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

and that when we are dead and gone, yet it may be truly said, the world was the better for us.

Besides these Instructions in the excellent matters of Religion, it lies in the power and way of many Ancient persons, to direct and advise the younger ⟨p. 272⟩in many useful Observations otherwise: As concerning the Education of their Children, and the disposing of them into Callings or Marriage; concerning the preservation or recovery of their health. And in case they have any peculiar Skill, Receipt, or Art useful for the good of Mankind, they ought not to bury it in their graves, but to assign it to Posterity. And whatsoever you have learned or observed, that may be beneficial or any way useful to the Church or Common-wealth, to your Country, Town or Family, all these Notices you should communicate to those that are younger, with all possible fidelity and exactness. And if need be, commit them to writing for the benefit, at least, of your own posterity. And although your Instructions may not at present seem to be much regarded, yet be not discouraged by this; for the wise Counsels of the Ancient, like the seed of the word of God, seems to dye and to be lost, and yet in process of time it revives, and brings forth fruit.

Besides these Instructions in the excellent matters of Religion, it lies in the power and way of many Ancient persons, to direct and advise the younger ⟨p. 272⟩in many useful Observations otherwise: As concerning the Education of their Children, and the disposing of them into Callings or Marriage; concerning the preservation or recovery of their health. And in case they have any peculiar Skill, Receipt, or Art useful for the good of Mankind, they ought not to bury it in their graves, but to assign it to Posterity. And whatsoever you have learned or observed, that may be beneficial or any way useful to the Church or Common-wealth, to your Countrey, Town or Family, all these Notices you should communicate to those that are younger, with all possible fidelity and exactness. And if need be, commit them to writing for the benefit, at least, of your own posterity. And although your Instructions may not at present seem to be much regarded, yet be not discouraged by this; for the wise Counsels of the Ancient, like the seed of the word of God, seems to dye and to be lost, and yet in process of time it revives, and brings forth fruit.