as ripened for glory. God then bids the angel of death thrust in his sickle; and by a celestial convoy, the shock of corn is carried off the field in which it grew upon earth, and is safely lodged in God's repository above. There, for the present, we leave it, to go on to show,

II. In what respects, or on what accounts, such a good old age is desirable.

I by no means say that there is any thing desirable in old age itself. In general, it is what the Preacher calls evil days, "When thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them." We sometimes meet with such frightful ruins of human nature, the sight, the memory, the strength, the hearing being gone, the body too emaciated, and the mind impaired, that we turn from the shocking spectacle with horror, and pray, "God keep me from thus outliving myself! But if old age itself be bad, a wicked old age is unspeakably worse. For by living long, the sinner only adds iniquity to iniquity, and treasures up wrath against the day of wrath. For the sinner of an hundred years old shall be doubly accursed. O! how many have wished, or will have cause to wish, that they had died young, and thus prevented their, accumulated guilt! When I said just now, that old age was desirable, I spoke of that which in the best sense may be called a good old age, or that which is full of days and good works. This is desirable on many

accounts.

First, it is a proof of sincerity.

A profession newly assumed, is a disputable thing. It may be genuine or not; and it can only be proved by time and trials. Every grace has its counterfeit ;

and sometimes it may be current a good while before the cheat is discovered. Many will say, "Lord, Lord," and with flaming zeal commence professors of religion; and so long as the charms of novelty remain, or as they can serve their turn, or meet with no particular difficulties, they may continue to support their profession. But we are informed, that when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, by and by they are offended. It is said of the hypocrite," Will he delight himself in the Almighty? Will he always call upon God?". No; he may be constant so long as he thinks he can get any thing by it but if he be disappointed of that, he is soon tired, and gives it over. No profit, no prayer. But where there has been an uniform course of holiness for a number of years, it is certainly a very favourable symptom. The "righteous shall hold on his way; and he that hath clean hands, shall wax stronger and stronger." Few live sixty or seventy years in the world, without passing through such changes, as will try their principles and motives. The variations of prosperity and adversity bring people to the test; and if their love to God, and their practice of religion, continue regular in all conditions, it nearly amounts to demonstration, that they began well, and that, through grace, it will terminate to their inconceivable advantage. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for, when he is tried, he shall receive a crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."

A pious old age is also desirable, as it gives an opportunity for considerable growth in grace.

Holiness is capable of improvement to the last stage of our lives. We sometimes meet with a remarkable accomplishment of this promise, which is mentioned in the ninety-second Psalm. "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our God. They ✓ shall still bring forth fruit in old age. They shall be fat and flourishing; to show that the Lord is upright. He is my rock; and there is no unrighteousness in him." To what elevated holiness may aged Christians attain, who began early; and, under heavenly influence, have all their life-time, with unceasing diligence, been adding to their "faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity!" We sometimes meet with young persons who have made great proficiency. God, intending to remove them early, sheds the warmest beams of the sun of righteousness upon them, and communicates to them largely the influences of his Spirit, to bring them to maturity; so that though they have lived but a few years in the world, they abound in the fruits of holiness. What then may be expected from a good old age! What depth of knowledge, what strength of faith, what ardour of love! The good seed, thus falling early into good ground, brings forth fruit, thirty, sixty, and even a hundred fold, "For which cause," said an aged saint, "we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day."

A pious old age is also desirable, because it recommends religion to others.

I confess that the chief glory of religion is unseen; it lies principally in transactions between God and the soul: but it will sometimes break out from its concealment, and extort the admiration of beholders. Religion adds a lustre and gracefulness to young people; but in elderly persons it puts on a most venerable aspect, and commands respect by a happy mixture of majesty and sweetness. The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. The wrinkles that may lessen the charms of the countenance, make their divine graces appear to greater advantage. The influence of such examples too, is greater than is commonly imagined. By-standers often feel and acknowledge their force. "With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days is understanding;" as age gives larger views, and affords more time for observation and experience. Now, when men see a religious life persisted in by those who are come to maturity of judgment, and have looked round, and made repeated trials, they are led to think, that there must be a reality in religion. "If there be any fallacy in it," such are ready to say," they must surely have found it out after the experience of so many years. But they are as warm advocates for it now, as they were fifty or sixty years ago; and their admiration of Christianity, instead of being lessened, evidently increases with their age. This, surely, can never be a fancy, or preju dice, or flighty opinion. Almost we are persuaded to be Christians,"

I shall only add, a pious old age is desirable, as it tends to an extraordinary fitness for heaven.

The longer any have lived in the exercise of grace, the fitter they must be, for the kingdom of glory. The frequent aspirations of their souls towards heaven, and the many gracious returns they must have received in the course of so many years, must both make them long, to be there, and be instrumental in preparing them for that world of purity and happiness. There they soon shall be; for "he which testifies these things, says, Behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me; to give to every man according as his work shall be." It is true that those who came at the eleventh hour, had their penny. No real Christian, however lately converted, shall go unrewarded. But surely they who have borne the burden and heat of the day, who have continued with Christ in his temptations, and who have served him longest and best, shall sit on his right hand and on his left in his kingdom. "For God is not unrighteous," says the Apostle, to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shown to his name," He whose pound had gained ten pounds, had authority given him over ten cities; and he whose pound had gained five pounds, was to have authority over five cities. "Wherefore, the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly, into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and SaviourJesusChrist."

Such are the advantages of a religious old age. But before I conclude, I would remind you, that this is a subject in which all of you are deeply concerned. It