A discourse concerning old-age tending to the instruction, caution and comfort of aged persons…

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 Job 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 ⟨p. 61⟩much concerned for travelling Expenses, when we have so small a part of our way to travel? Or as St. Augustine ^xexpresseth 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 much³ more comfortable were it, to do all the good they can? to feed the hungry, clothe 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 showeth favour ⟨p. 62⟩and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. Surely he shall not be moved for ever, the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance,