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

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 hired 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 ⟨p. 87⟩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 Jordan, 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.

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 ⟨p. 87⟩