Saving for Old Age

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 14, 1863

Saving for Old Age.

No one denies that it is wise to make a provision for old age, but we are not all agreed as to the kind of provision it is best to lay in. Certainly, we shall want a little money, for a destitute old man is indeed a sorry sight, and suggests to every one the suspicion that his life has beeu foolishly, if not wickedly spent. Yes, save money, by all means. But an old man needs that particular kind of strength which young men are most apt to waste.

Many a foolish young fellow will throw away on a holiday a certain amount of nervous energy, which he may never feel the want of until he is seventy; and then, how much he will want it! It is a fact, that over-tasking the eyes at fourteen may necessitate the aid of spectacles at forty, instead of eighty. We advise our young readers to saving of health for their old age, for the maxim holds good with regard to health as to money—waste not, want not. It is the greatest mistake to suppose that any violation of the laws of health can escape its penalty. Nature forgives no sin, no error. She puts off the offender for fifty years, sometimes, but she catches him at last; and inflicts the punishment just when, just where, just how he feels it most.

Save up for old age, but save more than money, save health, save honor, save knowledge, save the recollection of good deeds and innocent pleasures, save pure thoughts, save friends, save love. Save rich stores of that kind of wealth which time can not diminish, nor death take away.