XII

REFLECTIONS ON

to be pursued, and to obtain that train of thought which is toguide us through life: In age to cast a retrospect view on thecourse we have run; to reflect on the events we have observed,the vicissitudes we have experienced; to enjoy the flowers wehave gathered on our way, and to congratulate ourselves uponthe tempests we have survived.”

In the conduct of youth, it is not strange to observe, a warmbent on present enjoyment, with a total neglect of future consi-derations ; but to see the aged entering on new schemes, and en-terprizes of difficulty, is disgusting. It is common, indeed, at allstages, to hear it observed; that life is short l but there it rests, inthe mention, no one seriously regards it, all continue to followthe object of pursuit; and old, as well as young, act as if theywere to live for ever. “ So far are we” says that divinely moralman, Johnson, “ from seriously reflecting on the shortness of life,that at the time when it is necessarily shortest, we form projectswhich we delay to execute, indulge such expectations as nothingbut a long train of events can gratify, and suffer those passions togain upon us, which are only excusable in the prime of life.”

The term of man’s existence on earth , ’tis said, is three scoreyears and ten , and since it is so well known that such date is near-ly the duration of human life, can any one reach the age of sixtyyears, without relaxing in his worldly endeavours, and makingup his final account with man, and so to disengage him from thethrals of earth, that he may be prepared to meet his summons toanother life with composure, if not with indifference. In retire-ment only can we be thoroughly disengaged. “Like good seamen,says Dr.Johnson, “ we should be near the shore to be ready toenter on our duty, when it shall please the governor of the uni-verse to call our last service.”