Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1856-03-15
miscellaneous.
BEAUTIFUL OLD AGE.

Mrs. Sigourncy, in her book, "Past
Meridian" just published, gives the
following charming picture of contented
and yirtuous old age:
II once knew an aged couple, who,
for more than sixty years had dwelt in
enc home, and with one heart. Wealth
was not theirs, nor the appliances of lux
ury, yet tho plain house in which they
had so long lived was their own. Hum
bic in every appointment, that they might
be free from debt, they were respected
by people in the highest positions, for it
was felt that they set right example in
all things. Every little gift or token of
remembrance from friends--and all who
knew them were friends-awakened the
fresh warmth of gratitude. Though
sheir portion of this worlds goods was
small, benevolencc, being inherent in
their nature, found frequent expression.
Always they had by them some book of
slight expense, but of intrinsic value, to
be given as guide to the young, the
ignorant, Or the tempted. Cordials also,
and simple medicines for debility, or in
cipient disease, they distributed to the
poor-for they were skillful in extract
ing the spirit of health from herbs, and
part of the garden, cultivated by their
own hands, was dispensary. Kind,
loving words had they for all-the full
ness of their hearts content trimming
over in bright drops to refresh those
around
That venerable old man, and vigor-
Gus, his temples slightly silvered, when
more than four score years had visited
them, how freely flowed forth the melody
of his leading voice, amid the sacred
strains of public worship His favorite
tunes of Near and Old Hundred, welded
to these simple, sublime words,
While shepherds watched their locks by night )
and
Praise God, from whom all blessings how,'
seem even now to fall sweetly, as they
did upon my childish ears. These and
similar ancient harmonies, mingled with
the devout prayers that morning and
evening hallowed his home and its com
forts she, the loved partner of his days,
being often sole auditor Thus, in one
censor, rose the praise, which every day
seemed to deepen. Gods goodness palled
not ON their spirits. because it had been
long continued. They rejoiced that it
was new every morning, and fresh every
evening
by the clear wood fire in winter, sat
the aged wife, with serene brow, skilful-
ly busy in preparation or repair of gar
ments, as perfect neatness and economy
dictated, while by the evening lamp her
bright knitting-needles moved with a
quickened zeal, and she remembered the
poor child, or wasted invalid, in some
cold apartment, for which they were to
furnish substantial covering.
In the latter years of life, their child
less abode was cheered by the presence
of young orphan relative. She grew
under their shadow with great delight,
conforming with plant heart to their
wishes, and to the pattern of their godly
simplicity. When they were seated to-
gether, she read to them such books as
they chose, and treasured their Christian
counsel. Her voice in the morning was
to them as the carol of the lark; they
seemed to live again new life in her
young life. She was to them like the
rose of Sharon and the lilly of the
valley
Love for the sweet helplessness of
unfolding years seemed to increase with
their own advancing age. Little chill
dren, who knew by the instinct where
love was, would draw near them, and
stand lamb-like at their side Thus they
passed on, until more than ninety years
had been numbered to them. They were
not weary of themselves, of each other,
or of this beautiful world. Neither was
time weary of bringing them, letter by
letter, the full alphabet of serene happi-
ness, and when extreme old age added
the Omega, they were well educated to
begin the bliss of eternity "