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

SECT. IV.

First, serious Piety. By which I¹ mean, a Course of life in the Faith, and Fear of God, and in holy Obedience unto him. This is that Godliness, which hath the promises of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come, 1 Tim. 4. 8. This is the best Antidote against that Poison which hath originally infected our Nature, and which makes it swarm with Distempers, that hurry us to Old-age, and Death at last. This is, certainly, the best Means whereby to avoid that fatal Curse so early pronounced, or else to turn it into a Blessing. If thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my Statutes and Commandments, then I will lengthen thy days, 1 King. 3. 14. What man is he that desireth Life; and loveth many days, that he may see good? Depart from evil, and do good, &c. Psal. 34. 12, 14. It is the observation ⟨p. 33⟩of Hierom^e, and of Origen ^fbefore him, that Abraham is the first person called Old in the Scripture, tho Adam and Methuselah and many others were richer than he in years, but not in Faith and Obedience. I know, that some of the worst of men have, without this, flourished long, and some that have been most Religious, have withered quickly.; and therefore do conclude, that all such Outward blessings and afflictions are conditionally promised and threatened: and yet it abides certain, that the ordinary way to a vigorous Age, and a long Life, is the true fear of God; and that which makes it short and miserable, is Ungodliness. And the Holy Scripture is express herein,