AS one thinks of old age, the first thing that occurs to the mind is ITS GRANDEUR.
“The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness " (Prov. 16:3131The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. (Proverbs 16:31)). When you come to think of it, the greatest things in all the universe are old; old mountains, old rivers, old seas, old stars; and this is equally true in the realm of human life. A visitor to India was entertained by an Indian lady of high rank. The visitor was so impressed with her charm and grace that she could not forbear saying: “I think you are perfectly beautiful," to which the Indian lady quietly replied: "I ought to be beautiful, my dear. I am seventy-four years old!" What a fine philosophy of life is there! Since all knowledge, and growth, and development, and character, are cumulative, it follows inevitably that, when those who love the Savior reach life's eventide, they are
“Rich in experience that angels might covet,
Rich in a faith that has grown with the years."
They may not have accumulated much of this world's gear; their names may never have appeared on the scrolls of earthly fame; but, since their hearts possess the knowledge-transcending peace of God, and Heaven's deep, abounding joy, they never miss those things which are so coveted by men of the world.
“What though of gilded baubles He bereaves us,
Dear to the heart of youth, to manhood's prime?
Think of the calm He brings, the peace He leaves us,
The hoarded spoils, the legacies of time."
Nor does the falling into decay of the earthly house of this tabernacle affect the grandeur of old age. The eloquent Dr. Guthrie once said: “They say I am growing old because my hair is silvered, and there are crow's feet on my forehead, and my step is not as firm and elastic as before. But they are mistaken; that is not me. The knees are weak, but the knees are not me. The brow is wrinkled, but the brow is not me. This is the house I live in: but I am young—younger than I was ever before." Of similar import is the word of John Quincey Adams. When he was a very old man someone asked him how he was keeping, and he said: “Thank you, John Quincey Adams is very well himself, sir; but the house in which he lives is falling to pieces. Time and seasons have nearly destroyed it. The roof is well worn, the walls shattered. It trembles with every gale. I think John Quincey Adams will soon have to move out. But he himself is very well, sir."
And what shall I say of those old mothers whose presence brings to us a sense of benediction and peace? “I love old mothers," says an unknown writer:
“I love old mothers—mothers with white hair,
And kindly eyes, and lips grown softly sweet
With murmured blessings over sleeping babes.
There is something in their quiet grace
That speaks the calm of Sabbath afternoons;
A knowledge in their deep, unfaltering eyes
That far outreaches all philosophy.
Time, with caressing touch, about them weaves
The silver-threaded fairy-shawl of age;
While all the echoes of forgotten songs
Seem joined to lend a sweetness to their speech.
Old mothers! As they pass, with slow-timed step,
Their trembling hand clings gently to youth's strength.
Sweet mothers! As they pass, one sees again
Old garden walks, old roses, and old loves."
The conclusion at which we arrive so far, then, is that while youth is beautiful—wondrously beautiful—age has a beauty and a majesty all its own; and that, although those who are at the beginning of life may acquire much knowledge, those who are nearing its close may possess that wisdom which is knowledge applied.
“New thoughts are born to youth
Rather than to those more advanced in years;
In the economy of God the Creator
It is thus ordained.
And yet, with age and the quiet of eventide,
Come thoughts more profound and abiding;
In mellow contemplation we reflect the glory
Of the setting sun."
The message which comes to us from this chapter is contained in ISAIAH 60:11Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. (Isaiah 60:1): “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee."