Page:Letters of Life.djvu/411

Rh One of the advantages of age is the test it applies to the truth or falsehood of affectionate professions. Being considered a species of declension, it divides the worshippers of the rising sun from those who patiently regard its setting.

I have known a few who, like the visitants of Job, were adroit in searching out the "dwelling of the prince," wherever their path might lead. Since my residence is no longer in an elegant mansion, and I have suffered myself somewhat to fade out of fashionable society, here and there one may have permitted an intimacy, of which they were formerly boastful, to subside into indifference or neglect. Such sycophancy, however, is usually as slightly deplored as it is easily detected.

Another of the advantages derived from seventy years, is the correct estimate it enables us to form of popular opinion. In our palmiest days that was a yoke of bondage. "Mr. What-did-he-say," and "Mrs. How-did-she-say," have now become less formidable personages. It is discovered that both praise and blame may be misapplied, and that neither are long remembered. From the slightest circumstances, as well as from inventions, grave accusations may be formed by the evil-disposed. Therefore the censure of good persons may rest on an erroneous basis, while that of the light-minded is nothing worth. Since none can perfectly sift evidence, save Him unto whom the night shineth as the day, all human verdicts may be fallible. Words of applause or