" He was moderate in all things, and it is
said that he was never really ill until near the end of life. He was not
shriveled and shrunken, but a wholesome looking man. King Charles II.
sent a carriage to bring Mr. Jenkins to London, when he was one hundred
and sixty years old. The old gentleman declined to ride and walked the
two hundred miles to the metropolis. The king questioned him regarding
his life and desired to know the reason for his longevity. Mr. Jenkins
replied that he had always been sober and temperate and that this was
the reason for his many years. The Merry Monarch was neither sober nor
temperate, and you may be sure that this reply did not please him. Mr.
Jenkins was wiser than Mr. Parr had been, refusing to dissipate, even
though he was old. Consequently he returned to his home to enjoy life
nine years longer.
These two cases are authentic.
All are familiar with the records given in the Bible. Whether they are
figurative or not it is hard to tell. However, so many cases of
longevity are recorded that they in all probability have a basis in
fact. The Hebrews of old must have been a long-lived people. One hundred
and twenty years was not an extreme age.
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