world; let the lawful magistrate alone to rule his subjects; and let it be your business cheerfully to obey, or quietly to suffer. "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye: but let none of you suffer as an evil doer, or as a busy body in other men's matters." 1 Pet. iv. 14, 15.

10th. Prudence will direct you so to dispose the common business of life, as not to obstruct the duties of religion; but that they may harmonize and assist each other. The pious Tradesman, whatever his business or necessity may be, will redeem some time for the noble and necessary employments of religion: and will not so far consider his relation to the present state, as to forget the eternal concerns of another world. His devotion disposes him for his business, and his business makes his devotion welcome. The less time he can spare in the week, the more careful he is to improve the christian sabbath, when it returns. Thus he draws down the blessing of heaven upon all the labours of life, and gains that wisdom and virtue, which enables him to fulfill the duties and bear the burdens of it. But imprudence, as well as irreligion, often renders the exercises of devotion distasteful; the unfitness of the seasons of it, or the undue choice of other

circumstances, occasions confusion in the discharge of it; which if it were prudently and sincerely performed, would appear the most delightful and beneficial employment of time.

To conclude; from what has been said, we learn of what importance prudence is to a Tradesman.. It may be of more service to him than all his stock or all his friends: it will make him amiable and useful to others, and happy in himself It should therefore be our concern to acquire as much of this excellent quality as may be. It is true, sagacity is a natural gift, and all men do not seem to be equally endowed with it; but it may be improved, as any other faculty of the mind may. Reasoning on the probable consequences of things, with a careful observation of events as they arise, may be of great use; but above all it is necessary we should get the command of our passions; that they may not bias our judgment, nor hurry us on to action before we have deliberated at all, or in proportion to the importance and difficulty of the matter. For generally, imprudent steps are taken, not for want of capacity to judge of their nature or consequences; but through passion and haste men do what they themselves could see to

be imprudent, if they would allow themselves time to think coolly and maturely upon it.

Consider persons and things; whereby your wisdom will be greatly improved: every thriving or decaying Tradesman will be a lesson of instruction to you. Solomon learned wisdom this way; "he looked upon the field of the slothful, he considered it, and received instruction:" and do you imitate him therein.

Consult wise men. The long observations of others may soon be yours if you are willing to learn: do not think that all the methods and rules of wisdom and prudence, are to be grasped by your own skill; but rather choose to be learning among the wise, than priding yourself among the foolish: for he that hearkeneth unto counsel, as well as he that is able to give it, is wise.

Study the sacred scriptures. These are the words of the only wise GOD. There you will find precepts of wisdom suited to every state and condition of life; particularly in that excellent collection of Pro-, verbs, which was dictated by the Spirit of GOD on purpose to convey to the " 'young man knowledge and discretion." Prov. i. 4. A book therefore, which should often be consulted by every religious Tradesman,

Pray that the Father of lights would instruct you for "he giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh understanding, &c." Prov. ii. 6. "He gives it to all men liberally, and upbraideth not." And he has said, "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask it of GOD." He knows all the connections of things, he can influence your mind, and direct your thoughts; can save you from fatal errors in civil as well as religious life, and keep off temptations of one kind and another. GOD can give more wisdom than man can acquire of himself, and those who most seriously and constantly depend upon him, are certainly the persons that are most likely to be possessed of that wisdom, which God himself will approve.

What I am recommending is an honest and laudable-habit of prudence, not that which degenerates into subtilty and craft. Let none under the pretence of wisdom allow themselves to over-reach or deceive others, or make a prey of their easy and well meaning neighbours, to compass their own covetous or ambitious ends. This is wisdom from beneath; and as it comes from hell, so it leads to it: for the " unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of GOD;" 1 Cor. vi. 9. and the Apostle adds, "be not deceived:" a caution that plainly

intimates, it is more than possible the prospect of gain may blind the minds of men, and make them insensible of their guilt and danger. Whatever apprehensions these persons may have of their sagacity and prudence, the world cannot produce a greater fool, than he that will affront GoD, injure his neighbour, and destroy his own soul, for the sake of a little momentary gain.