TENDERNESS TO THE OLD

New Zealand Tablet, 23 July 1908, Page 37

TENDERNESS TO THE OLD

Nothing" is more beautiful or Christ-like in the character of the young than a kind and gentle regard for the old. They whose failing steps are slowly- descending the sunless slope of age have but one consolation as the years speed by them, and that is the tenderness and consideration of those on whose lives the beauties of morning are breaking. Age is a season of physical infirmity, of mental retrospection, or shattered dreams and earthly disappointments. No more for the old is there a glamor in the rolling stars, no more- a freshness in the spring, no more ,a triumph in the years- For them as in a dream the verdure blooms, the rivers flow," the birds rejoice. They are spectators of a scene whose heritage they once enjoyed, and now see passing to .their successors. No longer sojourners in this pleasant world, they are lingering fondly a moment over the memoirs of the past. The thousand m.elodies of the . present sound far off in their aged ears, and its charms are blurred in the dimmed eyes whose tears fall on the graves of old affections. Treat them gently, youth and maiden, for by their travail and their sacrifice are ye the possessors not only of existence, in the world in whose splendors ye exult, but also for- the prosperity and happiness ye thoughtlessly enjoy. Never mind if she and he be old and feeble and of humble 'garb — they look to you in their helpless years to" aid- with gentle courtesy- their tottering steps. God's blessing will reward you if you do.