Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1857-08-28
Long Life.

All the human species have O fervent desire
to live long. Even in the holy Scriptures we
read that the cry was raised to the king,
o, king, live forever This desire as | said be-
fore pervades the whole human race, and even
extends to the brute who seems to hold on to
life with a tenacity equal to that OF mankind.
Thus all propose to themselves a long life, and
hope their age will be attended with tranquility
and comfort; but few consider that happy old
age depends entirely upon the use we have
made of our time, and the habits we have
formed when young. The young man drinks
and carouses during his youth, and when old
age comes he expects to enjoy it in tranquility.
He may perform deeds of violence, he may con
tinue in his evil course, he may pursue pleasure
in the gny frvolties of the world, but still he
consoles himself that there is a time yet to re-
pent, that in his old age he will change, and
turn from his evil way, as il he was sure that he
would reach that old age. Thus he rushes on,
and until he reaches the very precpice, and he
beholds the gulf Of DEATH and destruction
yawning beneath him, and ready to engulph him
in those deep, dark waters. He draws back
and endeayors to escape, but II is useless /;
driven on by destiny and fate, he struggles but
in vain, he is enguphed in that deep, damning
abyss, the reward Of his misspent life. How
little did he expect to be cut off Then he was
promising himself bright future and glorious
plehaurei Wnen uenth, That fatal messenger, cuts
off all his hopes, and he is called to his long
last account. When least expected he is ready,
aud at hand waiting to take US in that cold cru
brace, dreaded but still to be expected by ALL
Il often happens that the business man at his
desk is called away at an unexpected hour.
Then again we see the slow, gradual approach
Of the dreaded monster in the consumptive He
has not yet appeared to his victim, but he well
knows he is to be expected at any moment, and
must hold himself in readiness.
But even when il may be granted as to ar
rive at an old age, our enjoyment will be de-
pendant upon the manner in which our youth
was spent. If we have been prohigate, dissi.
pated in our earlier years. 1t is almost impossi-
bic that we should have any Importance with
others or satisfaction to ourselves, in age
Mans life is as building of which youth is To
lay the foundation of knowledge, habits and
pleasure, upon which middle life and age must
finish the structure; and in moral as in material
architecture, no good edifce can be raised upon
faulty foundation. The man of business and
the man Of leisure, who have lost the golden
opportunity Of advancing themselves in know
ledge while young often find themselves de-
graded for want OF those requirements which
are the great ornaments of life. Then they fee
the need and advantages Of attending well to
study during youth. Then they have not the
pleasant reflection in old age Of having spent
well their youth. Then let US see that our
youth be well spent, be spent as will need no fu-
tnre repentance, and let us be ready to receive
with Willingness the summons Of death, and be
adJudged according 10 our works P.