08-16-2020, 05:53 PM
I suppose we're all elders in a sense, because men with faith are naturally drawn to that calling. That's not something I would presume to be for myself, just because I know how I am. My official eldership here is all Ed's fault. 
On making positive associations, there was a tradition in England (I don't know the details), where people coming of age were encouraged to maintain social contacts so that, if they would ever fall into ill-fortune, they would be able to draw upon those associations for assistance. If I'm remembering this correctly, that may have carried over in America but got lost with the "rugged individualism," which has its merits and detractions.
On making positive associations, there was a tradition in England (I don't know the details), where people coming of age were encouraged to maintain social contacts so that, if they would ever fall into ill-fortune, they would be able to draw upon those associations for assistance. If I'm remembering this correctly, that may have carried over in America but got lost with the "rugged individualism," which has its merits and detractions.