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CHAP. III.

OF PRUDENCE OR DISCRETION.

THE first thing necessary for a hap py progress in business, is prudence or discretion. This, as it relates to trade, is a habit of mind enabling us to conduct our affairs in the wisest and best manner; or in other words, it is pursuing the proper end, by the best means, and in the fittest time. It is not that serpentine "craft, which lies in wait to captivate the unwary, impose upon the credulous, and overreach the weak understanding, and which teaches men to increase their wealth by injustice and fraud. Gop has given to no man superior wisdom or skill, to be directed to ends so contrary to his own nature and will, and the general good of mankind. But it is that honest wisdom, which is consistent with a good conscience, and an ornament to it. Whatever good arises from deliberate advice, sagacious foresight, stable resolution, and orderly conduct; wisdom confers. Whatever evils proceed from blind ignorance, false presumption, unwary credulity, precipitate rashness, and

unsteady purposes; wisdom prevents. GOD having given to man a considering mind, sagacity and foresight, which he has denied to other creatures. They who act foolishly so far degrade the man, and resemble the brute: And many are ruined by their own indiscretion and folly, without any other visible means than that they were themselves rash. wilful or weak. But when our intentions are good, and the means proper, we may hope that all-wise goodness will prosper us, and our success will then be doubly pleasant: Or, if we are disappointed, we shall disarm the affliction of what makes the deepest wound, the reflection that it was procured by our own folly. It is not supposed, that our wis dom and prudence can controul the events of divine providence, or make our dependence upon the blessed GOD unnecessary. But it will hinder us from being our own destroyers, and is the means which the great Governor of the world uses to bestow prosperity and happiness, where he is disposed to vouchsafe the enjoyment of them.

Having considered the nature and advantages of prudence and discretion; we come now to instance the particulars

wherein the Tradesman is called to the exercise of it, namely,

1. In getting a full insight into his calling; so as to know all the parts, and lawful arts and methods of it. The nature and quality of the commodities he deals in; proper times and places for buying and vending of them; the quantities of each that are most likely to produce advantage; and the best method and art of manufacturing goods; these, and every other part, should be well studied and fully understood. Leave it to others to pride themselves in the knowledge of callings foreign to their own; or to be curiously prying into the conduct and concerns of others; and remember that "the wisdom of the prudent is to understand his own way." Your trade or calling is your proper province, for the improvement of which your mind and capacities should be employed; and neither GOD nor man will condemn you for inexperience in the business of others. Let the time of your apprenticeship be carefully improved to this end. Treasure up all the knowledge you can attain by observation and instruction, and never be ashamed to continue learning any honest skill; for no fortune or application will support a man who is remarkably

defective in knowledge. Your success is likely to be that of a rich vessel guided by an unskilful pilot, in danger soon to be shipwrecked and lost. On the other hand, all masters should make conscience, honestly and faithfully to instruct their apprentices in all the lawful and gainful mysteries of their callings. This they are bound to do by their own agreement, and by all the rules of justice and honour.

2d. In the prudent choice of the several circumstances of trade.

a time to

For Time. Choose that which is most suitable for your business; "for to every thing. there is a season, and a time to every purpose." And among the rest, buy, and a time to sell, Eccles. iii. 1. which every wise Tradesman will observe. The future contingencies of business, and the rise and fall of the value of commodities, often depend upon such uncertain or unknown causes, that the deepest penetration is not able to fathom, but to buy goods when they are cheap, and sell them when they are growing dear: and at all times to be cautious of overcharging yourselves with dear or changeable goods, are maxims of prudence that never vary. Futurity is hid from us, but discretion is given to direct

us, and those of the best discernment and sagacity are most likely to be successful.

For Place. Prudence will direct the Tradesman to consider which is most suitable and proper for his calling, and fix there. The conveniences of his family must give way to the conveniences of his business, and his fancy be regulated by his judgment in this affair. That place may be exceedingly proper and advantageous for one employment, which persons of a different one must starve in; and a fine house, or a pleasant situation, or even a small rent, will not make amends for the want of customers.

For Persons. Great prudence is necessary in the choice of these. First, Whom to trust: for it is not the metal that glitters most, that is always the richest; men are often deceitful, and too many make it their business to deceive, and enrich themselves with the spoils of the unwary and credulous. It is better, therefore, to be at the pains of a diligent enquiry after their abilities for the trust which we repose in them; than endure the grief of sad experience that we were mistaken in our apprehensions concerning them. Certain it is, that as there is prudence in trusting some, and charity in trusting others; so