N01545:69
Two discourses showing, I. That the Lords ears are open to the prayers of…Two discourses shewing, I. That the Lords ears are open to the prayers of…
Two discourses showing, I. That the Lords ears are open to the prayers of the righteous. II. The dignity & duty of aged servants of the Lord. : Also, a preface in which the Congregational discipline of the churches in New-England is vindicated, with the authors dying testimony there-unto. / By I. Mather, D.D. ; [Four lines of quotations]Two discourses shewing, I. That the Lords ears are open to the prayers of the righteous. II. The dignity & duty of aged servants of the Lord. : Also, a preface in which the Congregational discipline of the churches in New-England is vindicated, with the authors dying testimony there-unto. / By I. Mather, D.D. ; [Four lines of quotations]
printed by B. Green for Daniel Henchman, 1716
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
PROP. 1. That Old Age is honourable. It ought to be revered and honoured. The Scripture declares it to be honourable. Isai. 9.15. The Ancient & the honourable he is the head. If he is Ancient he is on that account honourable. As a Man that has a Crown or Diadem set on his head is therefore regarded. The hoary head is a crown of glory. Prov.20.29. The beauty of Old Men is the grey head. Several things may be mentioned ⟨p. 52⟩which will confirm & clear the Truth before us.
PROP. 1. That Old Age is honourable. It ought to be revered and honoured. The Scripture declares it to be honourable. Isai. 9.15. The Ancient & the honourable he is the head. If he is Ancient he is on that account honourable. As a Man that has a Crown or Diadem set on his head is therefore regarded. The hoary head is a crown of glory. Prov.20.29. The beauty of Old Men is the gray head. Several things may be mentioned ⟨p. 52⟩which will confirm & clear the Truth before us.
1. GOD is the Author of this Crown. It is to be respected considering from whom it comes. Indeed the Infirmities of Old Age are the effect of Sin, but Age it self comes from none but God. Deut. 30.20. He is thy Life and the length of thy days. God said to Solomon, If thou wilt keep my Commandments, I will lengthen thy days, 1 King.3.14. If any Man is favoured with long life, it is God that has lengthened his days. As life is originally from Him, so is the continuance of it to Old Age. Considering the many dangers which attend Men, not only by diseases, but by innumerable accidents, it is a marvellous Providence that upholds a frail life to Old Age.