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

And one great Advantage of the Aged lies in this; that the Meditation of Death, which is then in view, is of great use to compose the Mind, to keep us in the Fear of the Lord all the day long, and our Consciences void of offence towards God and men, to work in us a great contempt of the World, and a singular freedom of spirit and of speech. It will make us neither much to fear, nor much to hope, or desire any thing, that the world can do for us, or against usⁿ; and finally doth greatly conduce, to keep us steady and constant in faith and holiness.

1. nFacilè contemnit omnia, qui semper cogitat se esse moriturum. Hieron. ep. ad Paul.

And if some Ancient people do not make this use of their approaching dissolution, what would they or others do, if they did not grow Old at all? what a careless worldly and vain life would ⟨p. 236⟩men live, if they had no certain Indications of their dying? Surely the nearer to Heaven, the more heavenly we should be: as any man when he is come to the confines of another Country, will frame himself to the guise thereof, so he that hath this hope in him, doth purify himself as he is pure, and will begin the Life below, which he expects to live above.

And if some Ancient people do not make this use of their approaching dissolution, what would they or others do, if they did not grow Old at all? what a careless worldly and vain life would ⟨p. 236⟩men live, if they had no certain Indications of their dying? Surely the nearer to Heaven, the more heavenly we should be: as any man when he is come to the confines of another Countrey, will frame himself to the guise thereof, so he that hath this hope in him, doth purifie himself as he is pure, and will begin the Life below, which he expects to live above.