nature by dwelling in two bodies at once, and live by another's breath."*

But, finally, we may consider what influence it has on others, as well as ourselves. How many may be instructed by the judicious relation of a godly man! How often does it produce light in the understanding of the ignorant! How it resolves cases of conscience, under which the trembling believer had been doubting! and how often does it point out the way the inquiring traveller should go! Does it not frequently operate, also, as a preventive? We hear how the plans of others have failed; how dangerous it is to go near the precipice; how uncertain all things here are; how necessary that our dependence should be entirely on God, and that no confidence should ever be placed on things of an earthly nature. But what consolation, also, is to be derived, when we hear how faithful God has been to his promises; how wonderfully he has appeared for them who looked to him; how mercifully he has alleviated pain, directed in time of difficulty, protected in seasons of danger, and enabled the Christian to persevere through every trial! How does this animate to duty, excite holy courage, and humble confidence! Will not the hearer of such relations be ready to say, "Shame, then, be to me, that I should be so unbelieving, so impatient, so lit tle dependent. Father of mercies, increase my faith, stir up my soul to serve thee with constant zeal and

*South.

holy activity. O, may I trust in thy name, go forward in thy work, and at last reach the mansions of eternal glory!"

We might here subjoin a few observations as to the manner of relating our experience. But the reader will find something said on this head in the eleventh chapter, under Advice respecting Experience.

CHAPTER IX.

THE AGED CHRISTIAN'S EXPERIENCE.

THERE can not be a more melancholy sight than old age insensible to religion, and hardened in the ways of iniquity. To see a person on the verge of eternity, who has devoted all his life to ungodliness, who is still unmindful of the interests of the immortal soul, deaf to reproof, and abandoned to vice, is of all things the most affecting. Who can behold such an object without pity, without sorrow, without the most lively concern? Who, possessed of the least benevolent feeling, but must say, "O that such were wise, that they understood, that they did but consider their latter end!" Deut. xxxii. 29.

On the contrary, what a pleasing, what an interesting sight to behold the aged turning their heck upon the world, walking in the path of godliness, and longing for a better state! "The hoary he id is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness." Prov. xvi. 31. Piety is always ornamental. In youth, how lovely and amiable! in middle age, how bright and useful! but in old age, how venerable, how commanding, how respectful!

This is, indeed, a crown of glory, which, notwithstanding the decrepitude of the animal frame, and the decay of the intellectual powers, yet adorns the possessor, and reflects a splendor in the circle where he moves. How delightful to behold the aged Christian contemplating with gratitude the divine conduct towards him, and still ardently imploring the continuance of the divine blessing! How pleasant to hear him, with the psalmist, saying, "O God, thou hast taught me from my youth, and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also, when I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not, until I have showed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come." Ps. lxxi. 17, 18.

But we are not going to draw the aged Christian as the picture of perfection. Allowing that he may have greater claims both to knowledge and experience than others, yet it must be remembered that he is still in the flesh, and consequently subject to infirmities. Yea, there are some things which are more peculiar to old age than to any other part of human life, and which even the best and wisest Christians in that stage find too powerfully operating in their own breasts. The weakness brought on by length of years often disposes them to be peevish and fretful. A little thing makes an impression on their spirits. They are ready to imagine everything militates against them. They will hardly indulge the young in a sprightly conversation, or a lawful

vivacity. As the powers begin to be contracted, and the senses lose their wonted operation, the mind often sinks into a state of gloom, and this gloom becomes a medium through which they are apt to look at surrounding objects. Hence their complaints that everything is worse than formerly; that the present age is so much inferior to the past.

How often does covetousness also strive to predominate at this time of life! How many fears perplex the minds of the aged, lest, during the remaining small portion of their lives, something should happen to deprive them of their property, or expose them to want! How do they sometimes forget the Providence which hath always attended them, and act as if they thought they were destined to live many years, as if there were many wants to be supplied, and as if the same kind Providence would not take care of them when they shall be once more reduced to that state when they can not take care of themselves.

These things too often injure the minds of many; and hence arises that lukewarmness to be seen in some aged professors. It is a sad thing, however, to behold Christians declining as they draw near the grave. For to be anxious about the world when we are going to leave it, indicates a heart little influenced by grace; and is as inconsistent as for a man to adorn himself with gold and silver just as he is going to bed. While, therefore, the natural infirmities of the aged demand tenderness, and ex