It is a high and holy delight to hear of those who, having spent their strength in the Master's vineyard, do not now seek retirement as a season of ease, but rather long for more years that they may be spent and still be spending in the King's business. This is the very spirit of our text, serving the Lord is not a thing of fits and starts, spasms and excitements, it is a constant, thorough, practical, universal subservience to the mind of the Most High. To see the grace of God so brightly burning in advanced years, that it outshines the feebleness of the flesh, is a sight upon which angels must look with admiration.
I do not doubt that you are often cumbered with much serving in your care for them, and in your heart you are tempted to a certain heaviness concerning their future. Yet take this for your comfort, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. The measure of their days is not the chief prize for which we are to pray, but rather their fidelity, which already shines so clearly. Make full proof of your ministry, whatever that ministry is, and then leave the length of the campaign with the great Commander. You speak of their being great stewards of Christ, and it is better to be faithful in a hamlet over two or three score of people than to be unfaithful in a great city parish. Is it not the case that this very faithfulness, even in visiting the sick and homeless, has been a rich and constant anointing? Should I cease giving my oil, wherewith by me they honor God and man? God forbid.
Cast this care upon the Lord at once. I delight to think of my Lord as a living Christ to whom I can speak and tell Him of every case. He is a living Helper to whom you may bring every difficulty that occurs in your own soul and in the souls of others. Remember that He is the friend that sticketh closer than a brother. True friendship can only be made between true men, and what a faithful Friend He is, the Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God who cannot lie. Their times are in His hands, and even if the case should become worse instead of better, hesitate not, you are dealing with the infinite Son of God! He knows how much His cause needs such seasoned soldiers, and He knows how to sustain them ere they lay their armor by.
Therefore, do not let your spirit become gloomy. We will not get gloomy in spirit because we are not all serving God in one direction. Let us serve God with gladness while we have health and strength, we may soon be on the sick bed. The prayer for their continued life is a prayer for their continued gladness in His cause, and that is pleasing to Him. If they have done that which was their duty to do, may you, through Divine Grace, be happy enough to see in their continued walk, and ultimately to hear concerning them, that blessed commendation: "Well done, good and faithful servant."