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

SECT. IV.

THE Fourth Grace that Old-age doth¹ or should excel in, is Patience. Which is a quiet and cheerful undergoing whatever Difficulties, or Troubles, ⟨p. 99⟩are incident to us in this world^w. It extends indeed, in its largest sense, to comprehend, both Waiting 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 virtue 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 ruin hereafter.

THE Fourth Grace that Old-age doth¹ or should excell in, is Patience. Which is a quiet and chearful undergoing whatever Difficulties, or Troubles, ⟨p. 99⟩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.