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

Notwithstanding all this allegation, Old-age is not altogether so miserable as it is painted. For there are many Aged People, of whom it may be said, as it was of Moses, Deut. 34. 7. his Eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated: So it pleaseth the Lord to continue to many Aged persons^d, very great vivacity in both those Senses, the greater cause they have to be thankful for the same. But though it must not be denied, that for the most part Old-age is dim of sight ²and dull of hearing; yet 'tis as true, that even these decays are incident to younger persons. How many young people may we meet with, that are defective in one or other of them? Some that are purblind, others dim-sighted, some from their birth, some by casual accidents, some by distempers: nay, it is one of the wonders of Gods Providence, that considering the folly and rashness of Children, any of us carry our Eyes untouched unto elder years: so that neither is this affliction to be confined to Old-age. Yea, if we grant that these Defects should ⟨p. 155⟩unavoidably befall Old people, yet they do not always make them useless, and then all's well enough. Even Blind and Deaf persons have bin more serviceable in their places, than multitudes of some people, that have their eyes and ears. Tully tells of divers, that were wholly dark, yet Ornaments to their Country. In particular, he relates of Appius, that was old and blind, yet retaining his Authority, he governed a great Family with that dexterity, that his Children feared him, his Neighbours respected him; and when a dishonourable Peace was likely to be made with Pyrrhus, he caused himself to be carried in his Chair to the Senate, and there did effectually interpose to hinder it.

Notwithstanding all this allegation, Old-age is not altogether so miserable as it is painted. For there are many Aged People, of whom it may be said, as it was of Moses, Deut. 34. 7. his Eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated: So it pleaseth the Lord to continue to many Aged persons^d