The Texas Republican

Providing 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 been foolishly, if not wickedly spent. Yes, save money, by all means.

But an old man needs just 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 will never feel the want of till he is seventy; and then, how much he will want it! It is curious, but true, that a bottle of champagne at twenty may intensify the rheumatism of three score. It is a fact, that overtasking 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 lets 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 cannot diminish, nor death take away.