SERMON XXVIII. 383 him, unless it be such as hatehim upon the same ground as the devil Both, and that isbecause ofhis piety and goodness ? But to explain this more fully, and impress it with more power upon every one of our consciences, I will descendto partidulat instan -, ces of a lovely carriage. And here I shall mention but these few, viz. prudence, moderation, humility, meekness, patience, and love. I. Prudence is a lovely quality. This teaches us to speak every word, and perform every action of life at aproper time, in theproper place, and toward the proper person. It is pru- dence that distinguishes ourvarious behaviour toward our fellow- creatures according to their different ranks and degrees among mankind, or the different relations in which tine stand to them. It is a very desirable excellency to know when it is proper to speak, and when it is best to keep silence ; at what seasons, and in what company we should awaken ourzeal, and exert our activepowers; or when we should hide ourselves, or put a bridleupon our lips,. And sit still, and hear. Prudence is of infinite use inall theaffairs oflife andreligion : Nor is there any hour of the day, nor any place wherein we spend that hour, whether alone or in public, but gives occasion for some exercise of this virtue. It does not belong to human nature to possess this in perfection : Perfect prudence dwells with God alone, God themost lovely ofbeings : He thatcomes nearest to it, is the wisest of men, and he gains the love and high esteem of all that are near him ; for his conduct inlife is of singular ad- vantage to those that converse with him, as well as tohimself. This man is consulted by his friends as an earthly oracle, and by his advice he saves many from ruin. Thus he wins and w, ears their honour and their love. There are many good qualities both ofthe natural and moral kind that must meet together, to make up a prudent man. He most be furnished with a memory of things past, and with just and proper observations made upon them, that he mayknow how to improve every opportunity and occurrence of life to the best purposes when the saine occasions return. There is nopru- dence without some degrees of experience. But experience alone is not sufficient ; he should have alsoa wide extent-of soul, and be able to take a large andcomprehensive ,survey of the concur- rent circumstances of things present : And he must be blessed with a solid judgment, that byputting many things, atonce into the balance, he may find which outweighs the rest, and de- termine his present conduct thereby. He must have a degree of sagacity, to foresee future events, according to the usual consequences of things in this mortal state, The prudent mau - VOL. F. , e e.
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