Pastoral Theology by Thomas Murphy

Author:Thomas Murphy
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Primedia eLaunch
Published: 2013-06-10T16:00:00+00:00

VISITING THE AGED

In these days of Sabbath-schools the attention of Christians is largely turned to the religious training, the improvement and the happiness of the young. This is well, for no amount of thought or expense or toil is too much to be bestowed upon that cause; but the aged ought not to be neglected or overlooked; their comfort amidst the decay of worldly pleasures and the increase of bodily infirmities, and their safety in the inevitably near approach to eternity, should be a subject of lively interest, especially with the pastor. There is danger of their being overlooked, as if there were little attractive in their years of decay, as if not much could be done to add to their comfort, or as if it were not worth while to spend efforts on those whose stay on earth must soon be ended. As a matter of fact it is to be greatly lamented that the aged are so much neglected by those who are passing through their more active years. On this account, as well as for the other reasons, the pastor ought to give special attention to them.

They are a part of his charge which he is in danger of overlooking, but which at the same time should receive special care. In his unwearied attention to those whom others are so prone to slight he may recommend the spirit which should always distinguish the sacred office he holds.

If a person who is in declining years is also without the consolations of religion, his condition is one which is calculated to excite the deepest sympathy. With him most of the attractions of this life are gone; his powers of enjoyment have all become enfeebled; he has no hope in the future to cheer him; perhaps he has become utterly callous as to all spiritual things; eternity must be very near to him; and, as he is, there is nothing before him but a speedy doom of sorrow. Everything conceivable should be done, by pastor and other Christian friends, to save that hoary sinner. But supposing the aged man to be a devoted Christian, he should still receive unremitting attention from his spiritual counselor and friend. He needs to be strengthened while nature is wearing out all his powers; he needs to be comforted by the consolations of religion when other comforters are leaving him; the minister ought often to be with him to see and then to tell, with still more emphasis, how faith can make even one enfeebled by age strong—strong in the Lord.

It is manifest, then, that the pastor ought to give very special attention to those who are in old age. Though there may be no manifestation of it, yet they often do feel it very keenly when they are neglected. On the contrary, any interest manifested in them is peculiarly grateful. They have not many pleasures to tranquillize their declining years; this would be one, and surely the minister, at least, should yield it to them.

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