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

And then for other Acts of Charity, who should be more ready to Give a part, than they that know they must shortly leave the whole? who should be good in his Stewardship, but he that is sure he must shortly be out of it? But the noblest Charity is that which respects the Soul, which consists in Counselling, Persuading, Reproving and Praying for Others. And Old-age is evidently qualified for these above the young. Their Wisdom and Authority gives them a great advantage herein: and they have found by experience, that sometimes a word of good Counsel and charitable Reproof fitly spoken, hath been like Apples of Gold. And then for Prayer, it is observed that the Charity of young persons therein, doth begin and end at themselves; whereas the Prayers of the Aged are much employed for the good of others. Few Children pray for their Parents, as the Parents pray for their Children. Yea, they have learned to love and pray for ⟨p. 125⟩their Enemies, as well as for their Friends; and for the ungodly, as well as for the godly. And the poorest Old Man or Woman may be rich, in these acts of Charity.

And then for other Acts of Charity, who should be more ready to Give a part, than they that know they must shortly leave the whole? who should be good in his Stewardship, but he that is sure he must shortly be out of it? But the noblest Charity is that which respects the Soul, which consists in Counselling, Perswading, Reproving and Praying for Others. And Old-age is evidently qualified for these above the young. Their Wisdom and Authority gives them a great advantage herein: and they have found by experience, that sometimes a word of good Counsel and charitable Reproof fitly spoken, hath been like Apples of Gold. And then for Prayer, it is observed that the Charity of young persons therein, doth begin and end at themselves; whereas the Prayers of the Aged are much imployed for the good of others. Few Children pray for their Parents, as the Parents pray for their Children. Yea, they have learned to love and pray for ⟨p. 125⟩their Enemies, as well as for their Friends; and for the ungodly, as well as for the godly. And the poorest Old Man or Woman may be rich, in these acts of Charity.