We have a growing reverence for the aged. It ever was characteristic of Jewish religious Me to
honor the aged. It is a touching and beautiful sight to view one in the sunset of life eagerly waiting
to be called home to glory. How beautiful it is when we find our aged brothers and sisters
manifesting the fervent love of early days; the purpose of soul unchanged; and the calm unshaken
confidence_the growth of many years_reflected on the patient, if withered and suffering,
countenance.

There is a danger to which the Lord’s aged people are often subject. It is to rest on their oars, and
to seek to pass the evening of their days in a "Home of Rest," assuming that their work is done.
That was not the spirit of brave old Caleb who when 85 years old said, "As yet I am as strong this
day as I was in the day that Moses sent me .[forty years previously]; as my strength was then,
even so is my strength now for war, both to go out, and to come in" (Joshua 14:11). Caleb was
not tired of the conflict. He drew his spiritual strength from God:the source of his courage was
in God Himself.

The physical vigor of youth may give way, but there is a power outside the domain of nature:
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as
eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31). O
beloved aged pilgrims, our rest is on the other side of the river; our home is on high. Nerve
yourselves to battle on, to serve till He come. A few more struggles and then eternal rest above!
Your active service in preaching the gospel, or ministering the Word, or visiting the sick may be
over. But has your service ceased? There yet remains the more spiritual work of intercession with
God for the Church and the world. Work on your knees_work which brings you face to face with
God Himself. The sanctuary is your sphere of service and that is as important as (if not more
important than) the public work of younger days.

For ourselves, and for all our beloved aged pilgrims, we long and pray for spiritual vigor.
(Where, of course, there is a collapse of physical powers, one can only wait in patience for the
joyful summons, "Come Home!") Press on with increasing desire. The manna is needed equally
for your closing hours as for the springtide of earlier days. Feed on Christ!