LETTERS TO THE AGED
by Archibald Alexander
LETTER ONE
The autumn of our life has actually arrived. The scenes
of our youth have fled forever; and the feelings and hopes of that period
have passed away also, or are greatly changed. When we take a retrospect of
the past, several weighty reflections cannot but press upon our minds and
sadden our hearts. How true do we now find that trite remark, that the
longest life in the retrospect appears exceedingly short, though in
prospect, the same period appeared almost interminable! Though its
approaches were very gradual—old age has come upon us by surprise; and even
now, except when feeling something of the infirmities of age, or when
viewing our altered image in the mirror, we are prone to forget that we are
old; and often are impelled to undertake labors to which our strength is no
longer competent. Truly our life of threescore, or more, appears like a
dream, when we awake from sleep. And as the past years have passed so
quickly, the few which remain will not be less rapid in their flight.
Indeed, to the aged, except when they are suffering
protracted pain, time appears shorter than it did when they were young. Thus
at least it seems to the writer. The year, when its days and weeks and
months are numbered, is as long as ever—but to our sense, it seems to grow
shorter. We are less absorbed and interested in passing scenes than the
young. Life has with us become a sober reality. The enchanting visions of a
youthful imagination have now entirely vanished. But it brings a solemn and
tenderly melancholy feeling over the minds of the aged—to inquire for the
friends and companions of their youth. How few of these can we now find upon
earth! The ministers whose labors were made useful to us, and the very sound
of whose voice was sweeter than the richest music, are now lying beneath the
clods of the valley. The beloved friends with whom we were accustomed to
take sweet counsel, and to whom we could confidingly open our whole hearts,
have been torn from our side. Many dear relatives, loved it may be as our
own life, have slept the sleep of death. Time may have healed the painful
wounds made by such bereavements—but their loss often leaves a chasm which
can never be supplied; and, at any rate, a scar which we shall carry to the
grave.
There is one reflection connected with this subject still
more sad; it is, that some in whom we once delighted, and in whom we reposed
strong confidence, have turned aside from the ways of truth and
righteousness in which they appeared to be walking, and though they may be
still walking up and down upon the earth, are dead to us, and to all those
interests which once seemed to be common to them and us. And as to those who
remain steadfast, and have continued their pilgrimage without turning aside
into crooked ways, what a sad change has time made upon their bodies! Where
is the bloom of youth, the robust strength of manhood, the eye sparkling
with intelligence, and the countenance beaming with animation? Alas! they
have fled; and in their place we see the decrepit body, the sunken eye, the
withered countenance, and the tottering gait. All are not equally changed by
the ravages of time. Indeed, to some, access of grey hairs and old age
brings an addition of loveliness. There is something peculiarly lovely, as
well as venerable, in the silvery locks and placid countenance of a good old
man. There is in his countenance a chastened expression of benignity and
sobriety, which long experience alone can produce.
But the bitterest of all reflections to the aged is that
of sins committed, duties omitted, time wasted, and opportunities of doing
good neglected. Reflections of this kind, at certain times, become
insufferably painful. And although we could not wish to go a second time
through such a pilgrimage, yet we cannot but wish often that with our
present views, and with the aids of experience, we could enjoy again the
opportunities of usefulness which were allowed to pass without improvement.
But even in these painful regrets and this bitter repentance—our deceitful
hearts often impose upon us, and give ourselves more credit for present good
feelings than we deserve. For let us only ask ourselves, whether we now
avail ourselves of all the advantages of our situation to do good. Are we
not now guilty of as gross neglects as when younger? The probability is,
therefore, yes, the certainty, that we would do no better, if we were
permitted to live over our unprofitable lives a second time.
But while we should lay aside all fruitless wishes, we
ought certainly to reflect upon our sins and shortcomings, until our godly
sorrow is so enkindled within us, as to work a repentance not to be repented
of. We cannot atone for our sins by tears of penitence; for this we must
have recourse to another fountain, even the blood of Christ, which cleanses
from all unrighteousness. But the flow of sincere, godly sorrow has a
tendency to soften and purify the heart, and our iniquities are rendered by
this means odious; so that while we are penetrated with sincere gratitude to
God for pardoning mercy—we are rendered more watchful against our besetting
sins, and made to walk more tenderly and circumspectly. And more humbly too;
for I have thought, that the reason why our wise and faithful God
sometimes permits His children to fall into shameful acts of transgression,
is because nothing else but such a sight of themselves as these falls
exhibit would sufficiently humble their proud hearts. The recollection
of such sins serves all their life long to convince them that they ought to
place themselves among the "chief sinners" (1 Tim 1:15) and "the least of
saints". (Eph 3:8) And this view of our exceeding depravity of heart, serves
to show us the faithfulness and loving kindness of God in the strongest
light. According to that which He speaks in Ezek 16:62-63, "I will renew my
covenant with you, and you will know that I am the Lord. I will forgive all
the wrongs you have done, but you will remember them and be too ashamed to
open your mouth, says the Lord God."
My aged friends, permit me to counsel you not to give
way to despondency, and unprofitable repining at the course of past events.
Trust in the Lord, and encourage your hearts to hope in His mercy and
faithfulness. Your afflictions may have been many and sore, and your present
circumstances may be embarrassing, and your prospects for the future,
gloomy. Providence may seem to have set you up as a mark for the arrows of
adversity. Stroke upon stroke has been experienced. Billow after billow has
gone over you, and almost overwhelmed you. Truly the time has come, when you
can say, "My joys are gone." (Isa 24:11) But though friends have been
snatched from you, or have proved unfaithful—though children, once your hope
and joy, are numbered with the dead, or what is far worse, profligate or
ungrateful; though your property has wasted away, or your riches suddenly
taken wings and flown like the eagle to the skies; though bodily diseases
and pain distress you—still trust in the divine promise, "I will never leave
you, nor forsake you." (Heb 13:5) Though friends die, God forever lives!
Though your earthly comforts and supports are gone, you are heir to an
inheritance which is "incorruptible, undefiled, and that never fades away".
(1 Pet 1:4)
Take for your example the prophet Habakkuk, who
triumphantly declares, "Even though the fig trees have no fruit and no
grapes grow on the vines, even though the olive crop fails and the fields
produce no grain, even though the sheep all die and the cattle stalls are
empty, I will still be joyful and glad, because the Lord God is my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord gives me strength. He makes me sure-footed as a deer and
keeps me safe on the mountains." (Habakkuk 3:17-19). Learn to live by faith:
no class of people need the supports of faith and hope more than the aged.
And not only believe—but act. "Work while it is called
today." (John 9:4) "Do not forget to do good and to help one another,
because these are the sacrifices that please God." (Heb 13:16) Your work is
never ended while you are in the body. It is a sad mistake for aged people
to relinquish their usual pursuits, and resign everything into the hands of
their children. Many have dated their distressing melancholy from such a
false step. The mind long accustomed to activity is miserable in a state of
stagnation; or rather, having lost its usual nutriment, it turns and preys
upon itself. Lighten your burdens—but do not give up business or study, or
whatever you have been accustomed to pursue. Imbecility and senility are
also prevented or postponed, or mitigated, by constant exercise of the mind.
Keep also as much of your property, if you have any, in your own hand, as is
necessary for your own support, and make not yourselves dependent on the
most affectionate and obedient children. They will be more affectionate and
more respectful when you are not dependent. Dismiss corroding cares and
anxieties about what you shall do to get a living. How strange it is, that
the nearer men come to the end of their journey, the greater concern they
feel, as to the means of future subsistence. God's hand will provide. His
command to us is, "Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
(Phil 4:6)
"And the peace of God, which passes all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:7)