THAT THE EVENING OF HER LIFE • JTA7 BE AS HAPPY AS ITS DAV HAS BEEN USEFUI* LITTLE LORD JESUS. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. . The stars In the bright sky looked down where he lay. The little Lord Jesus asleep on the bay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love thee. Lord Jesus. Look down from the sky |> And stay by my cradle till morning is high. —Martin Luther. OE. This unprefending volume is designed to meet what is believed to be an actual deficiency. While nume- rous voices are speaking through the press to the young and the middle-aged of either sex, those who have passed the meridian of life are, with rare excep- tions, left unnoticed — one proof, at least, that among the virtues of this age is not to be numbered a due honoring of the hoary head. But if the young need counsel, the aged need consolation. With them the day of life is far spent, and the evening shadows have begun to fall, or are deepening into night. We have, ther '' e, deemed it a pious office as well as pleasing, to entei', as far as our experience and observation would enable us, within that world of thought and feeling, joys and sorrows, hopes and fears, where the aged dwell, and, in the light of divirie revelation, to look out from their own point of view upon the Past and Future, that from both we might gather incentives to the exercise of gratitude and praise, confidence and hope. And that our offering of love might be more worthy of their regard, we have interwoven with our own humble thoughts and affec- tionate sympathies, the reflections of the wise and VIII PREFACE. good of the present and other times ; in many cases, the fruit of a long life's experience. While, in our attempts thus to cheer the evening of life, we have not overlooked such sources of innocent happiness as our gracious Father has opened for the aged as well as for the young, in the present world, it has been our chief delight to break for them that pre- cious box which is fragrant with the name of Jesus, and whose sweet perfume is so reviving to the soul. The hope that this humble volume might be wel- comed by those who are approaching or have reached the autumn and winter of their days, and by others for their sakes, has made the task of preparation a pleasant one ; and if it shall bring light and comfort to a single dwelling, or shall lead one impenitent sinner, even at the eleventh hour, to apply his heart unto wisdom, it will not have gone forth on its errand of love in vain. It may be proper to add, that this volume has been so prepared that it may be hailed as a friend in the family of any Christian denomination. And while it is specially designed for the benefit of the aged, it may form an appropriate gift from a sod or daughter to parents who have but just passed the noon of life, as it shows how that evening season, within whose shades they must soon enter, may be made bright and peaceful. To the favor of Him, whose Word so often speaks the language of tender sympathy for the aged, is this our labor of love commended, with the prayer that His blessing may go with it, and cause it to brighten their pathway to his immediate presence. PREPACE TO THE NEW, ENLARGED EDITION. In now committing this work — truly a work of love — to the Publishers whose well-known names appear upon the title-page, I would anew bespeak for it a kind welcome in the households of the land. I may say, without boasting, that it has been to me a great joy to learn numerous cases where this unpretending volume has come as a messenger of peace. With gratitude to God for his blessing upon it in the past, and in the hope that it may please Him to make it the means of cheering and strengthening yet othei hearts, I would now again, and in a form some- what improved and much enlarged, send it fortl on its mission of love. , ^ J. \j. Boston, Dec. 6, 1858. 1* CONTENTS. PROSE. The Hoary Head a Crown of Glory Bishop Hall, 1 The Old Man's Soliloquy at the different Seasons of the Year Original, 3 Prayer for Usefulness in Old Age Hill, 14 Zachariah and Elizabeth, or the Aged Pair Original, 16 The Wife's Death Lamartine, 23 Light in Darkness Vinet, 24 The Present and the Future Fenelon, 27 The Cross of Christ Rutherford, 27 Christ and His Cross Rutherford, 29 Salvation by Christ Hill, 29 Rowland Hill In his Old Age Life of H. More, 30 DyingtoSelf Berridge, 32 Vanity of Life Thomas a Kempis, 33 Meditations on Death Thomas a Kempis, 34 Warning to the Afflicted Cecil, 34 Christ a Living Saviour Edwards, 35 Benefit of Affliction Edwards, 35 True and False Religion Newton, 35 The Bible Romaine, 37 Trials H. More, 37 Salmasius Pike, 37 Blessedness of Heaven Thomas a Kempis, 38 Elliot in his Old Age 39 Prayer Jeremy Taylor, 40 Cloudy Days Lucas, 41 The Christian on Earth and in Heaven Bunyan, 42 Death of Robert Bruce Whitecross, 43 The Evening of Life 44 God's Mercy Jeremy Taylor 45 The Goodness of God the Solace of the Aged Leigh ton, 46 The Whole Family in Heaven ana Eartn Bunyan, 46 Things to Remember Bunyan, 48 Sanctification Madame Guyon, 49 Dying Words of Payson Life of Payson, 51 The Afflicted Believer Cecil, 52 Benefit of Affliction Oberlin, 52 Peace of Mind Frajicke, 54 True Wealth Carlvie, 5"^ XII CONTENTS. Effeots of Grace Cecil, 55 Anecdote of Dr. Cogswell 56 Trust in God Romaine, 57 Sayings of John Newton Whitecross, 58 The Christian Pilgrimage Cecil, " 59 The Land of Beulah Payson, 60 The Bruised Reed Davies, 61 Saints of Different Degrees Bogatzky, 63 Study of the Bible Hopkins, 64 Consolation for Sufferers Rutherford, 66 Affliction the Portion of the Saints Rutherford, 66 Loss of Children Rutherford, 69 Hope amid Trials Rutherford, 69 The BeUever's Death Gill, 70 Prayer Gurnall, 71 Naomi— the Widow Comforted Original, 71 Live by the Day , Newton, 79 Christ an Almighty Saviour. Newton, 81 Dependence on Christ Rutherford, 81 Sketch of Mrs. B. of B Original, 81 The Death of Believers ^ Edmondson, 90 The Bible VV. R. Williams, 93 The Bible Newton, 93 The Christian's Prospect. Newton, 94 The Believer Awaiting the Coming of Christ Rutherford, 95 The Love of Christ in the Sufferings of his Children.. Original, 95 The Two Wonders Pearce, 98 To an Afflicted Lady Rutherford, 98 Thoughts of Heaven Bishop Hall, 99 Infancy, Youth, and Age Bishop Hall, 102 The Happiness of the Christian Bishop Hall, 104 Lesson of Contentment W. R. WilUama 104 The Aged Saint a Witness for God Original, 108 Testimony of an Aged Christian Mrs. Graham, 113 The Aged and Experienced Christian Cecil, 114 'F'he Cross of Christ McLaurin, 115 The Beauty of HoUness Original, ] 15 Barzillai , Bible, 1 19 Peace in Old Age Original, 124 Duties and Events Rutherford, 128 The Love of Christ Newton, 129 God's Faithfulness Rutherford, 131 Dread of Death Martin, 131 Importance of Exercise Original, 131 Experience of an Aged Believer Newton, 138 John Newton in his Old Age Cecil, 139 The Aged Serving God M. Henry, 143 Do Something Bishop Hall, 144 Right Use of Wealth Bishop Hall, 145 *«efit of Affliction Mrs. Ilawkes, 145 fit of Affliction Newton, 4* CONTENTS. XTIT Page The Devout Man Bishop Hall, 147 Human Frailty Old Humphrey, 148 The Glory of Heaven Owen, 148 Relief for Wandering Thoughts Owen, 149 Which is the Happiest Season 1 Adams, 153 Christ the Mediator M.Henry, 153 Thoughts of God M.Henry, 154 Father and his Son W.Scott, 157 Value of Religion H.Davy, 157 Christ's Love to his People Bogatzky, 158 Dissuasives against a Murmuring Spirit Mrs. Hawkea, 159 The Disconsolate Encouraged Mrs. Hawkes, 160 The Peasant on the Welsh Mountains Fry, 162 The Bible Krummacher, i63 A Lesson of Faith 165 Baynham, the Martyr Lye, 166 My Father's Grave D. E. Ford, 166 Baxter's Dying Words Baxter, 168 Benefit of Affliction Newton, 170 The Hospital and Palace Adam, 170 Nearer Home Newton, 170 The Good Man's Consolation M'Kerrow, 171 Christ a Refiner's Fire Adam, 172 Submission to the.Will of God Rutherford, 173 Comfort in Affliction Arrowsmith, 174 The Happy Old Man 177 Friends in Heaven .* Baxter, 178 The Worldling and the Christian 179 The Last Days of Dr. Watts and Mr. Hervey 180 The Christian's Prospect Nalton, 182 Jesus Lives Mrs. Steele, 183 Am I a Christian? Original, 183 Letter to an Aged Friend Rutherford, 191 The Experience of Newton Newton, 194 The Trembling Christian M.Henry, 194 The Aged Minister 196 The Aged Believer's Experience and Prospects Newton, 196 The Aged and the Young Christian Mrs. Hawkes, 199 The Death of Christ Bunyan, 200 Happiness of Heaven Payson, 201 Wonders of Providence Rutherford, 205 Cheerfulness Jeremy Taylor, 207 Spiritual Affections Owen, 209 Progress of Grace in the Soul •. Islay Bums, 211 Christian Experience Islay Burns, 213 Death a Blessing to the Aged Saint Bishop Hall, 214 FrailtyofAge ^. Blair, 2ie Death a Sleep T. Bishop HaU, 216 Benefit of Trials i Newton, 219 The Christian's Hope Newton, 220 Complete in Christ * Rutherford, 22* XIV CONTENTS. Fear of Death Bishop Hall, Death a Blessing to the Christian Bishop Hall Death Vanquished p^ygon, ' The Hope of the Christian Bishop HaU, Death Of Banyan Biography of Bunyan, Death of "Standfast" Bunyan, ^'^'^ H.W.Beecher, i^^^"°^«« Original, The Vale Of Tears gp ChristaGuest gp^^,^^^ Christian's Thoughts of Death H W Beecher Faith ' * ■ * ' Solitude i-ii, . , -r ^ Chambers' Journal, Excellency of Christ Spurgeon, Not the Only Mourner Spurgeon, A Beautiful Old Age Original, ^'^^fl'^ N.P.Willis, tr ^ .^t '■^' Newark Advertiser, How to be Happier The Christian a Stranger ^^°!7f^^ *•^^^;;*;;"'^ ■;;;**; Chambers' Journal, Christ the Foundation H.W.Beecher, Every Man's Life a Plan of God BushnelL TheHumanHeart p Two in Heaven Recognition in Heaven Baxter TheOtherSide Tifo /t • u. T. . . ^, . Life of Leighton, DymgmChrist ,j.^ Heaven's Revelations H.W.Beecher, Ji^^^""« Carlyle, Worldly Old Man Tholuck, Aged Sinners Tholuck, O^'i^g^ Tholuck That Dear Old Soul Original The Fruitful Christian's End .\" Tholuck' Suffering with Christ ' Tholuck' The Sympathy of Jesus ;.*;;;; KrummLher, aVTT't: Rural New Yorker, A Word to the Unmarried Chambers' Joui-nal ^<'^y^^^^^r H.W.Beecher, Heaven ttttttj v „ -, - - H. W. Beecher, God's Mercy pi^^. ^^''°God Lejgj^^^^^ f^^^'^^OOd jj^gj^j^^ God's Infinity ^^^^^^ Christ Everywhere The Sinner's Saviour []"[ Spurgeon, Members One of Another Ruskin The Beautiful in the Good .'.**.,"" Ruskin' SDirituai Beauty ;;;;;_'; ji ' Page 221 222 222 223 224 227 228 229 232 232 232 233 233 235 235 235 239 241 241 242 242 243 245 246 247 248 248 249 249 249 250 250 250 251 262 262 263 264 267 270 270 270 270 271 272 272 273 273 CONTENTS. XV Page Vanity of Life Walter Scott, 274 Ueath of John Foster Bayne, 275 Vged Believers Spurgeon, 276 Death of Samuel Budgett Bayne, 277 A Parting Word Original, 280 POETR Y. Sonnet on his Blindness Milton, 3 The Return of Youth Bryant, 15 The Aged Marguerite St. Leon Loud 23 Faith Andros, 28 Charity Talfourd, 29 Consolation Crabbe, 3J Glory of Prayer Cowper, 36 The Patriarch Tupper, 36 Live in View of Death Bryant, 40 Adieu, my Youth From the Italian, 42 Song of Life Longfellow, 47 Prayer of the Aged • Barton, 54 The Aged Comforter Sigourney, 56 The Flight of Time Knickerbocker 57 The Shore of Time H.F.Gould, 62 The Father's Death Stebbing, 64 Trust in God Wordsworth, 65 The Angel of Patience Whittier, 68 Emblem of a Departing Saint Songs for the Sabbath, 89 Let me go, for the Day Breaketh Christian Herald, 91 Trust in God Young, 93 Looking Heavenward 101 Days Gone By. Tupper, 102 The Hotir of Sorrow Hemans, 106 Old Age. Barton, 114 The Cypress of Ceylon Whittier, 121 Love Morris, 152 The Song of Seventy Tupper, 155 Old Age Caroline Gilman, 159 Passing under the Rod Mrs. Dana, 162 The Old Man's Funeral Bryant, 168 A Thought of the Past Sargent, 173 Calm, Peace, and Light , 175 Footsteps of Angels Longfellow, 175 The Christian's Grave Rogers, 177 Affliction Sanctified Southey, 179 The Death of a Friend Wills, 200 YouthandAge Waller, 207 Pleasures of Song Bethune, 208 Christ's Spirit of Forgiveness 216 Song of Death Household Words, 225 XVI CONTENTS. Page Blessed are they that Mourn Bryant, 234 I 'm Growing Old Anonymous, 237 Peace in God Harriet Beecher Stowe, 244 The Death of Moses Watts, 251 Humility Montgomery, 269 Evening-Time Montgomery, 271 Song of the Aged Grant, 274 A Broken Vessel Steele, 276 The Border-Land 278 TH E EVENING OF LIFE. THE HOARY HEAD A CROWN OF GLORY. While we call old age the winter of our life, we must beware lest we derogate from the bounty of our Maker, and disparage those blessings which He accounts precious ; amongst which old age is none of the meanest. Had He not put that value upon it, would He have honored it with His own style, calling himself the "Ancient of Days?" Would He have set out this mercy as a reward of obedience to himself, " I will fulfil the number of thy days Y* and of obedience to our parents, "To five long in the land ?" Would He have promised it as a marvelous savor to restored Jerusalem, now become a city of Truth, that "there shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his 2 THE EVENING OF LIFE. hand for very age?" Would He else have denounced it as a judgment to over-indulgent Eli, "There shall not be an old man in thy house for ever V Far be it from us to despise that which God doth honor ; and to turn His blessing into a curse. Yea, the same God who knows best the price of His own favors, as He makes no small estima- tion of age Himself, so He hath thought fit to call for a high respect to be given to it, out of a holy awe to himself: " Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man, and fear thy God : I am the Lord." Hence it is that He hath pleased to put together the " ancient" and the " honorable," and has told us that a " hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness ;" and lastly, makes it an argument of the deplored estate of Jerusalem that " they favored not the elders." — Bishop Hall, Even to your old age I am He; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you : I have made and T will bear. — Isaiah xlvi. 4. THE EVENING OF LIFE. 3 SONNET ON HIS BLINDNESS. When r consider how my hfe is spent Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide, And that one talent which is death to hide, Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent To serve therewith my Maker, and present My true account, lest he returning chide ; " Doth God exact day-labor, light denied V* I fondly ask : But Patience, to prevent That murmur, soon replies, " God doth not need Either man's work, or His own gifts ; who best Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best ; His state Is kingly ; thousands at his bidding speed. And post o'er land and ocean without rest ; They also serve who only stand and wait:'— Milton. THE OLD MAN'S SOLILOQUY AT THE DIFFERENT SEASONS OF THE YEAR. SPRING. The winter is over, and I am glad to feel the warm sun once more, and the soft south wind that breathes such a balmy fragrance. As it floats over the land, it whispers gladness and hope to man. The birds follow its course, warbling their wild-wood notes, and seeking their deserted nests. How^ sweet the music of the brook that glides noisily down the hill-side, rejoicing to be free 4 THE EVENING OF LIFE. again. The children, gay and happy, are run- ning to find the earUest flowers, and manhood, catching the inspiration of the season, seems to resume the freshness of youth. All is life and But here am I, an old man, in the winter of my days, leaning upon my staff and bending under a load of infirmity. My steps are slow and trembhng. Yet I was young once. The memory of those early days is as fresh as ever, and it warms my heart to think of them. Then my spirits were wild and joyous. How changed now ! But I would not be young again, noi would I murmur at my decay. A better youth is before me, free from the folly that has stained the past. And somehow I feel now the glow of spring within my heart. Old age has not laid his frosty hand on that. There sings a free, gladsome spirit — there blooms the flower of hope. As the south wind now blows softly upon my cheek, so my heart feels the warm breathings that come from the land of everlasting spring, There I shall dwell, and be young again. This poor, frail body shall know the vigor and elasticity of youth, fashioned like unto the glorious body THE EVENING OF LIFE. 5 of my Saviour. Powerful as a seraph, I shall then rove amid the beauties of that heavenly Paradise. I shall walk with white-robed saints and angels on the banks of the river that flows from the throne, taste the fruit of the tree of life that grows there, and converse upon the high themes of providence and redemption ; or else sweep through space to do the will of my Re- deemer. No scorching summer shall be there, nor chilling winter, but an eternal spring ; ever unfolding new beauty, new fragrance, new mel- ody. No night shall be there, for the Lamb shall be the light thereof The soft splendor of his glory shall be reflected from every face and every object. Blessed Spring ! I would that thy breeze were now fanning me. But I bow before my Creator's will, cheerfully waiting for my change to come. A few more days in the desert, and then farewell earth, welcome heaven ! SUMMER. The high sun sends down his hot rays upon the earth. The buds of spring have burst into flowers and fruit, and are fast ripening amid sijp- 6 THE EVENING OFLIFE. shine and shower. The heart of the husband- man rejoices over his luxuriant fields, the promise of a golden harvest. And yet I linger here — a plant, 1 trust, m the garden of the Lord. The season leads me to turn my thoughts inward. The spring-time of my religious life has long since passed — the sea- son of my first love to Jesus. A long summer of privileges and means of spiritual growth has followed. The sunshine and dew of heavenly grace have fallen upon me, and with sharp provi- dences the Husbandman has pruned me, that I might bear fruit. How favored among the saints have I been ! What pi;ecious seasons of com- munion with my God and Redeemer have I enjoyed ! How kindly has he chastened me for my good I What nourishment and comfort have I drawn from the doctrines and promises of the gospel I How sweet has been the communion ^f the saints ! How precious the ordinances of God's house ! And my summer is not yet over. I have not, indeed, all the outward means of grace I once enjoyed — infirmity confines me often to my chamber, when my spirit longs for house of the Lord. But the closet and the tl^hc THE EVENING OF LIFE. 7 Word, oh ! they are still as the summer's sun and shower. There do I find that river, whose streams make glad the city of God ; there do 1 find my Saviour, and sometimes he condescends to smile upon me, and then my poor heart is full to overflowing. I feel the influence of his blessed intercessions, and the sweet breathings of the Spirit. And now and then T have strength to. visit the sanctuary, and there I am revived and nourished. Sometimes, too, the Saviour sends one of his dear disciples to cheer me in my solitude, and, oh ! what a feast do we enjoy while we talk of Jesus and heaven. Truly the Lord has not been a wilderness unto me. » My sky has not indeed been all sunshine. Some- times it has been night about me ; but then the dew lay upon my roots, and I did not perish. I can remember, too, storms of temptation thai swept over me, and threatened my destruction. It seemed then as though all were gone, that I should be uprooted and laid prostrate. Oh ! how have my lofty boughs been shaken and broken — how have I been stripped of my pride and beauty, and made to bend before the blast ! But He who rides upon the wings of the wind, ^ad§ 8 THE EVENING OF LIFE. directs the storm, caused the tempest to pass oy. The prince of the power of the air was driven l)ack, and again all was calm and bright. These fierce temptations, fearful to remember, served, lirough grace, to fasten my roots more firmly in lie earth, and give me new strength for future assaults. 1 hey taught me my weakness, and where alone lay my strength and hope. Thus, even these have been among my means of spi- ritual growth. And oh, what distressing discove- ries have I had o^ the hidden corruption of my nature. Surely, thought I, I cannot belong to the Lord's garden — I am a cumberer of the ground — it must be said of me, Cut it down. But all this has driven me closer to my Savioui, and revealed to me new glories in his grace. I must reckon these also among my summer privi- leges. I can bless God for trials and crosses. I would adore the grace that has sanctified them to me. Thanks for the summer that has been granted, with all its clouds, and storms, and dark- ness. Better than all sunshine. And may it be summer still with my soul, till I die. Let the sun of righteousness still rise upon me, and the of heavenly grace fall gently upon me, or I

ng there, and have never quitted us. These THE EVENING OF LIFE. 25 invisible angels are faith, hope, and love, if we have detained .them beside us by contemplation prayer, and good works ; or rather he whom we have detained beside us is God himself; God, whose spirit, as he himself has said, " is in distress in all our distresses." " Though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will feai no evil, for God is with us, his rod and his staff comfort us." Yes, in this very darkness, the blackest of all darkness, in the approaches of death, thou, thyself, O Lord ! wilt come to com- fort thy poor creatures ; thou wilt defend our couch from those visions of terror which ominous appearances and the remembrance of our sins gather around us. Did it seem good to thy wisdom to leave us alone, and without immedi- ate consolation, to perform part of the journey in the darkness of the cavern, it would be on its issue to give a purer and more briUiant hght to the sacred day of redemption. The radiant face of our Saviour will enlighten this darkness ; we shall not be long in discerning his mild and beneficent countenance ; and from that inouient, assured and enraptured, we shall feel a sublime joy rise and expand in our soul over our fears, 26 THE EVENING OF LIFE. our regrets, and it inaj be, our remorse. Beside him what can we fear ; what can we want 1 Shall w^e not be well wherever he is? Can we be perfectly satisfied wherever he is not ? Was not the hope which supplied the place of happi- ness here below, the hope of possessing him ? And if it was sweet in this place of exile to suffer with him, what will it be in heaven to reign with him 1 O revelations, glory, marvels of a Chris- tian death, how great you are and ravishing! Will it ever be possible for us to pay too dearly for them t Is it to pay too much for the death of the righteous to die beforehand, and die daily to ourselves, and hide our life with Christ in the bosom of God 1 O Lord, teach us this death, in order that we may be capable of the other ! O Lord, disrobe us of ourselves, and clothe us wdth tbyself ! Make us poor in order that we may be rich ! Be our only treasure ! Be our only lighi in the days of happiness, so that thou inayest also be our light in days of mourning, and at the bour of final departure ! — Vinet. THE EVENING OF LIFE. 27 THE PR.. SENT AND THE FUTURE. It is strange that the experience Oi" so many ages should not make us judge more sohdlj of the present and of tiie future, so as to take proper measures in the one for the other. We doat upon this world as if it were never to have an end, and we neglect the next, as if it were never to have a beginning. — Fenelon, Build your nest on no tree here ; for you see God hath sold the forest to death, and every tree upon which we would rest is ready to be cut down, to the end that we may flee and mount ud and build upon the rock. — Rutherford. The Cross of Chrisf. — Christ's cross is the sweetest burden that ever I bore : it is such a burden as wdngs are to a bird, or sails to a ship, to carry me forward to my harbor. — Rutherford. Children's children are the crown of old men ; and the glory of children are their fathers. — Frov. xvii. 6 28 THE EVENING OF LIFE. FAITH. A SWALLOW, in the spring, Came to our granary, and 'neath the eaves Essayed to make a nest, and there did bring Wet earth, and straw, and leaves. Day after day she toiled. With patient art, but ere her work was crowned, Some sad mishap the tiny fabric spoiled, And dashed it to the ground. She found the ruin wrought ; Yet not cast down, forth from the place she flew, And with her mate fresh earth and grasses brought. And built her nest anew. But scarcely had she placed The last soft 'feather on its ample floor, When wicked hand, or chance, again laid waste And wrought the ruin o'er. But still her heart she kept. And toiled again ; — and, last night hearing calls, I looked, and lo ! three little swallows slept Within the earth-made walls. What truth is here, man ! Hath Hope been smitten in its early dawn ? Have clouds o'ercast thy purpose, trust or plan ? Have Faith, and struggle on ! R. S. S. Andros. THE K V E 1\ I N G OF LIFE. 29 Christ and His Cross. — Hold fast Christ, but take his cross and hmiself cheerfully ; Christ and his cross are not separable in this life, how- ever they part at heaven's door, for there is no room for crosses in heaven ; crosses are but the marks of our Lord Jesus, down in this stormy country, or this side death; sorrow and the saints are not married together; or, suppose it were so, heaven will make a divorce. — Ruther- ford. CHARITY. 'Tis a little thing To give a cup of water ; yet its draught Of cool refreshment, drained by fevered hps, May give a shock of pleasure to the frame More exquisite than when nectarean juice Renews the Ufe of joy in happiest hours. It is a little thing to speak a phrase Of common comfort which by daily use Has almost lost its sense ; yet on the ear Of him who thought to die unmourned 'twill faJi Like choicest music. — Talfourd. Salvation by Christ. — People talk about looking back on a well-spent life. I look up to 30 THE EVENING OF LIFE. liim who spent his Hfe gloriously to redeem the life of my precious soul ; and there alone I dare to look. I thank God who has kept me from the grosser sins of the world; but there is not a prayer more suitable to my dying hps than that of the publican, — " God be merciful to me a sinner." — Rowland Hill. ROWLAND HILL IN HIS OLD AGE. When Rowland Hill was far advanced in hfe, he made a visit to Mrs. Hannah More. In answer to a question from that lady, he informed her that he had vaccinated with his own hand nearly eight thousand persons. One who was present at the interview says : " We talked of everybody, from John Bunyan, to John Locke, and he really showed an excellent discrimination and tact in character. But the most beautiful feature of all was the spirit of love and charity which was eminently conspicuous in this Chris- tian veteran. I cannot express to you how interesting a spectacle it was to see these two already half-beatified servants of their common Lord greeting one another for the first, and probably the last time on this side Jordan, pre- THE EVENING OF LIFE. 31 paratory to the consummation of a unio^ and friendship wliich will last for ever in the region of eternal felicity. I do suppose thai no tw^o per- sons in their own generation have done more in their respective w^ays than Hannah More and Rowland Hill. Both have exceeded fourscore ; both retain health and vigor of intellect ; both are on the extreme verge of eternity, w^aiting for the glorious summons, ' Come, ye blessed of my Father.' " He concluded this interesting visit with a fine prayer, which was poured forth in an excellent voice and manner. — Hannah Move's Life, CONSOLATION. Pilgrim burdened with thy sin, Come the way to Zion's gate. There, till mercy let thee in. Knock, and weep, and watch, and wait. Knock ! He knows the sinner's cry ; Weep ! He loves the mourner's tears ; Watch ! for saving grace is nigh ; Wait — till heavenly light appears. Hark ! it is the bridegroom's voice : Welcome, pilgrim, to thy rest ; Now within the gate rejoice, Safe, and sealed, and bought, and blest. 32 r H E EVENING OF LIFE. Safe — from all the lures of vice, Sealed — by signs the chosen know, Bought — by love, and life the price. Blest — the mighty debt to owe. Holy pilgrim ! what for thee In a world like this remain ? From thy guarded breast shall flee Fear, and shame, and doubt, and pain. Fear — the hope of heaven shall fly, Shame — from glory's view retire, Doubt — in certain rapture die, Pain — in endless bUss expire. — Crahhe, DYING TO SELF. The pious Mr. Berridge says in a letter to Mrs. Wilberforce, when she was in dying circuni- staaces: "Live as near to Jesus as you possibly can, but die, die to self. 'Tis a daily work — 'tis a hard work. I find myself to be Hke an insurmountable mountain, or a perpendicular rock that must be overcome ! I've not got over it, not half way over ! This, this is my greatest trial ! Self is hke a mountain ; Jesus is a sun that shines on the other side of the mountain ; and now and then a sunbeam shines over the top : we get a glimpse, a sort of twilight appre- THE EVENING OF LIFE. 33 liension of the brightness of, the sun ; but self must be much more subdued in me before I can bask in the sunbeams of the ever blessed Jesus, or say in everything * Thy w^ill be done !' VANITY OF LIFE. What availeth it to hve long, w^hen the im- provement of hfe is so inconsiderable 1 Length of days, instead of making us better, often increaseth the weight of sin. Would to God that we could live well, only for one day ! Many reckon years from the time of their conversion ; but the account of their attainments in holiness is exceedingly small. Therefore, though death be terrible, yet a longer life may be dangerous. Blessed is the man who continually anticipates the hour of his death, and keeps himself in continual preparation for its approach ! — Thomas a Ke?npis, The glory of young men is their strength ; and the beautj of old men is the gray head.— — Prov. XX. 29. 3 34 THE EVENING OF LIFE. MEDITATIONS ON DEATH. If thou hast ever seen another die, let not the impression of that most interesting sight be effaced from thy heart ; but remember, that through the same vale of darkness thou also must pass from this state of existence to the next. When it is morning, think that thou may est not live till the evening ; and, in the evening, presume not to promise thyself another morning. Be, therefore, always ready, and so live, that death may not find thee confounded at its summons. Many die suddenly and unexpectedly: "for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh." And v^hen that last hour is come to thee, thou wilt begin to think differently of thy past life, and be inexpressibly grieved for thy remissness and inconsideration. — Thomas a Keinpis. Warning to the Afflicted. — Affliction has a tendency, especially if long continued, to gene- rate a kind of despondency and ill temper; and spiritual incapacity is closely connected with pain and sickness. The spirit of prayer does not necessarily come with affliction. If this be not poured out upon the man, he will, hke a wounded beast, skulk to his den and growl there. — Cecil. THE EVENING OF LIFE. 35 Christ a Living Saviour. — Christ is not in the heart of a saint, as in a sepulchre, or as a dead Saviour, that does nothing, but as in his temple, and as one that is alive from the dead. — Pres. Edwards. BENEFIT OF AFFLICTION. The surest way to know our gold is to look upon it and examine it in God's furnace, where he tries it for that end, that we may see what it is. If we have a mind to know whether a building stands strong or no, we must look upon it when the wind blows. If we would know whether that which appears in the form of wheat has the real substance of wheat, or be only chaff, we must observe it, when it is winnowed. If we would know whether a staff be strong, or a rot- ten, broken reed, we must observe it when it is leaned on, and weight is borne upon it. If we would weigh ourselves justly, we must weigh ourselves in God's scales, that he makes use of to weigh us. — Fres. Edwards. True and False Religion. — The religion of some people is constrained ; they are like people who use the cold bath — not for pleasure, but 36 THE EVENING OF LIFE necessity and their health ; they go in with rehictance, and are glad when they get out. Bui religion to a true heliever is hke water to a fish ; it is his element, he lives in it, and he could not live out of it. — John Newton. GLORY OF PRAYER. When one that holds communion with the skies, Has filled his urn where these pure waters rise, ■ And once more mingles with us, meaner things, 'Tis e'en as if an angel shook his wings ; Immortal fragrance fills the circuit wide. That tells us whence the treasure is supplied. — Cowper. THE PATRIARCH. Behold a patriarch of years, who leaneth on the staflP o^ religion ; His heart is fresh, quick to feel, a bursting fount of generosity ; lie, playful in his wisdom, is gladdened in his children's glad- ness. He, pure in his experience, loveth in his son's first love : Lofty aspirations, deep affections, holy hopes are his delight ; His abhorrence is to strip from life its charitable garment of ideal. The shrewd world laughed at him for honesty, the vain world mouthed at him for honor. The false world hated him for truth, the cold world despised him for affection. THE EVENING OF LIFE. 37 Still, he kept his treasure, the warm and noble heart, And in that happy old man survive the child and lover. Tapper, The Bible. — I will answer for it, the longer you read the Bible, the more you will like it ; it will grow sweeter and sweeter ; and the more you get into the spirit of it, the more you will get into the spirit of Christ. — Romalne, Trials. — Outward attacks and troubles rather fix than unsettle the Christian, as tempests from without only serve to root the oak faster ; whilst an inward canker wiU gradually rot and decay it— if. More, . SALMASIUS. Salmasius was a man of most extraordinary abilities, his name resounded through Europe, and his presence was earnestly sought in different nations. When he arrived at the evening of life, he acknowledged that he had too much, and too earnestly engaged in literary pursuits. " O !'' said he, " I have lost an immense portion of time ; time, that most precious thing in the world i Had I but one year more, it should be spent in studying David's Psalms and Paul's Epistles. 38 THE EVENING OF LIFE. Oh ! sirs," said he to those about him, " mind the world less, and God more. ' The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil, that is understanding.' " — Fike, BLESSEDNESS OF HEAVEN. On a certain day known only to the Lord, the reign of the Prince of Peace will commence ; when instead of the vicissitudes of day and night, joy and sorrow, that are now known, there shall be uninterrupted light, infinite splendor, unchange- able peace, and everlasting rest. Then thou wilt no longer say, " Who shall deliver me from the body of this death f nor exclaim, " Woe is me that my pilgrimage is prolonged !" for " death shall be swallowed up in victory," and " the corruptible will have put on incorruption." Then " all tears shall be wiped from thy eyes," and all sorrow taken from thy heart; and thou shalt enjoy perpetual delight in the lovely society of angels, and the " spirits of the just made perfect." - Thomas a Keinpis. O WAS it possible for thee to behold the un- fading brightness of those crowns which the blessed wear in heaven : and w ith w hat trium- THE EVENING OF LIFE. 39 pliant glory they, whom the world once despised, and thought unworthy of life itself, are now invested ; verily, thou wouldst humble thyself to the dust, and rather choose to be inferior to all men, than superior even to one ; instead of sigh- ing for the perpetual enjoyment of the pleasures of this life, thou wouldst rejoice in suffering all its afflictions for the sake of God ; and wouldst count it great gain to be despised and rejected as noth- ing among men. — Thomas a Keiiipis. ELLIOT IN HIS OLD AGE. On the day of his death, in his eightieth year, EUiot, " the apostle of the Indians," was found teaching the alphabet to an Indian child at his bed-side. " Why not rest from your labors now 1" said a friend. " Because," said the venerable man, " I have prayed to God to render me useful in my sphere ; and he has heard my prayers ; for now that 1 can no longer preach, he leaves me strength enough to teach this poor child his alphabet." The best prayers have often more groans than words. — Bunyan. 40 THE EVENING Or LIFE. LIVE m VIEW OF DEATH. So live, that when thy summons comes to join The innumerable caravan, that moves To the pale realms of shade, where each shall take His chamber in the silent halls of death, Thou go not, like the quarry slave at night, Scourged to his dungeon ; but, sustained and soothed By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams. — Bryant. PRAYER. I HAVE seen a lark rising from his bed of grass and soaring upwards, singing as he rises, in hopes to get to heaven and cHmb above the clouds ; but the poor bird w^as beaten back w^ith the loud sighing of an eastern wind, and his motion made irregular and inconstant, descending more at every breath of the tempest than all the vil)rations of his wings served to exalt him, till the little creature was forced to sit down and pant, and stay till the storm was overpast; and then it made a prosperous flight; for then it did rise and sing as if it had learned music and motion from some angel as he passed some time through the air. So is the prayer of the good man when THE EVENING OF LIFE. 4 1 agitated by any passion. He fain would speak to God, and his words are of the earth, earthy ; he would look to his Maker, but he could not help seeing also that which distracted him, and a tempest was raised and the man overruled ; his prayer was broken and his thoughts were troubled, and his words ascended to the clouds, and the wandering of his imagination recalled them, and in all the fluctuating varieties of passion they are never hke to reach God at all. But he sits him down and sighs over his infirmity, and fixes his thoughts upon things above, and forgets all the little vain passages of this life, and his spirit is becalmed, and his soul is even and still, and then it softly and sweetly ascends to heaven on the wings of the Holy Dove, and dwells with God, till it returns, hke the useful bee, loaded with a blessing and the dew of heaven. — Jeremy Taylo? CLOUDY DAYS. A BLACK cloud makes the traveUer mend his pace, and mind his home; whereas a fair day and a pleasant way waste his time, and that stealeth away his affections in the prospect of the country. However others may think of it, vet 42 THE EVENING OF LIFE. I take it as a mercy, that now and then some clouds come between me and my sun, and ma^xj times some troubles do conceal my comforts ; for I perceive, if T should find too much friendship in my inn, in my pilgrimage, I should soon forget my father's house and my heritage. — Lucas. THE CHRISTIAN ON EARTH AND IN HEAVEN. Sometimes I look upon myself, and say, " Where am I now ?" and do quickly return answer to myself again, " Why, I am in an evil world, a great way from heaven, in a sinful world, among devils and wicked men ; some- times benighted, sometimes beguiled, sometimes fearing, sometimes hoping, sometimes breath- ing, sometimes dying." But then I turn the tables, and say, " But where shall I be shortly 1 Where shall I see myself anon after a few times more have passed' over me ?" and when I can but answer this question thus : " I shall see my- self with Jesus Christ;" this yields glory, even glory to one's spirit now. — Bunyan. SONNET, "ADIEU, MY YOUTH I" [from the ITALIAN.] Adieu, my youth ! without one sigh adieu ! Deceits, enchantments, struggles, longings, dreams. THE EVENING OF LIFE. 43 Delusions, follies — (no light load meseems !) — Take all ! Cast to the winds thy retinue. The mind swollen out with mists which hide from view A host of daring thoughts that scorn the wise — And wandering love, fresh arrows, as he flies, Infixing stilj^ — and hatreds fierce, though few ! An eve serene and still, my soul, sore tried With earthly warfare, courts. My youth, adieu ! But not adieu forever. Yet again, I trust to meet — to dwell in thee — not vain. And frail, and fallen, as now, but born anew. Stainless, redeemed, immortal, glorified ! DEATH OF ROBERT BRUCE. Mr. Robert Bruce, the morning before he died, being at breakfast, having, as he used, taken an egg, said to his daughter, " I think I am jet hungry ; you may bring me another egg." But having mused awhile, he said, " Hold, daughter hold, my Master calls me'.' With these words his sight failed him ; on which he called for the Bible, and said, " Turn to the eighth chapter of he Romans, and set my finger on the words, — I am persuaded that neither death, nor hfe, &c., shall be able to separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus my Lord.'" When this was done, he said, " Now is my fin- 44 THE EVENING OF LIFE. ger upon them V Being told that it was, he added, " Now, God be with you, my dear chil- dren : I have breakfasted with you, and shall sup with my Lord Jesus Christ this night ;" and then he expired. — Whitecrosss Anmiotes. THE EVENING OF LIFE. There is a heahng in the bitter cup. God takes away or removes from us those we love, as hostages of our faith (if I may so express it) ; and to those who look forward to a re-union in another world, where there will be no separation and no mutability, except that which arises h*om perpetual progressiveness, the evening of life becomes more delightful than the morning, and the sunset offers brighter and lovelier visions than those which we build in the morning clouds, and which appear before the strength of the day. And faith is that precious alchemy which trans- nutes grief into joy ; or, rather, it is the pure and heavenly euphrasy, which clears away the film from our mortal sight, and makes affliction appear what it really is, a dispensation of mercy. THE EVENING OF LIFE. 45 GOD'S MERCY. The mercy of God is a huge ocean ; from eter- nal ages it dwelt round about the throne of God, and it filled all that infinite distance and space that hath no measures but the will of God ; until God, desiring to communicate that excellency, created angek, that he might have persons capable of huge gifts ; and man, who he knew would need forgive- ness. For so the angels, our elder brothers, dwelt for ever in the house of their Father, and never broke his commandments ; but we, the younger, like prodigals, forsook our Father's house, and went into a strange country, and followed stranger courses, and spent the portion of our nature, and forfeited all our title to the family, and came to need another portion. For, ever since the fall of Adam, who, like an unfortunate man, spent all that a wretched man could need, or a happy man could have, our life is repentance, and forgiveness is all our portion ; and though angels were objects of God's bounty, yet man only is, in pro- per speaking, the object of his mercy; and the mercy that dwelt in an infinite circle became confined to a httle ring, and dwelt here below; and here shall dwell below, till it hath carried all 46 THE EVENING OF LIFE. God's portion up to heaven, where it shall reign in glory upon our crowned heads for ever and ever ! — Jeremy Taylor, THE GOODNESS OF GOD THE SOLACE OF THE AGED. See how old age spoils the relish of outward dehghts, in the example of Barzillai, 2 Sam. xix. 35 ; but it makes not this (the graciousness of God) distasteful. Therefore the Psalmist prays, that when other comforts forsake him and wear out, when they ebb from him, and leave him on the sand, this may not : that still he may feed on the goodness of God. " Cast me not off in old age, forsake me not when my strength faileth." It is the continual influence of his graciousness that makes them grow like "cedars of Lebanon," tliat makes them " bring forth fruit in old age, and to be still fat and flourishing ; to show that the Lord is upright," as it is there added, that he is (as the w^ord imports) still like himself^ and his goodness ever the same. — Leighton. THE WHOLE FAMILY IN HEAVEN AND EARTH. " The whole family in heaven and earth." The difference betwixt us and them is, not that we are really tw^o, but one body in Christ, in THE EVENING OF LIFE. 47 divers places. True, we are below stairs, and the J above ; tliej in their holiday, and we in oar working-day clothes ; they in harbor, but we in the storm; they at rest, but we in the wildei- ness ; they singing, as crowned with joy, we crying, as crowned with thorns. But we are »11 of one house, one family, and are all children of one Father. — Bunyan, PSALM OF LIFE. Tell me not in mournful numbers, Life is but an empty dream ! For the soul is dead that slumbers. And things are not what they seem. Life is real ! Life is earnest ! And the grave is not its goal ; " Dust thou art, to dust returnest," Wiis not spoken to the soul. Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, Is our destined end or way ; But to act, that each to-morrow Find us farther than to-day. Art is long, and Time is fleeting. And our hearts, though stout and brave. Still, like muffled drums, are beating Funeral marches to the ojrave. 48 THE EVENING OF L I F K . In the world's broad field of battle, In the bivouac of Life, Be not like dumb, driven cattle I Be a hero in the strife ! Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant ! Let the dead Past bury its dead ! Act ; — act in the living Present ! Heart within, and God o'erhead ! Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives subHme, And, departing, leave behind us ^ Footprints on the sands of time. Footprints, that perhaps another, Sailing o'er Ufe's solemn main, A forlorn and shipwrecked brother. Seeing, shall take heart again. Let us, then, be up and doing, With a heart for any fate ; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait. Longfellow. Things to remember.— Be often remembering what a blessed thing it is to be saved, to go to heaven, to be made Hke angels, and to dwell with Crod and Christ to all eternity. — Bunyan, THE EVENING OF LIFE. 49 SANCTIFICATION. In the sanctified heart, " every mountain is brought low, and every valley is filled." Every- thing within us which exalts itself in the pride and love of nature, is cast out or abased. And again, in the sanctified soul " every valley is filled," by being occupied with God and with Jesus Christ only It is a great truth, that God does not and cannot fill the soul with himself, until he first empties it of everything which is not himself The mountain, which may be regarded as another name for the exaltation of nature, must first be brought low, and must be cast out. And into this void or valley, where a man may be said to possess himself without him- self, God enters and fills it up. Truth takes the place of error. Holy dispositions take the place of unholy dispositions ; and God, who embodies in himself all truth and all holiness, and who always creates that immortal image which bears his own likeness, can never be absent where true and holy dispositions exist. In such dispositions, of which he is the true fight and life, he not only is, but 7nust be. Without God in them, they cannot exist. Thev are God's [lor.io. 50 THE EVENING OF LIFE. The subjection of human selfishness by holy love, and the subjection of the human wdll by union with the divine will ; — it is these which constitute a truly renovated nature, and which, because they thus constitute the same nature with Christ's nature, may be said to make Christ within us. Christ, in some future years, will come visibly in the clouds of heaven. Oh ! let us labor for his present coming ; not for a Christ in the clouds, but for a Christ in the affections ; not for a Christ seen, but for a Christ fek; not for a Christ outwardly represented, but for a Christ inwardly reahsed. — Madame Guy on, PRAYER FOR SANCTIFICATION. O Holy Spirit, a Spirit of love ! let me ever be subjected to thy will ; and as a leaf is moved before the wind, so let my soul be influenced and moved by the breath of thy wisdom. And as the mpetuous wind breaks down all that resists it, even the tow^ering cedars which stand in opposi- tion; so may the Holy Ghost, operating within me, smite and break down everything which opposes him. — Madame Guyon, THE EVENING OF LIFE 51 DYING WORDS OF PAYSON. Dr. Payson in his last illness once said : " 1 have suffered twenty times, — yes, to speak within bounds, twenty times as much as I could in being burnt at the stake, while my joy in God so abounded, as to render my sufferings not only tolerable, but welcome. The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed. God is my all in all. While he is present with me, no event can in the least diminish my happiness; and were the whole world at my feet, trying to min- ister to my comfort, they could not add one drop to the cup." On another occasion he said, " Death comes every night and stands at my bed- side in the form of terrible convulsions, every one of which threatens to separate the soul from the body. These continue to grow worse and worse, until every bone is almost dislocated with pain, leaving me with the certainty that I shall have it all to endure again the next night. Yet while my body is thus tortured, the soul is perfectly happy, perfectly happy and peaceful, more happy than I can possibly express to you. I lie here, and feel these convulsions extending higher and 62 THE EVENING OF LIFE. higher, but my soul is filled with joy unspeakable. I seem to swim in a flood of glory, wliich God pours down upon me." — Paysons Life. THE AFFLICTED BELIEVER. We may compare an afflicted beUever to a Qian that lias an orchard laden with fruit, who, because the wind has blown off the leaves, sits down and weeps. If one asks, " What do you weep for 1" " Why, my apple leaves are gone." " But have you not your apples left 1" " Yes." " Very well, then do not grieve for a few leaves which could only hinder the ripening of your fruit." — Cecil, BENEFIT OF AFFLICTION'. I HAVE before me two stones, which are an imi- tation of precious stones. They are both perfectly aliKe in color ; they are of the same water, clear, pure, and clean ; yet there is a marked difference between them as to their lustre and brilliancy. One has 'a dazzhng-brightness, while the other is dull, so that the eye passes over it, and derives no pleasure from the sight. What can be the reason of the difference 1 It is this : the one is THE EVENING OF LIFE. 63 cut in but a few faQets ; the other has ten times as many. These facets are produced by a very violent operation. It is requisite to cut, to smooth, and poUsh. Had these stones been indued with hfe, so as to have been capable of feehng what they underwent, the one which has received eighty fagets, would have thought itself very unhappy, and would have envied the fate erf the other, which, having received but eight, had undergone but a tenth part of its sufferings. Nevertheless, the operation being over, it is done for ever ; the difference between the two stones always remains strongly marked ; that which has suffered but little, is entirely echpsed by the other, which alone is held in estimation and attracts attention. May not this serve to explain the saying of our Saviour, whose words have reference to eternity 1 " Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted," — blessed, whether we contemplate them apart, or in com- parison with those who have not passed through so many trials. Oh ! that we were always able to cast ourselves into his arms, like little children ; to dravv near to him, like young lambs, and ever to ask of him, patience, resignation, an entire 54 THE EVENING OF LIFE surrender to his will, faith, trust, and heartfelt obedience to the commands which he gives to those who are wiUing to be his disciples. " The Lord wdll wipe away tears from off all faces." — Oherlin. PEACE OF MIND. A FRIEND once asked Prof Francke, who founded the Orphan- house at Halle, how he main- tained so constant a peace of mind ; the benevo- lent and good man replied, — " By stirring up my mind a hundred times a day. Wherever I am, whatever I do, I say, — ' Blessed Jesus, have I truly a share in thy redemption ? Are my sins forgiven ? Am I guided by thy spirit ? Thine 1 am — w^ash me again and again.' By this (Xjnstant converse with Jesus I have enjoyed serenity of mind, and a settled peace in my soul." PRAYER OF THE AGED. But while from one extreme thy power may keep My erring frailty, 0, preserve me still From dullness, nor let cold indifference steep My senses in oblivion : if the thrill Of earihly bliss must sober, as it wiU THE EVENING OF LIFE. 55 And should, when earthly things to heavenly yield. T would have feelings left time cannot chill ; That while I yet can walk through grove or field, 1 may be conscious there of charms by thee revealed. And when I shall, as soon or late I must. Become infirm, in age if I grow old. Or sooner, if my strength should fail its trust, , When I relinquish haunts where I have strolled At morn or eve, and can no more behold Thy glorious works, forbid me to repine ; Let memory still their loveliness unfold Before my mental eye, and let them shine With borrowed hght from thee — for they are thine. Barton, True Wealth. — The wealth of a man is the number of things which he loves and blesses which he is loved and blessed by. — Carlyle, Effects of Grace. — The dispensation of grace is to some little more than a continual combat with corruptions ; so that, instead of advancing, a man seems to be just able to pre- erve himself from sinking. A boat, with the full tide against it, does well if it can keep from driv- ing back, and must have strong force indeed to get forward. We must estimate grace by the opposition it meets with. — Cecil. 56 THE EVENING OF LIFE THE AGED COMFORTER. Tis true that more tlian fourscore years have bowed thy beauty low, And mingled with thy cup of life full many a dreg of woe ; But yet thou hast a better charm than bloom of youth hath found — A balm within thy chastened heart to heal another's wound. Sigourney. ANECDOTE OF DR. COGSWELL. An affecting anecdote is related of Dr. Cogs- well, a faithful minister in Hartford, Conn., who died at the age of eight j-nine. It shows " the ruling passion strong in death." During his last illness he forgot his dearest friends, and even his own name. When asked if he remembered his son (wdth whom he lived, and to whom he was much attached), he replied, " I do not recollect that ever I had a son;" but when asked if he remembered the Lord Jesus Christ, he revived at once, exclaiming, " Oh ! yes, I do remember him , he is my God and my Redeemer !" THE EVENING OF LIFE. 57 THE FLIGHT OF TIME. The dial-plate warns you that minutes are fleeting, Each pulse but wears out the heart that is beating ; Each tick of the clock is ever repeating — " Up and be doing ! for Night draweth on !" Knickerbocker {Mag) TRUST IN GOD. Examples of the loving-kindness of God to his aged servants have been recorded in his word for our learning ; that believers, if God by his provi- dence should bring them to old age, might be encouraged to trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with such a confidence of their hearts as not to doubt of the divine truth or of the divine power. Whatever he was to them, he is the same to us — our God as well as theirs — our covenant God, engaged to glorify both body and soul : on whom we are commanded to cast all our cares and concerns in extreme old age. If what is of nature be failing, what is of grace cannot. If the life of sense be dying, the life of faith should flourish the more. It is a Hfe that cannot die; for tie branches thrive and bring forth huit in their old age, not of them- 4 58 THE EVENING OF LIFE seK*es, but because they are ingrafted into the heavenly vine, in which they hve for ever. " I am the vine (says Jesus), ye are the branches ; he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit : for without me ye can do nothing." But through his spirit strengthen- ing you, he will make you bud and flourish, and fill the face of the world with fruit. He will so fill you with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Christ Jesus, to the glory and praise of God, that your last days will be your best days. — Ro7naine. SAYINGS OF JOHN NEWTON. Two or three years before the excellent John Newton's death, when his sight was become so dim, that he was no longer able to read, an aged friend and brother in the ministry called on bim, to breakfast. Family prayer succeeding, the por- tion of Scripture for the day was read to him. It was taken from Bogatzky's Golden Treasury: "By the grace of God I am what I am." It was the pious man's custom, on these occasions, to make a short familiar exposition of the pass- age read. After the reading' of this text, he THE EVENING OF LIFE. 69 paused for some moments, and then uttered the following aifecthig sohloquy : — " I am not what I ought to be. Ah ! how imperfect and deficient. I am not what I wish to be. I abhor what is evil, and I would cleave to what is good. I am not what I hope to be: soon, soon I shall put off mortahty, and with mortality all sin and imper- fection Yet though I am not what I ought to be, nor what I ivish to be, nor what I hoiie to be, I can truly say I am not what I once was, — a slave to sin and Satan ; and I can heartily join with the apostle, and acknowledge, ' By the grace of God I am what I am.' Let us pray." — Whitecross A necdotes, THE CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE. The Christian's fellowship with 'God is rather a habit than a rapture. He is a pilgrim who has the habit of looking forward to the light before him ; he has the habit of not looking back ; he has the habit of walking steadily in the way whatever be the weather, and whatever the road. These are his habits, and the Lord of tbe way is his Guide Protector, Friend, and Felicity. — Cecil. 60 THE EVENING OF LIFE THE LAND OF BEULAH Were I to adopt the figurative language of Bunjan, T might date this letter from the land of Beulah, of which I have been for some weeks a happy inhabitant. The celestial city is full in my view. Its glories beam upon me, its breezes fan me, its odors are wafted to me, its sounds •strike upon my ears, and its spirit is breathed into my heart. Nothing separates me from it but the river of death, which now appears but an insignificant rill, that may be crossed at a single step, whenever God shall give permission. The sun of righteousness has been gradually drawing nearer and nearer, appearing larger and brighter as he approached, and now he fills the whole hemisphere, pouring forth a flood of glory, in which I seem to float like an insect in the beams of the sun ; exulting, yet almost trembling while I gaze on this excessive brightness, and wonder- ing, with unutterable wonder, why God should deign thus to shine upon a sinful worm. A sin- gle heart and a single tongue seem altogether inadequate to my wants : I want a whole heart for every separate emotion, and a whole tongue THE EVENING OF LIFE. 61 to express that emotion. — Paijson, {Letter to a sister.) Let not your heart be troubled : ye beHeve in God, beUeve also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions : if it were not so, I would have told you. T go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. — John xiv. 1, 2, 3. THE BRUISED REED. " A BRUISED reed will he not break." Perhaps the imagery may be derived from the practice of the ancient shepherds, who were wont to amuse themselves with the music of a pipe of reed or straw ; and when it was bruised they broke it, or threw it away as useless. But the bruised reed shall not be broken by this divine shepherd of souls. The music of broken sighs and groans is indeed all that the broken reed can afford him : the notes are but low, melancholy, and jarring ; and yet he will not break the instrument, but he wiU repair and tune it, till it is fit to join in the 62 THE EVENING OF 1. I F E. concert of angels on high; and even now is humble strains are pleasing to his ears. — Pres Davies, THE SEIORE OF TIME. Alone I walked the ocean strand ; A pearly shell was in ray hand : I stooped and wrote upon the sand My name — the year — the day. As onward from the spot I passed One hngering look behind I cast : A wave came rolling high and fast, And washed my hnes away. And so, raethought, 'twill shortly be With every mark on earth from me ; A wave of dark oblivion's sea Will sweep aci-oss the place, Where I have trod the sandy shore Of time, and been to be no more ; Of me — my day — the name I bore, Nor leave nor track, nor trace. And yet, with Him who counts the sands, And holds the waters in his hands, 1 know a lasting record stands Inscribed against my name. Of all this mortal part has wroufrht ; Of all this sinking soul has thouo-ht; And from these fleeting moiiK^nts caught For glory, or for ?\n\m