198 "WEST OXFORD SOCIETY. 



But, gentlemen, •whether it be a welcome truth or not, "we are alf 

 growing old, -white hairs will unbidden start from our temples, and 

 if there be any one earthly -^'ish above another for you, it is that 

 you may, while now bearing the burden and heat of the day, be able 

 to acquire such a competency as shall enable you to pass through 

 many years of unalloyed enjoyment, surrounded by your children 

 and grandchildren to comfort and cheer you in the decline of life. 

 It is not in accordance with my philosophy to believe, that we are 

 required to spend the best of our days in a mere struggle to live, 

 and then to settle down in a state of gloom and utter inactivity of 

 mind and body. 



To grow old gracefully, is one of the finest traits of age either in 

 man or woman. To maintain a control over our tempers, to mani- 

 fest a feeling of benevolence and good will towards our neighbors, to 

 rejoice at their prosperity, will have a wonderful effect in smoothing 

 the pathway in our declining years. 



The man who loudly boasts of his own honesty is often the harsh 

 parent, and the still harsher neighbor, and groAvs old early, exhibit- 

 ing by the deep furrows on his face the tumultuous life which he has 

 led. This is not what the real farmer should be. 



Let me draw a picture of what I have seen. Here is a man to 

 ■whom three score years are numbered, but he has enjoyments still. 

 Surrounded by all the substantial comforts of life, his weekly news- 

 papers afford him pleasures fresh and invigorating from week to week. 

 No more interesting figure in such a picture is there than to see him 



•who brings 



" The big ha' Bible," 



and calls his family around him, and 



*' Wales a portion with judicious care," 



and commends in humble devotion his whole household to the care 



of Him who never slumbers nor sleeps. There is a sacredness in such 



a family circle, and one that angels cannot fail to admire and love. 



To such a man, 



Ilia certain life that never can deceive him, 



Is full of thousand sweets and rich content. 



Tlie smooth broad beeches in the field receive him 



With coolest shade till noontide heat be spent. v 



His life is neither lost in boisterous seas, 



Or the vexatious world ; or lost in slothful ease, 



Pleased and full bleat he lives when he his God can please. 



