Literally, Solomon refers to old age, with all the infinities that attend it. And this may be applied to the weakness of the human frame, the trouble, as well as to longevity of life; and hence the 71st Psalm, composed by David, and indited by the Spirit, which belongs to Christ. He, the adorable Messiah, prays, _Cast me not off in the time of old age_, which is explained in the next clause, _when my strength faileth me_; and is doubtless the meaning of the 18th verse. This may be seen in his agony in the garden, when he cried out, _O my Father_! _if it be possible let this cup pass from me_. Now likewise his prayer was answered, for there appeared an angel from heaven to him to strengthen him. Thus age is not always applied to length of years; a person through affliction of body, many cares, crosses and losses, may be old; that is, as weak in constitution as the most aged and infirm character. No doubt many bear up amazingly well under the infirmities of age; but it must be allowed these are evil days: _that_ alone which can sweeten them, is a good hope through grace, the clear witness of the Spirit of God to the conscience, a lively precious faith in an everlasting covenant, in the blood of the Lamb, and in the faithfulness of that God who has graciously said, _and even to old age and hoary hairs will I be with you_. Justified in the Redeemer’s obedience, and kept firm in the truth. Solomon says, _The hoary head is a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousness_. Happy, thrice happy old man! just upon the threshold of that joy that awaits thee. Soon thy spiritual Joseph will send the waggons of his holy angels to conduct thee to himself, to behold all his glory. Yet a season and you know, Happy entrance shall be given— All your sorrows left below, And earth exchang’d for heaven. What a prospect! what a scene! what a joy! nor shall you be disappointed of your hope, seeing Christ is commissioned to keep what you have long committed to his dear divine hands, your body and soul, the one for almost immediate glory, the other for a joyful resurrection.