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

Now this Grace is very proper, tho not peculiar to Old-age. They especially do or ought to excel herein. There is indeed a Proverbial saying, that Wine is the ¹Milk of Old-men: some intemperate men there may be of every age, but God forbid that this Proverb should be adequate to Old-age. True it is, that where there be the decays of Nature, there is more need of reparation, and that the most reviving means are expedient for that end. Whereupon Plato permits ancient² persons to drink more liberally, to alleviate their troubles, and to soften their Spirits, as Iron is softened by the Fire. But commonly the Aged are by Gods Grace, weaned from the excesses of Youth. The Lusts of the Flesh, the Lust of the Eyes, and the Pride of Life have, too usually, their distinct Seasons of rule, or at least molestation in the Soul of man. And the First having had its course in the time of Youth, its reign is expired, and the Aged must now combat th• ⟨p. 115⟩other Two as well as he can. The Decays of natural strength are great helps to the Old-mans Temperance; he cannot, if he would, Eat and Drink, and act his Lust as heretofore; and although this Inability doth not make him a Temperate man, yet hereby the Discontinuance of the Acts weaken the Habit; and his contentedness therewith, and his hearty thankfulness for this reformation may be accounted real Temperance^d: especially when he can reflect upon his former disorders with Grief, Hatred and Shame. Now they find by experience, that a man may live more comfortably, and healthfully with less Meat, less Drink, and less Sleep, than young people indulge themselves withal: and other carnal pleasures are indifferent to them, because desire doth fail: and it is much better and easier to want desires, than to fulfil them; as it is far better not to Itch, than to have the pleasure of scratching where it itcheth.

Now this Grace is very proper, tho not peculiar to Old-age. They especially do or ought to excell herein. There is indeed a Proverbial saying, that Wine is the ¹