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

As for themselves, by this Experience ^mthey are taught to avoid many Dangers, which others fall into. For it is made up from long observation of particular things, to wit, of Memory of things past, Knowledge of things present, and Providence of things future. And as their long trial of the effects of Diet, and Exercise, have made them capable of the Conservation of Health; so their manifold Experience of the deceitfulness of the Flesh, of the World, and of the Devil, hath enabled them to countermine and conquer them. And as to Others, their Experience ⟨p. 202⟩renders them able to give the most prudent Counsels, and to forewarn them of those Consequences, which they easily foresee. Aeschines saith, that among the Athenians by an old Law of Solon, the Oldest did first make his Speech to the people, and after him each according to his age; for, saith he, they thought, that the Eldest through their Experience counselled best for the Cityⁿ. And without doubt in Public affairs, the Experienced man out-strips the learned man. For as the Philosopher ^oobserves, Art teaches only General Notions, but Experience acquaints us with Particular Actions, by conversing with which we arrive at Skill and Conduct. Justin relates it of Alexander the Great, that⁴ he would have his Squadrons led by none under Sixty years old. For who will choose him for a Captain that's well-read in martial affairs, and that's all? Who will trust his life in the Hands of a Speculative Physician? No, Experience goes further in all these things than Learning.

As for themselves, by this Experience ^mthey are taught to avoid many Dangers, which others fall into. For it is made up from long observation of particular things, to wit, of Memory of things past, Knowledge of things present, and Providence of things future. And as their long tryal of the effects of Diet, and Exercise, have made them capable of the Conservation of Health; so their manifold Experience of the deceitfulness of the Flesh, of the World, and of the Devil, hath enabled them to countermine and conquer them. And as to Others, their Experience