THE CLOSING YEARS OF LIFE.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] Sfit,—I have read the Spectator many years, but I do not remember an article having impressed me more than the one published. in your issue of the 15th inst. on "The Things
Beyond the Tomb." There are abundant reasons in favour of anonymous writing, but one feels really anxious personally to thank the writer for his paper, so full of insight and sym- pathy. I was most struck with his observations on the views men take of death. I believe it to be quite correct that no sane man would like to live his life over again. At my age (approaching sixty) I can, as it were, see the end of my life approaching. The prospect gives me no fear. As one grows older the outlook becomes clearer and calmer. I have been a doubter, but, like any forefathers, I can now find consolation in the services of the Church. It is astonishing how the ordinary affairs of life seem to adapt themselves to your added years. One's pleasures are quieter but quite as enjoyable. To live in the lives of your children, to watch their progress, the development of their minds, is one great source of pleasure. Then one has music, reading, gardening, &c. May I also add that I took the advice of an old friend some years ago, who said the two things most likely to give pleasure in declining life were to learn whist and to play the violoncello? These are simple things and within the reach of all but the very poor. The writer of the article quoted with approval a verse froth one of Baxter's hymns. There is, however, a verse in the same hymn still more appropriate to my state of mind:—
" If life be long, 0, make me glad
The longer to obey; If short, no labourer is sad To end the toilsome day."
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