Book Review: “A Discourse Concerning Old Age” by Richard Steele
Spring 2025
Proverbs 16:31 says: “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.” The Puritan Richard Steele sought to admonish the elderly in this way through his book A Discourse Concerning Old Age, published in 1688. The book is divided into seven sections, with the first part describing old age and part five explaining the inconveniences of it.
Steele, in chapter two, details the causes of aging and decay, rooting them ultimately in the Fall of Man. In the same chapter, he lists the most effectual means of delaying old age: piety and sobriety. Chapter three warns against the common sins and vices of the elderly, such as irritability, talkativeness, jealousy, arrogance, covetousness, craftiness, unteachableness, and resentfulness. In chapter four, Steele transitions to talking about the graces and virtues of godly elders, and then in chapter six, he expounds the privileges and comforts.
Chapter seven gives practical advice on the most needful work of old age. Steele here urges the elderly to repent of their sins, obtain assurance, offer prayers and praises, instruct the younger, guard against temptations, provide for posterity, mortify sin and the world, lay up treasure in heaven, meditate on death and eternity, and persevere in the faith. Regarding education, Steele particularly exhorts the aged (181-183):
You should acquaint [young people] with such particular instances of the wisdom, righteousness, power, and goodness of God, which you have read, heard or seen; that the generation to come might know them, even the children that should be born who should arise and declare them to their children, that they might set their hope in God, and keep his commandments (Psalm 78:6-7). You can tell them also the methods of Satan, and the wicked devices whereby he beguiles poor souls . . . You can describe the intrigues of sin, and warn young people of the deceitfulness and folly thereof by your own experience. They who have been almost mired in a puddle or quagmire, can easily show others the place, and direct them to avoid it. In sum, you should instruct the younger to know, and serve, and trust in God; and whatsoever you have observed in the course of your lives conducive thereunto, you should impart unto them. That as ungodly men wickedly communicate their sinful acts and practices, and endeavor to propagate them unto posterity, that each generation may be worse than [the] other; so all wise and good men, especially when they are in years, should transmit the knowledge and practice of piety to their successors, that the next age may be better than this; and that when we are dead and gone, yet it may be truly said, the world was better for us.
Besides these instructions in the excellent manner of religion, it lies in the power and way of many ancient persons to direct and advise the younger in many useful observations otherwise – as concerning the education of their children, and the disposing of them into callings or marriage; concerning the preservation or recovery of their health. And in case they have any peculiar skill, receipt, or art useful for the good of mankind, they ought not to bury it in their graves, but to assign it to posterity. And whatsoever you have learned or observed that may be beneficial or any way useful to the Church or Commonwealth, to your country, town or family, all these notices you should communicate to those who are younger, with all possible fidelity and exactness. And if need be, commit them to writing for the benefit, at least, or your own posterity. And although your instructions may not at present seem to be much regarded, yet be not discouraged by this; for the wise counsels of the ancient, like the seed of the word of God (Luke 8:11), seems to die and to be lost, and yet in process of time it revives, and brings forth fruit.
Howbeit, there is wisdom to be used in the instructing of young people. For they too commonly are proud, conceited, and self-witted. Your lessons therefore must be at such seasons, and by such degrees, as may render them most valuable and welcome[.]
Older saints may especially benefit from getting a copy of Steele’s book, but younger folks can also glean many insights. First, they can learn how they ought to “rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God,” as Moses commanded in Leviticus 19:32. Sadly, society today undervalues the elderly as did the children of Bethel, who mocked the prophet Elisha and suffered the consequences (2 Kings 2:23–24). Secondly, young people can learn to “remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1) and thereby establish spiritual disciplines which will enrich the latter days of their lives. Regardless of age, Steele’s book will help all those who wish to “run with patience the race that is set before” them (Hebrews 12:1).
Steele’s book was out of print, but Lloyd Sprinkle thankfully republished it in 2014. He asked his friend Bill Foster of Straight Gate Publications if he would write a preface and edit the book. Foster recognized that some words or phrases in Steele’s original might seem archaic, so he kindly provided modernized spelling and a glossary for the Sprinkle Publications edition. Although the publishing house dissolved after Rev. Sprinkle’s passing in 2019, Reformation Heritage Books acquired much of the remaining inventory and has been selling Steele’s book at a heavily discounted price. Monergism and Grace Gems also have digital copies available online in ePub, Mobi, pdf, and htm formats (without Sprinkle’s updates).
Jonathan Peters is administrative assistant at Reformation Bible Church and Harford Christian School in Darlington, MD.