Some Germans have written upon it; but very few of our own divines. Steele's Treatife on old Age is very useful, and was much efteemed and read in the last century, but is now become fcarce, and almoft forgotten. The tracts of Davies and Peers, though serious and useful, chiefly centre in one point, and that not fufficiently peculiar, viz. Preparation for Death and Eternity. It feems natural that perfons fhould read, with special attention and regard, what is particularly addreffed to them, and fuited to their age and circumstances. It is, no doubt, on this principle, that many volumes of fermons to young perfons have been publifhed within the laft forty years: and, of late, particular addreffes have been made, from the prefs, to the poor and the great, and to young perfons of each fex, which have been well received, and, I am perfuaded, have done much good. But I have not feen nor heard of any fermons immediately addreffed to the Aged; yet, furely, they highly deferve efteem, compaffion and affiftance and they may expect, among other * other acts of respect and kindness, to have such advices, encouragements and confolations addreffed to them, as may, by the bleffing of God, contribute to make their old age honourable, comfortable, and useful, and smooth the last scenes of their lives. This is attempted in the following discourfes. I am far from pretending to equal the composures of my honoured fathers and brethren, who have addreffed to the Young. But much accuracy, fprightlinefs and elegance do not feem neceffary in addreffing -the Aged. What is abftruse, critical and difficult, is here avoided, as it appeared improper and abfurd to trouble perfons who are in the decline of life with fuch things: and I have long obferved that they are beft pleased with what is plain, fimple and affectionate. Thefe fermons were delivered in the Course of my ftated miniftry, and moft of them on the laft Lord's Days of fucceffive years; it being my custom, on those days, to addrefs more immediately to my aged friends, friends, to whom thofe addreffes were very acceptable, and, I hope, beneficial. I was more difpofed to employ fome time in preparing them for the prefs, as Providence hath rendered me incapable of being useful in other ways; and as I am myfelf declining into the vale of years, and, by long-continued daily infirmities, got very far into it. From much experience, therefore, I know how to pity the Aged under their infirmities and decays, and defire to be their humble monitor and comforter. I hope the fubjects of thefe difcourfes will be thought fuitable to the circumftances of the generality of the Aged; and that other infirm and afflicted perfons, though not old, may find fome things in this volume which may affift them to bear and improve their afflictions as becometh Chriftians. The affinity there is between fome of the fubjects, occafioned the fame thoughts to be repeated, which could not be avoided without injuftice to the fubjects and the readers. On the other hand, fome important thoughts are are omitted, or only hinted at, in places where it might be expected they should have been introduced, or largely difcuffed; because they are inferted and enlarged upon in fome other discourse. I take this opportunity of publicly expreffing my gratitude to God for the favourable reception which my volume of Difcourfes on fecret and family Prayer, and the religious Obfervation of the Lord's Day, hath met with; and would also acknowledge my obligations to my friends, and many others, who have recommended and encouraged the fpread of them; and particularly to those who have generously diftributed them among poor families. I fhall efteem it a fingular honour, and the ground of fervent thankfulness to God, if he is pleafed to make these discourses subservient to the holiness and confolation of my aged brethren, and other companions in the tribulation and patience of our Lord Jefus Chrift. To them they are very refpectfully dedicated and I entreat their earnest prayers, prayers, that I may daily manifeft the graces which I recommend to their cultivation; that I may finish my courfe with joy, and meet them in that world of everlasting health and vigour, glory and felicity, for which all our afflictions and decays, all our religious privileges and the means of grace, are defigned to prepare us. Amen. |