Gold Nugget 377 - Length of Life
Length of life is but a weariness under some conditions. In itself there is no special good in long life. When a man has done his work, he is ready for his work under the next set of conditions. Bunyan may picture a “Land of Beulah,” but the years of retirement, after business life is over, are seldom an unmixed and unqualified joy.
The “Preacher’s” description of painful, wearing old age is often realized. Godless old age, with its crushing burden of youthful sins, is a miserable business; and even the godly man finds the waiting years wearily weighed with pain and suffering. And prolonged life is especially weary when a man outlives all his family and friends; and, after having been wrapped about, all his life, with family love, is dependent on strangers. It is one joy of family life that this seldom happens when a man has his quiver full of children.
Length of life is but a blessing under some conditions. There is nothing more beautiful in social life than reverent, honoured, upright old age. The value of old men’s influence on us is suggested by that pathetic interest we have in their lovely white hair. Let a man but keep healthy, and quick-minded to the changing interest of the passing age, and prolonged life can be nothing but a joy to him. Under the same conditions, his continuance is nothing but a joy and blessing to his family, who make him the centre which holds them all in a loving and mutually helpful unity. And under the same conditions, old men are nothing but a blessing to the state, which is kept steady by the conservative goodness of its aged members.
The Pulpit Commentary, Psalms III p. 239-240, Psalms 129:6, (R. Tuck)
Gold Nugget 377
Length of Life
