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

SECT. VIII.

The Eighth Infelicity of Old-age is,¹ That it is Disabled from Service, and rendered incapable of doing good in their Generation. Which though it be an Effect of some of the former, yet is a distinct Affliction. When the Faculties are impaired, the Strength exhausted, Pains and Diseases inflicted, ⟨p. 177⟩alas! what Service can such a one do for the Church! how little for the Common-wealth! how little for their own Family? Hence the Levites, Numb. 8. at Fifty were discharged from the substance of their work. Hence the Soldier at Sixty was Miles emeritus. For how should the Head, Heart or Hand be serviceable, that are shattered with breach upon breach? His useful days are done: He must now be labouring for Life, who before lived for Labour. They see things out of order in the places where they live, but they cannot amend them. He that formerly could have Studied many hours, is spent now with a few minutes; and those that have served at the altar, are now glad to sit by the fire. Hence the old Roman Proverb beforementioned, Sexagenarios de ponte dejiciendos, that is, Let those that are sixty years old be turned off the bridge: Their work is done, they live to no purpose.

THe Eighth Infelicity of Old-age is,¹ That it is Disabled from Service, and rendered incapable of doing good in their Generation. Which though it be an Effect of some of the former, yet is a distinct Affliction. When the Faculties are impaired, the Strength exhausted, Pains and Diseases inflicted, ⟨p. 177⟩alas! what Service can such a one do for the Church! how little for the Common-wealth! how little for their own Family? Hence the Levites,