Then imparted blessings return with seven-fold increase on the late sufferer. Hope discerns the value of this reciprocated privilege, and sings,— "With angels then, like angels pure, To tread the path of peace and love: CHAPTER VIII. THE DECLINE OF LIFE. SECTION I. "WE do not often enough remark, that old-age is the longest period of life;-it may last forty years." In this observation, Mad. de Genlis exhibits the penetrating sagacity of a thoughtful mind, with the shrewdness of the accomplished French lady. The prudence of piety will apply the memento to the highest and noblest purposes. The remark is full of friendly admonition to the young. It invites them to make the most of those precious advantages which belong to youth only. It is also suggestive of high and hallowed consolation to those, who have entered on this long and latter period. The spring seed-time is indeed brief; but precious, though different seed may still be sown in autumn. The former rain has been given, the latter rain is promised. The flowers of youth soon faded: the long and ripened fruitage of a wise and virtuous old-age have durable value. "At last when they had marked the changed skies, They wist their hour was spent; then each to rest him hies." ' The poet sang of the wearied travellers, who marked the close of the labourer's twelve-houred day. But the changed skies,' which characterize life's evening, are not always observed or understood. In primitive times, when works of human art were few, and pastoral simplicity reigned, men loved the stars, and watched them as friends and guides, the wanderer's compass,—the husbandman's calendar. The deepest interest noted their appointed time of rising and of setting, and marked their speed and their path. The eye is now rivetted to the earth. Artificial light gleams on the onnate works of man; Fashion is the great time-keeper, and the chronometer of heaven is unregarded. Thus it is with worldly old-age. The failing eyes still perceive the slightest change in the modes of dress, or of amusement, but they discern not the signs of the times, nor mark that earth is receding. Pitiable is the sight, when declining years are unadorned by the sobriety of wisdom. She who numbers not her days is still descending to the tomb but, alas! the downward steps are strewn with trifles, fitted only to engage the attention of childhood. Frivolity of manner, and a garb unsuitable to the grave dignity of age, are the lighter faults of such a character: more serious evils lurk beneath. Here are found the equipoise of an empty mind,' strangely joined with the cold and settled hardness of the unregenerate heart. Nor is the danger of such a state lessened by the fact that it may co-exist with much that is externally engaging, and intrinsically amiable. The cheerful old lady who is the friend of all, may be her own enemy. She may "Gambol with Life's falling leaf," while a "right to the tree of life," is yet unsought. Far different is the case and character of the pious matron. Whatever be her temporal estate or sta tion, the contrast is beautiful and striking. She feels conscious of descent into that valley, which, however cool and peaceful be the entrance, is nevertheless "the valley of the shadow of death;" yet her progress, though it awaken thoughts of increasing solemnity, has its own especial consolation. She proves her path and her guide. As the shadow deepens, the presence of the Shepherd of Israel is more consciously discerned. In irreligious old age, experience is the winter of the heart. In the elder Christian "experience worketh hope." It brings the promise of perennial spring, and attunes the closing song to notes of triumph; "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." Serene health of mind and body may attend long life. Where this is the case, many advantages spiritual and temporal may yet be gleaned, when the summer-harvest is over. The amount and value of these advantages will greatly depend on the views and sentiments which characterize the earlier portion of declining years. To the female |