Chap. 43.] Old Age and Deatb. 415 



muft be abundantly fcnfible, that it is a fabric which 

 was not meant to endure for ever. 



In the gradual decline of life, to which all muft fub- 

 mit, let us earneftly embrace that confolation which re- 

 ligion affords us. Thajt which fweetened the cup of - 

 death to Socrates is through life the cordial of the chrif- 

 tian ; it is a confideration that will moderate prof- 

 perity, and will deprive adverfity of its mod poignant 

 forrows j it will cheer us in life, and at the hour of death 

 it is the only circumftance that can impart a ray of 

 comfort to the human foul. 



