Old Age

As all ages have so also this age has its peculiar character, which the passing years fashion from the present of this stage; this age acquires other qualities, through which old age is characterized; in it shine wisdom, counsel, understanding; serene and fruitful reflection characterizes its thoughts. Its appearance inspires the greatest respect and draws from all who look upon it a glad reverence. Old age is the final stage of man’s earthly life; therefore it carries with it all perfection toward which man strives, and full equipment worthy, not for the extinguished and lost in death and the tomb, but for one who has an immortal soul, perfected upon the earth and prepared for Heaven, for another life endless and eternal. The continual concern for the other life is the beloved occupation and singular study of this age; disregard of the present and desire for the future appear, as it is possible, more clearly; old age seeks a new life, cannot bear that the dwelling and life-giving spirit in it be destroyed; it longs for the eternity which it is aware will be expected, for its soul was created to live, and it awakens now for the future life; it now lives for the future or the present life; the intellect and heart of the old person have turned toward the calling God, and it trusts that it goes toward Him; therefore extreme calm and serenity prevail in his heart, reflecting upon his serene face. Nothing can cause him distress, for the inner conviction which he receives concerning eternal life does not deceive and does not lead him astray; he is convinced of this truth and boldly awaits the end of his earthly stage; he sees death at his door and yet he calmly sets his affairs in order, as if he were immortal; he regards death as a familiar and known fellow traveler for the coming journey; his final wishes express his sincere convictions concerning eternal life; he believes that he is not separating from his relatives, friends, and kindred, never to see them again, but as if he desired to enjoy them every day. Such is the conviction concerning the spiritual soul in old age, such is the thinking about man, and such are the considerations about the future life. Man, thus departing from the world, as he approaches the end of his earthly life stage in old age, gains the advantage of knowing more about the future life than all other ages, and bears an image such as can be encountered nowhere in any creature. Old age is the image of the moral and spiritual being.