IMPROPER DISPOSITIONS Frequently attributed to the Aged, contrasted with their opposite Virtues. The passions are a restless crowd, If they grow mutinous and rave, They are thy masters, thou their slave. Anon. is WHEN We consider the course of a long life, the many admonitions received, and the experience which should result from both, it is deeply to be lamented that aged persons, of either sex, should indulge in improprieties, whether of temper or of conduct; for of this we are certain, that old age honourable, if it be found in the way of righteousness. It is, however, a false conclusion, that old age, of itself, generates improper dispositions, for they certainly are the baneful effects of either bad instruction or evil habits, cultivated in more early life; and now they become more rooted and confirmed, while there is little strength remaining to counteract their injurious influence. What a strong argument does this afford of the imperious necessity of cultivating those amiable qualities in early days; and especially of possessing the sanctifying grace of God, that instead of old age resembling a field of briars and thorns, it may exhibit something like a well cultivated garden, whose flowers and fruit are delightful to every beholder! Every pious aged Christian will tell you, that notwithstanding their many years experience of the grace of God, and the abundant means of instruction which they have enjoyed, they still find the latent evils of their heart to be their greatest burden, and which would frequently overwhelm them, were it not for constant supplies of the same grace to enable them to walk worthy of the Lord, bear some good fruit to the honour of his name, and the benefit of all around them. From these considerations, I think it expedient to name a few of those evil dispositions and habits which have not unfrequently been imputed to the aged, and show their greater deformity, by stating their opposite virtues, and thus produce a more beneficial effect upon the reader's mind. COVETOUSNESS. I name this first, because the Scripture pronounces the love of money to be the root of all evil, for it generally produces other evil tempers and dispositions, and seldom fails to bring greater evils at last. 1 Tim. vi. 10. It is likewise declared to be idolatry. Col. iii. 5; Eph. v. 5. For setting the affections inordinately upon worldly treasure of any kind, is like making the golden calf in the wilderness, as a substitute for the Almighty, and never fails to draw the heart from him who is the supreme object of adoration, and the only fountain of true felicity. For these reasons, God in his law declares, thou shalt not covet. Exodus xx. 17. And Christ in the Gospel warned his disciples to beware of covetousness. Luke xii. 15. Covetousness is a selfish, carnal disposition, to increase a man's property or interest, by obtaining those of others, whether by lawful or improper means; and in this case, whatever the eye sees the heart covets, though it be sometimes at the expense of truth, justice, or good propriety. Besides, when a person is in possession of an ample sufficiency, and yet withholdeth more than is meet, unwilling to part with a portion to feed the hungry, instruct the ignorant, or relieve the distressed, we cannot but pronounce such an one covetous. Like all other evil dispositions in our fallen nature, this propensity is manifested by some more than others; and those who have observed the different classes of society, know that covetousness is not confined to the rich, but is often very strongly marked in the temper and conduct of almost all other classes that may be named. Now, if any class of persons should be free from this evil temper, we would suppose it to be the aged, for being about to leave this world of vanity, pain, and suffering, they would not desire more than is necessary to convey them to their journey's end. But the history of some aged persons tell us the very reverse, and that at the age of seventy, they are as eager after the accumulation of this world's goods, as they were at the age of twenty-five, when they first commenced the career of busy life! Certainly we may ask, if a person so deeply striken in years still possesses so strong an anxiety for worldly enjoyments, how can he be supposed to indulge serious thoughts of his expected dying hour; his accountability at the judgment-seat of his God; his need of a Saviour to pardon his transgressions, and to prepare him for a future state of happiness? Can these most solemn subjects be supposed to consist with a spirit of covetousness for worldly gratification? Prudence and economy, with the enjoyment of necessaries and comforts are desirable, especially under the infirmities of age; but the heart still set upon the world, and the desires corroded by covetousness, gives us reason to believe that the individual is no more prepared to go out of the world than he was the day he came into it. But we may go further, and inquire whether it be possible for an aged person, who professes to love the Saviour, and regularly attends the worship of God, possibly to indulge this worldly spirit of covetousness? We need only reply, that as there were some professors of Christianity in the days of the Apostle John, who had this world's good, saw their brother in need, and shut up their bowels of compassion against him, so it is too frequently observed in the present day, though it creates a suspicion that the love of God does not dwell in them. 1 John iii. 17. A person may person may indeed profess with his lips, that he has a warm heart for religion, while both hand and heart are cold and stiff to the calls of charity, and the necessary appeals for means to spread the knowledge of the Gospel of Christ in the world. In both these instances we may correctly say, that covetousness is the root of all evil, for it binds up the softer passions of hu manity, darkens the mind, prevents its moral improvement, and withdraws it from the necessary considerations of eternity, while, at the same time, it creates a suspicion, that such persons, old as they may be, have not yet learned the example of Jesus, to love our neighbour as ourselves, nor how to use the world as not abusing it. Let the reader cast his eye upon the opposite character, of a contented, aged person, whether male or female, and it will be found worthy of his imitation. Though much may be said on the difference of external circumstances, the texture of the natural dispositions of men, and the application of philosophical maxims to curb a covetous, avaricious disposition, it is the influence of the grace of God, and the principles of the Gospel of Christ, conveyed to the soul by the Spirit of the Lord, which are the only efficacious means to form a contented man. Paul said, By the grace of God, I am what I am. 1 Corinthians xv. 10. I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians iv. 11. And he knew that godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy vi. 6. A person possessed of this grace, let scarcity or plenty attend him, has a satisfaction within himself, which gives a stab to covetous, worldly desires, and at |