- The How and Why of this Book
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- Respect the Aged Pioneers
- Vivid Memories of the Past
- The Dead Still Speak
- Deep Appreciation for the First Burden-bearers
- Reprint Articles of Pioneers
- G. I. Butler a Most Valuable Laborer
- Grow Old Gracefully
- Growing Older but Continuing to Testify
- Guard Memory of Pioneers
- Avoid Criticism of the Pioneers
- Let Us Encourage One Another
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- Aged Workers Not Released From Service
- Older Workers Needed in Crises
- They Know How to Help Others
- Special Grace and Knowledge
- Older Ministers to Speak at Camp Meetings
- Experienced Workers Needed in the Home Field
- Old Age More Productive Than Youth
- Efficiency May Constantly Increase
- Last Days May Be the Best
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- Age No Excuse for Relaxing Self-Discipline
- Be Content Where You Are
- Maintaining Personal Tidiness
- Shun Overwork and Distrust of Brethren
- “Be Not Accusers of the Brethren”
- Aged Not to Labor In Cities
- Avoid “Shut-in Religion”
- Childish Behavior in Senior Workers
- Danger of Accepting Infidel Sentiments
- Anxiety in Regard to Money
- Money Cannot Ransom Your Soul
- Place Affections on the Better Land
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- During Prolonged Illness
- Prayer and Anointing—but Not Instantly Healed
- Jesus Knows Our Griefs and Pains
- “Make Me a Healthy, Fruit-bearing Branch”
- “Let No Unkind Words Be Spoken by Me”
- “I Will Not Complain”
- “The Lord Strengthens Me”
- No Thought of Beating a Retreat
- God Knows What Is Best
- Lessons From The Months Of Suffering
- Expect Short-Term Memory Problems
- Rest in His Love
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- The Faith of Abraham
- David's Prayer
- David Planned Ahead
- How Peter Faced Death
- The Aged Apostle on Patmos
- The Best Time of John's Life
- Comfort From Experiences of Bible Characters
- Solomon's Life of Backsliding
- Solomon's Weakness a Beacon of Warning
- Worldly Renown versus Godly Integrity
- Influence for Good or for Ill
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David's Prayer
I was shown David entreating the Lord not to forsake him when he should be old, and what it was that called forth his earnest prayer. He saw that most of the aged around him were unhappy and that unhappy traits of character increased especially with age. If persons were naturally close and covetous, they were most disagreeably so in their old age. If they were jealous, fretful, and impatient, they were especially so when aged.RY 168.1
David was distressed as he saw that kings and nobles who seemed to have the fear of God before them while in the strength of manhood, became jealous of their best friends and relatives when aged. They were in continual fear that it was selfish motives which led their friends to manifest an interest for them. They would listen to the hints and the deceptive advice of strangers in regard to those in whom they should confide. Their unrestrained jealousy sometimes burned into a flame because all did not agree with their failing judgment. Their covetousness was dreadful. They often thought that their own children and relatives were wishing them to die in order to take their place and possess their wealth, and receive the homage which had been bestowed upon them. And some were so controlled by their jealous, covetous feelings as to destroy their own children.RY 168.2
David marked that although the lives of some while in the strength of manhood had been righteous, as old age came upon them they seemed to lose their self-control. Satan stepped in and guided their minds, making them restless and dissatisfied. He saw that many of the aged seemed forsaken of God and exposed themselves to the ridicule and reproaches of his enemies. David was deeply moved; he was distressed as he looked forward to the time when he should be aged. He feared that God would leave him and that he would be as unhappy as other aged persons whose course he had noticed, and would be left to the reproach of the enemies of the Lord.RY 169.1
With this burden upon him he earnestly prays: “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.” “O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed Thy strength unto this generation, and Thy power to everyone that is to come” [Psalm 71:9, 17, 18]. David felt the necessity of guarding against the evils which attend old age.—Testimonies for the Church 1:422, 423.RY 169.2