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

There is a Natural hardness in All men, there is an Habitual hardness in some men, but there is a Judicial hardness only in such, as are ripe for hell. And the First, if it be not cured by Gods grace, leads to the second, and the second prepares for the third. Of all sorts of men, ye that are Old have least cause to be secure, that have one foot already in the grave. The green apple may be plucked off, but the ripe one is falling off already. But it is not the approach of Death, without the effectual influence of Gods Spirit, that will soften an hardened sinner; as is too evident in the Malefactors in Newgate, that will be drunk and swear at a dreadful rate, when they know that the Execution day is certainly at hand. Be instant therefore with the Lord, to deliver you from hardness of heart, from a spirit of slumber and from a reprobate sense.

There is a Natural hardness in All men, there is an Habitual hardness in some men, but there is a Iudicial hardness only in such, as are ripe for hell. And the First, if it be not cured by Gods grace, leads to the second, and the second prepares for the third. Of all sorts of men, ye that are Old have least cause to be secure, that have one foot already in the grave. The green apple may be pluckt off, but the ripe one is falling off already. But it is not the approach of Death, without the effectual influence of Gods Spirit, that will soften an hardned sinner; as is too evident in the Malefactors in Newgate, that will be drunk and swear at a dreadful rate, when they know that the Executionday is certainly at hand. Be instant therefore with the Lord, to deliver you from hardness of heart, from a spirit of slumber and from a reprobate sense.

3. A Third Temptation which Old-age must watch against, is, Slothfulness of Spirit. The decay of natural Spirits disposeth ⟨p. 279⟩them hereunto, and corrupt Nature joins with the temptation. It is an easy thing to be idle, and flesh and blood is glad enough of excuses from pains and trouble. Indeed, where natural Parts, or natural Strength are wasted, much cannot be expected,