6. Need I say, that the old man ought not to be vain? for what is there of which any man can be vain? If vanity is ever pardonable, it is in youth. For till we have tried our strength, we know not how weak we are; till we have tried our courage, we know not how cowardly we are; till we have been repeatedly exposed to temptation, we know not how frail we are. A man, to whom age has given experience, feels that he is imperfect and yet it has been said, that vanity is apt to intrude into the bosoms of the aged; particularly of them, who have had an opportunity of seeing what others could not see, and of them, who have performed, or suppose that they have performed, extraordinary services to the public. Perhaps the observation may not be just; but if it is, it is dishonorable to them, to whom it applies. The old man, who apprehends that he is in danger of committing the fault, should carefully guard his heart and tongue. If he finds, that he is much inclined to speak of himself, he may be assured, that his apprehensions are not without foundation.

7. Old men are in more danger of becoming peevish and querulous, than of falling into vanity. When the bodily infirmities and diseases, to which age is exposed, attack them, nothing but the resolution and fortitude of a philosopher, and the patience and resignation of a Christian, will enable them to overcome this weakness of mind. It is best, if they have sufficient command over themselves, to confine their complaints to their own breasts, or to speak of them to their physician only; because the recital of pains is unpleasant to others, and useless to the sufferer. They should endeavor to be cheerful; for cheerfulness, which is in some measure in

their power, will afford them the satisfaction of rendering the hearts of their friends, if not their own hearts, easy, and will be rewarded by them with attention and kindness.

8. Of what avail to the aged are human considerations, without love to God? The world may neglect them; but their heavenly Father will not forsake them. I would therefore above all things recommend to them the consolations of piety. Life has no dark spot, which the light of Heaven cannot illuminate; there is no sad condition, which the blessed God cannot render joyful; there is no exquisite pain, which the kind Physician cannot alleviate. A merciful Providence has watched over the aged through every stage of their existence. It supported them during the helpless period of infancy; it guided them through the slippery paths of youth; it preserved them from evil in manhood, strengthened their hands, and inspired their hearts with courage and can they fear, that its tenderness and care will now be withdrawn? No: as they approach nearer the throne of God, their confidence in his protection, their submission to his will, their love, their gratitude should increase: their hearts should become more alive to religion; their affections should glow with a more intense flame of devotion.

9. Piety is the first duty of the old; but it cannot be accounted genuine, unless it is accompanied with philanthropy. The good man, as he advances in age, grows more tender and benevolent, more mild, more indulgent, more compassionate to the wretched. His bodily powers may fail, but love still warms his heart; his

senses, his imagination, his memory may be impaired, but he still retains his charity. Such an old man becomes dearer to his friends, the longer he remains with them. Without leaving the earth, he seems already to have learned the manners of heaven. The serenity, the gentleness, the kindness, which he displays, belong to an inhabitant of a better world; and the light of God, which is reflected from his face, proves that he has commenced his celestial career; and that he will soon be crowned with glory, and honor, and immortality.

10. Such a good man is not afraid to think of death. As he approaches the end of life, he cannot forbear to cast his eyes frequently on the tomb; but the prospect does not alarm him, and render him sorrowful. He is travelling to a world of unbounded bliss; but he perceives, and is willing to acknowledge, that the country, through which he is passing, is pleasant; that God has scattered flowers in its paths; that it affords comforts, and even pleasures; that many of his fellow travellers are worthy of his love; in a word, that the present world was framed by divine wisdom, and is continually blessed by divine goodness. He views death therefore as a change of scene; not as a relief from evil, for he is happy here; but as a translation from a state of transitory good to a state of exquisite and never-ending felicity.

These are the considerations, which I would suggest to the aged. But I cannot conclude the discourse, without reminding the young, that they have their duties; and that one of the most important is, to pay homage to gray hairs. We may judge in some measure of the

state of morals in any country from the manner, in which age is treated by youth. Where they, who are advanced in life, receive affection and respect, there decency is found, purity is not unknown, and the passions and appetites are under some restraint. The time was, when the old kept themselves at too awful a distance from the young; but this reserve was productive of two evils it rendered fathers less cheerful, and sons more licentious; for as soon as they were out of the reach of the stern eye of authority, they gave a greater loose to their words and deeds. That state of society is the most happy, and probably the most virtuous, in which the different ages freely and frequently mix together; and as this state of society is our own, I would hope that we do not yet deserve the character of a very corrupt people. Approach then, my young friends, the old; and while your gayety brings a smile on their countenance, let their gravity temper your mirth. The pious and virtuous old man is worthy of your love and reverence; he is an object, which you can contemplate with admiration and delight; for age has the same effect on a devout and benevolent heart, which time has on a beautiful painting: it softens every color, and mellows every tint.

4th S. in Advent.

SERMON V.

ALMS.

MARK XIV. 7.

YE HAVE THE POOR WITH YOU ALWAYS, AND WHENSOEVER YE WILL YE MAY DO THEM GOOD; BUT ME YE HAVE NOT ALWAYS.

You devote, Christians, a day in the last week of the year to a sacred festival; and you regard it as one of the most important in the religious calendar. The design is to commemorate the birth of the Saviour of mankind, to exult at the glad tidings which he has brought from heaven, and to recall to remembrance the many blessings which the gospel has conferred on the world. By celebrating the festival at this particular season, and by ornamenting your churches, and singing hymns of praise, you close the year with pious cheerfulness; and thanksgiving and joy ascend with the voice of melody to the throne of God. An essential part of the festival is the alms, which, on this day, you are accustomed to bestow. This act, which produces useful effects, renders your devotion acceptable in the sight of the Most High, and is an indispensable proof of gratitude and affection to your benevolent Redeemer. As it respects the objects of your beneficent care, the festival is opportunely placed