enjoying the happiness of all whom he loves on earth, the pleasure of doing good, the peace of a clear conscience. Patient and resigned under the infirmities of age, he considers them as sent in mercy to wean him from a world, which, amidst all its follies, and all its sorrows, we still are apt to love too well. Cheerful and content, he looks back without regret, and forward with hope and joy. Such is the old age of the righteous, and such are the pleasures, which in a greater or less degree, may be enjoyed by all, even in that most trying period of life. But in order to secure these comforts when they are most wanted, let us consider the duties of the aged ; for we must not suppose that in any situation in this world we have nothing to do.

Piety is our first duty at all times; but towards the close of life it should be our chief employment, as it will be our sweetest consolation. We should disengage ourselves from the pleasures and pursuits of the world, "and having borne our share of the heat and labour of the day, the evening of life should be passed in the cool and quiet shade.”* Our thoughts, our affections, our hopes, should be drawn from this world, and should rest upon GOD.

* Dr. Blair.

Patience and resignation are often difficult duties; and they should be learned in youth, that they may be practised in age. As far as the weakness of human nature will permit, avoid complaints; avoid peevishness and ill-humour; and learn to bear with firmness and manly resolution the infirmities, which all who live long must feel. Cheerfulness, good-humour, and a disposition to be pleased, are qualities which make men beloved at all periods of life, but particularly in old age; and it is much for our own interest to make the attentions, which duty requires, as easy and pleasant as possible to those on whose kindness we must then depend for our remaining comforts. Kindness and goodwill to others are particularly pleasing and respectable in age. Let your children and friends see that you still love them, and are interested for their happiness' in the midst of your own sufferings. Such proofs of friendship will be deeply felt, and they will return into your own bosom.

The last duty which I shall mention is preparing for death. The best preparation for this awful event is a good life; and the man who faithfully serves GOD, and puts his whole trust in Him, need not be afraid if he should be called

at a much earlier period; but the old man knows that his time must be short, and it is his duty to employ it to the best advantage. If he have any worldly affairs, which in justice to his family he ought to settle, let not this be left to the last moments of life. If he have injured any man, let him lose no time in making restitution. If he have it in his power to do good to any man, let it be done without delay. Above all, let him make his peace with GOD; and leave nothing to be done on a sick bed. Patience and resignation are the only duties which we can then hopeto practise, even if time be allowed, and our faculties preserved, for the exercise of these last duties of a Christian. Leave nothing undone, I most earnestly entreat you, the neglect of which may disturb the peace of your last moments; but be ready and prepared, that with a clear and undisturbed conscience you may resign your soul to GOD who gave it.

Before I finish this discourse, let me address a few words to the younger part of my audience. Let me entreat all who wish to live, and would fain see good days; all who hope to be happy in their own children, and to find comfort when they most want it; all who hope for the blessing of

GOD in this life, and the rewards which He has promised to good men in the next; let me entreat them all to reverence grey hairs, and never to forget the duty which youth should pay to age. This duty cannot be placed in too strong a light. It has been felt and acknowledged in every age and every country, even where the glorious light of the gospel never shone. Every feeling of the heart seems to point it out. Old age is subject to many infirmities, and commonly attended with many sorrows. Let it be the business, let it be the delight, of the young to support those infirmities, and to lessen those Never forget the reverence due to an old man Listen to his advice with attention and respect. Give him every assistance in your power. If distress should sometimes make him fretful and impatient, bear with meekness and gentleness the infirmities to which all are subject. Do nothing to give him pain; study in every way to contribute to his pleasure; try to amuse him when his spirits fail; support him when his limbs have lost their strength; watch him on the bed of sickness; do not forsake him at the hour of death. When he shall be removed to a happier world, you will remember with pleasure

sorrows.

every act of kindness which you have done him. You will bitterly regret every one which you have neglected. Do not fly from the sick room; in such scenes you will learn wisdom and virtue. They will not destroy your happiness; they will only make it more lasting, and more worthy of a Christian. If you have done your duty in such scenes, they will be remembered with pleasure, when all the amusements of a thoughtless world are only recollected with a sigh. The tender offices of love and duty which you have performed for the aged, will comfort you when you also lie on a sick bed; and the blessing of God will rest on those who thus fulfil his commandments.

May all who now hear me, while they reflect on the different periods of life, learn so to number their days that they may apply their hearts unto wisdom. At whatever hour their Master call, may He find them always ready; and in youth, in manhood, or in age, may the Christian be prepared to say, "LORD, now lettest Thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation."