Smyrna times., 1856-07-30
Srlttt Sf(t5tclIanp.
Beauties of Old Age.

Mrs. Slgourney, in her book, "Past Meridian" !"
gives the following charming picture of ofcontent-
ed and virtuous old age:
! once knew an aged couple, who for more than
sixty years had dwelt in one home and with
one heart. Wealth was not theirs, nor the IN
Pllunce otluxury; yet the plain house in which
they had so long lived was their own. Hum.
bic IN every appointment, that they might he
iree from dept, they were respected bv people
IN the highest positions, it was felt that t6ey
set right example in all things Every little
gltt or token ofremembrance from friends-and
an VINO knew them were friends-awakened
the fresh warmth OF gratitude. Though their
portion was small, benevOlence, being inherent
III thelr nature, found frequent expression.-
Always they had by them some book of sligbt
expense, but ofintrinsic value, to be given as
guide to the young, the ignorant or the
tempted Cordials also, and simple medicines
Tor debility or incipient disease, they distributed
10 the poor for they were skilful for EXTRACTING
lhe spirit of health from herbs, and part of
the garden cultivated by their own hands. was
a 'lspensary. Kind, loving words had they
Tor all-the fulness OF their hearts content
Orlmmlng over in bright drops to refresh those
around
"lhat venerable old man and vigorous. his
temples slightly silvcrcd, when more than f,nr
score years had visited them, how freely flowed
forth the melody Of his leading voice, amid the
sacred trains of public worship! his fayorite
tunes of Near and Old Hundred, welded 10
these simple, sublime words,
awhile shepherds watched their Aocks bv
night"
and
Praise God from whom all blessings flow"
seem even now TO fall sweetlv, as they did then
upon my childish ear. These and similar an.
clent harmonies, mingled. with the dcvout
prayers that morning and evening hallowed
MS nome and It's comforts; she the loved part.
nerof his days being Of@n 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 con-
tlnued. Tney reioiccd that it was new eyerys
morning and fresh every evening"
"By ;he clear wood fire in winter sat the
aged wife with serene brow skilfnlv busy IN
preparation or repair of garments, as perfect I
neatness and economy Dictated while bv the
evening lamp her bright knitting oeedles moved I
with qulckcned zeal, and she remembered the t
poor, or, wasted invalid in some cold apartment. :
Tor which they were to furnish substantial c
covering. !
ain the latter years of life, their cbildIess b
NiN1iS" ny tlC PiSStuCt OI u yOunG !
orphan relative. She grew under their shadow Il
with great delight, confirming with plant t
leart to their wishes, and to the pattern oftheir
5odly simplicity. When they were seated 9
ogether she read TO them such books as they G
choose, and treasured their Christian counsel v
Ter voice IN the morning was 20 them the carol il
II the lark they seemed TO live again new Ii
lie IN her young life, She was to them like Il
he rose OF Sharon and the lily of the valley" fl
Love for the sweet helpessness ofunfolding p
'ears seemed to increase with their own advan- y
lng age. Little children, who knew by in
tnct where love was, would draw near them.
amblke at their side. Thus they passed on Y
ntil more than ninety years had been num-
ered to them. They were not weary of them
elves, or of each other, or this beautiful world. e
Nelther was time weary OF bringing them letter
y letter, the full alphabet of serene happiness. o
nd when extreme old age added the Omepa.
heV were well educated to begin the bliss Of Il
ternity." i,