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

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, Job 30. 2. Yea, whereto might the strength of their hands profit me, in whom old age was perished? yet that which will release them in part, will not do it altogether. Time is so short, so precious, so irrevocable, that it should not be slept or trifled away, if we can do any thing for the ends of life. The Aged person must consider, how much wast ground there hath been in the field of his lifeⁿ; how many years are lost in Infancy and Childhood; how much time at riper years in unnecessary sleep and recreations; how much hath been consumed in doing nothing; and how much in doing worse than nothing; and that it is an easy thing to lose time, that it is an hard thing to redeem time, and that it is an impossible thing to recall time; and therefore they who have lost so much time, and can recall none of it, had need to redeem, and make the best of that which is left. Few men will throw ⟨p. 280⟩away their money, but most men squander away their lives; being most prodigal of that wherein we may most justly be covetous, as the same Philosopher discourseth.

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 joyns with the temptation. It is an easie 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, Iob 30. 2. Yea, whereto might the strength of their hands profit me, in whom old age was perished? yet that which will release them in part, will not do it altogether. Time is so short, so precious, so irrevocable, that it should not be slept or trifed away, if we can do any thing for the ends of life. The Aged person must consider, how much wast ground there hath been in the field of his life