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Among the virtues which adorn and bless mankind in all conditions, even in domestic and family intercourse, that of prudence, though among the lesser kind, must ever hold an important and distinguished rank ; whether its influence be weighed according to the effects immedi- ately, or reihotely brought into operation. Its connexion with minute objects, far from what would at first appear to a superficial observer, may be considered as a proof of its importance ; for these are the things that must neces- sarily engross the attention of nearly all, the greatest part of their Uves. Besides, a thousand little cares and trifles are to direct us in whatever business we engage, though of ever so important a nature. Ridicule and dis- gust will often be the immediate .and lasting consequences of perhaps only neglecting to assist a lady into a vehicle, making an awkward bow, or of spitting tobacco juice on a clean floor, through a little carelessness and inattention. " For want of a nail the shoe was lost ; for want of a shoe the horse was lost ; and for want of a horse the rider was lost, being overtaken and slain by the enemy ; all for want of a little care about a horse-shoe-nail," as poor Richard said. ■ - ^ A deviation from the rules sanctioned by prudence is the more dangerous, as it is an hidden enemy and takes ui captives unawares. The storm arises on a sudden, when our eyes are closed against its threatening and appearan- ces, and carries us far down the flood of repentance and regret. As its causes are -generally trifling, we are car- ried to a greater length in misconduct ; not suspectmg that a small coal of fire, apparently safe in its proper and / -- -..0 means 01 tiK reducing thousand tlje \ to beggary and wL? "' "'y- ° - ---..s u.ousand .ion td't^S^f aSr™«r • *""r ^-» -«e„ from carelessness geDerallv^n"^,-'""™' depravity" "r" .™es possibly ;rom^aru„fc„"„:ff':,«, '^™ngi or s^ome' X, ''es'Sn. invariably a poStivl *ii""'"o'i of passion whatever be one's condition or if i'^™"S • all which to oppose and be on his LZh «*?".*"& it behooves 2 the stings they leave bSl^Th*' '^^' T"''' ««cape raised as to the manner in Sk ^'"'^ •»"<='' being nr» Jty of prudence condu^S uS-^Tf <"■ ""h^-C" which^i"'' ^y P»«'«"i»ri=' ng some o? hP°'' '°. •'*^™ss Which the actors or violator. „Z , ,"'® conditions in tions. We shall coSer i oTr/ "'t*^' ""'' ">eir v„l^ cerns J 2. Matters of love 3 r P^" ' V ^'''mily con- neighbonrs andfriends- 4 tL .^"""^'sations between money; 5. Religion -tndfi r "f /"<' managemem of al remarks and oliserVaSon;. ^"""'"''^ '^'"' *oSe gene?! for ihe car'efiilTnTSam'^e^; • '''i" "^^ ''^ opened forbearance, that ar^'cteteSTr"'^ "''' feelingrS It IS at the fireside, in the midf, f"f"'"'^^'^ by prudence and dear connexions that w. °^ ^''^"^' and of nea; our lives. Companions in m^*/"" ' S'reat portion of each other a great de^- thefrT,^''* ™ ">« ™ciety of them. And although in 'ieril '*''j"°' a'^o are with that serious deflTerfSces S •^^^''•"'"'"'^'obel^ve lovers, participating i^ the sweeK^'r'" *<>« bosoms of course; yet facts an^ "xnetJZt t "^ connubial inter- ancholy and painful |a„Ju"^''^^ f ««' 'he truth in mel- united together in the b!ndf ^f hI *"*" "'"'o 'vho are most unhappily at variance ft, ^^"^''j ^'^ "Sometimes thought possible of those i^. /"""^ '''''*' "'ght be many are*^ there of our observ^T'' " ^^'at^on. How with each other i„ the trifllg tSl°"„V ^'7'""^ ^ring ,T V "' ^'l''' household aplaS 1 V"^*"" "aturef Kffi-irs of their children, as^EVr^lit^ ""J "r *« - - .5g,0u and affairs "v-Sjif^ 7.w;a leans of tlje : thousands ^m inatten- gravity; or '» or some- of passion aW which, ooves him •Id escape cing pre, lie author, discuss ditions in bear voli- 'nily con- between ement of e gener- opened ngs and udence. of near ition of 3iety of fe with beheve onis of 1 inter- in mel- ho are etimes ghtbe How fering ature ; n the uTairs t.mes found ' %' 4 \ V CcuUl liusbands anil wives only partially conduct and deportment, submit them- selves to such a line of conduct" and deportment, as Christian love and charity would dictate, all would be changed ; and in the place of imprudence and its varied evils, might be seen the mild radiance of peace, with happiness and a hope of tranquillity. But the world is miserably depraved, and demoraUzation and vice, as well as ferocity and wickedness, have an unhappy triumph over both males and females. Such being the case, we are to bear in mind what sort of materials compose the union. Were the minds of all whose characters we are now attempting to pourtray, of that happy make which belongs to those of delicate sensibility; and who are ardently fixed by a peculiarity of temper and thought to an attachment founded on just appreciation of views and feelmgs ; and, at the same time, educated to think alike, and to glory in a perseverance in virtuous habits, some of our reflections here would not apply. These, how- ever, are few in number, and far behmd in what the sub- ject of our discourse would lead them to be. Many others undoubtedly are discouraged by the wide differ- ence they find between themselves and their companions, who are sometimes almost as unworthy of their good offices, as they are of their society. And the world is so much bhnded and overcome by passion, that when the grosser sorts of wrong are found to triumph and prevail, and lead captive their votaries to remorse ; we cannot in reason expect that much prudence should remain there, to mitigate the pains produced. Unhappy matches are often formed which cannot be dissolved ; but the peace and good of families require, that a constant care and prudence should be practised between the parties, both to assuage the wounds received, and to guard against a further 'iiticroachment on their feelings. The dearest interests of families are involved in the formation of mar- riage connexions : and can parents and those whose pro- vince it is to advise in such cases, be too careful of the trust reposed in them? and ought they not to strive to the utmost, to impress such feeUngs and principles on the i* ' *^^^.j_^- ' j--ae;-"p~i| J\ aa .»ve them f'^tl an§ top'"'"**"* 'Hafton^h ot our often ensue hasty anu 1 ^^^^ ot thi» particular eon*'7'l'° „ext division- . , arc P;bject, be ongs t" '^^ «« ^^ temners and J ml,'. ,„.i A variety ol ^'^Vw velation ot husbanii au_ brought ^0S«Se*i^ wonder, «hen^ffernc^^^^ ^^^^^ perhaps it wiH ""V^g^e habits and '?«''"»„{,„„ virtues Long those °f -I'Jf^^udence, ^^PfS ^nd fo'»ken. should lose '•f'^i-te^rder are neglected anu^. and graces of a wg"^" , kindred souls, only "J '. | „ fav Butlventheharmonyotl^^ ^^„rt .eswhichg^^^ fuitably to attend to Aet of domestic Me, e^P^^^ ^ in constituting the 'e„^{, ,„ fading, or have when the Aove" oi y ^.^^^^g appear n j ^re bloom, and oW ^Vonted harmony and ^n forms; e*e",. .Jrerable sensations and se turned into disagreeabl _^ ^^^^ ^^ W"**- . j„,tplove of money 19 style" .f i, the The inordinate love o ef'y f ,*„fa particuto ^^il ••" .^'"of *e hSband, exceP* «f *o„r L. have not a nsrs dttv-r^eertS "o that - g-t l^Sy' dangerous mfluence evils of imprnde^'„*^,uich space is he'«Xthe important subject »fj*V^^^ tfie treatment of the 'mP ^^ „_ P"*'';^'^ nothing "*"*rfbv companions, regardmg a thing practised hy^°™Po„cern-religion- . ; ,o„duct and ^d mo™«"*°" f nrudence in respect to ttteir ^^^j^ A' *";'„fbetween themselves, '\C^^^Smestake against each olhei.u"'"'n-_S ^ S f — / J l\ Ofi oWii ^^'Z::'j-'ykr%r' "obi, lOltou /'""Ifri ^e 'o74^p«^' o/;]:"'^''w /rj-^e^^^^^^ •^ •'«'i^6.!l"!P "P'^^'ofT,''"'"'. ^o'^ecoVe, 01, Of -^- ,• anj toj;:„'''>eck ^ ^'« fi^2^'''''PaC f«»S**'' 'fet'f^.pouZl'' ^i>^ '*''''WV/;"«'-'oi- ^tm 13 in . ^'^mds . r "«/jOo,/ ;^.e> ai)W ^''i(/s oor/, ««^arr- Wee .^iH2tS?«sS:S=r?£:? ^Aat Pai-eof feb #• V th Win f^ i/je '^^ the Our 9 against them ; much less are thev justifiable in rising against their express commands an(l prohibitions. Their being and all their gifts are derived from them, and on them, for a long time, they are dependent for support and for bread. Extreme cases niav occ^jr in which the rule of children being required to obey their parents, ought to be dispensed with ; as if a parent should command a child to commit a heinous crime, or to do an unlawful act, there being exceptions to most general rules. But the law, in its general operation, is founded on imperious necessity, and never varies from the dictates of justice and reason. As this is beyond controversy, our conside- ration of prudence, must resume itself here, in an attempt to disclose some of the best means by which its violation may be guarded against. In the government of a child, prudence requires that his early disposition should be carefully attended to, and all the little biasses that from time to time may induence or direct his mind. Some are to be flattered, others to be forced uito duty ; some are easily led by trifles and promises, while others are directed only by the rod : but It ought always to be used with a sp irin-- hand, and deferred to the last. Though many are of opinion that corporeal punishment ought never to be inflicted upon chddren ; yet experience shows that many are of sucli a make and are addicted to such h:ibits, it is impossible to govern them without; and we leave it to the best and most experienced teachers, as well as the most observing of parents, whether the moderate use of the rod is not sometimes the only adequate mode of correction. But it is a trite observation of a celebrated newspaper writer, that " the true power of parents over their children, is that of swaying their inclinations ; the power of withdraw- ing their inclinations from one direction, and settlino- them down in another." And, (continues he,) " it isno*t hard words nor hard blows that can always gain this point ; for the Avill in general is wrought upon by other methods." Further, if parents would be strictly prudent they ought also always to be careful not to set bad exam- ' di ■""H*-. 10 // P^^« before their children T-i niatie, and those habits contrlrt^w ^^o^e impressioiis are pater or less degree, thmSl^ which govern, in a be compared to fair, clean whf' ^^^ '""^^^ ^'^^n may daubed with rude blots and hf^'^- If ^ ^"^'^^ ^^ either with unseemly and coai^e sc nwli ""''^"'l •'»»^' ^^^^a^ed display of finely executed dr^w-' '''' ^'^^'^^'^s a grand palaces, or a nice perttr"!?/' f ^^^^>' ^emplef a" At that critical per^J a I thL ^ '^'"^ penmanship are retained : and IxuCl ,'''""'^'* ^^^^^ reach the e-u- observable, 'a^^ dtpl^ ^^^1 T' '^^^^r^ ^^^^ - They gaze and are astonished fh V. ^^^ memory, enjoyment, possession or knmvlp^ ^"^^ ""^ P^nt for answered: but each answer S^^'"~'"3"i^ and are sand more questions, to thei eol.n" •Pf""^^^*«tenthou- the mmd is forming, ideas ..w.^'^^'^V"^^'"^*'^'"^- Thea ted and principled Sed [X?'^ "P' *^^^ ever ; so that Lt that ti me, ^rt, InT '? ^-"^"^"^^ ^^ that correct precept and exam^nT^r^^ it is necessary f^r if a child perceives hk^P.^^?"''^ ^« h«nd in hand • which he is .^arnld 7o' hu^r'th ' '^^^ --l^- "esj little avail. ""' *"e prohibition will be of 2. Matters of Lovr Tr. « tender feelings and symp";iiroTn ?'" ^T ^™P'i^« the tween the two sexes inTe mornL "'T' ^^^^ ^^'«ts be- ^y\en the passions are e.^rr"i """k^ '"''•^^'''^» «f life, sighs are mutual, and Li^fJ^.fjfT^''^ ^' strong tulfilled. Sometimes it me.ns t ./'T ^' *^^^" to b"e country, or to riches • nm !•!. n attachment to one's Sood wishes in fa^^u; o an/p'"Ai? f ' k^^"'^ ^^^^^'-d signification, however ictYP , "'^''^^ject. Itsffr-in,? »nd the designs ^^a" fed' LVo'" "''^"^.P- S",! Supreme Beiiiff, as resnpT./ fi T " execution, by the verse the hapf^ness rfh'^s ere 'tu're ' h- ^""'' .<"' "'^ ""^ eternal glory. But ,ve are ^ hi! ' i*"' "''" ''onouran,! o those rules ofprudencepriner of''''t ""'^ '" "^vert resject to the fir^t sort/ i„d';';,'l''f,°''f "e,l byush, passions, so its ri^ht andluchc^n *: ^"•""Sest of our s -'- J«"ic.ous, or mjudicious man- V ,%m •'*l»\4.. ' "*is*iw(*i? ^ youth, as has fnpressioiis are govern, in a mind then may v^hich is either .and defaced iihits a grand temples and penmanship, leach the ear tions that are the memory, and pant for nre and are gtotenthou- f^g' Then bits contrac- nfluence for s necessary md in hand ; wickedness ' will be of implies the exists be- dian of hfe, is strong, seen to be It to one's after, and Its grand oerformed >n, by the »f the uni- onoiirand to advert d by us in est of our ous man- 11 agement, is productive of great enjoyment, or of great grief and disappointment. In nothing, many times, is there found such a total dereliction and contempt of prudence, especially amoncr the younger sort, as in the choice of companions. Urgetl by an attractive, a most powerful pleasure, they hardly take any thought of the future, in the gratification of pro- pensity. Passion invariably points to present enjoyment; but prudence, more mild, pleads for them in the language of friendship, to shun the rocks and quick-sands of a rash and unadvised course : passion, blind to interest and dead to virtue, loudly calls for its desired object : prudence, urges to manly deeds, and eloquently eniorces the neces- sity of a little coDsideration and cir nspection : and while passion is yielding to despair, ana plunging deep into tolly and misadventure, prudence shows the benefit of resignation. It lays bare the thorns of a hasty, a luck- less and an irrevocable doom ; and in the warning voice of benevolence asks a hearing, to prevent the mischiefs and pains of a sudden decision of questions, that involve the peace of families and friends, and the happiness of one's whole life. The bold seducer of female innocence, is not to be brought into view here ; we are discoursing only upon prudence. But when we consider what numbers of young men of fortunes, education, and the most distin- guished talentfi and acquirements, are ruining themselves, by an inordinate indulgence of this propensity, with the aid of drunkenness ; we are led to wish, were it possible, that something more might be done, to prevent the mise- ries, diseases, the griefs of friends and untimely deaths, which these demons are hurling among them. Al^ ! warning and exhortation, are too torpid, too cold and un- interesting, effectually to arrest. their progress, or to mitigate their evils. Nothing but public example, the strong arm of the law, and an universal execration of them, by the determined virtue of the mass of the com- munity, can be of the least avail. And may the exertions b2 12 light; iKe us^the^'Tri' °l™,'"'tr ™"'/°" -" ^e- lemperance and moderation Th • '""'*' '" Preserve (.om .he strong t"s of tht^' P'"' .f"^°y meats resulting in the bounS SencVfnr.'™' '^ «^'.-™"'s«'ibed with! of the choicest kind 1n«,? I tT-"' ''""^'^ 'loubtless be are, the seed of co.!unttn 11 ?h '"^' "" "'^^ ""'^ »"«» ■■eproach. Many of tTe he^^th " 'T'" "^ ^''™« and abused, become^the wor t u^.'Tr*'"':'^^'""' "'"' in its genuine naturV™ mii/.'i^'r.en^e't-^^^^^^^ V°7' and wears a serene asn^^t . i, . p«niie like the lamb, lust, it is only a coarse SfiLf" ^^ t'"^ "'""='' '•"" I'lace of hell • tlie ro!t ?1^ '?'L- «""*'«" '» "'ade a ;..c exchan%'dfor o7anTsli:^'''?f'='' }">' "^ '»^«. fhe one crowns its nmtpl J vi .'"'''''^*"'=^ ' «"'' "Wle joyment, the other Cc^h r '"' "'"'^ »'"• *'"bstantial en. ties, wages war "aS t''*,'''S""y "f the rational faoul- of ils deTuded folKrs LeT;,/"'' ''r™^■^ "«^ ''«'''*'• we need go no fuX %nd we er„o VS'r't'i'^'''='-r.^ a.th7saS: :to^rdto™'tLt"l'^^,p"'^ venly inhabitamfCiV o^n f t 't^^^jhr'^r are by sonje.^te very H tl^ tol^tlpS:' tI;'"^^ aTva'rie "o7lS^ J;^ ^ept fron a^^on J^^ who hav"e a comn "en^.^o'^.^h _^; »"'' ^appy are they «fe ; and those who are ri;?, fno'^Ll""?,^' .f.^"'*-?*? "^ iich, too, that really love, for liclu' '"'*^*^i^ 3 benefactors good things, iifojt and de- to preserve nts resulting Jcribed with- doubtless be J now often r shame and Tverted and this. Love, e the Iamb, turned into 1 is made a )ys of love, ; and while •stantial en- ional farul- the health lence only, :) avoid the heir bitter and puritj, of the des- enue, and ms; there the frozen ' the hea- !ss of her •ossession d as they • There ion of the " are they -me nts of forricljos 13 when applied to rational purposes, are advantageous in- deed. But let none sacrifice the tenderness and emotions of love, for the sordid considerations of avarice ; let none lose sight of prudence, whether it conern the things per- lainuig to that, or the necessary and useful possession of worldly interest ; but let it have a constant sway over the minds and hearts of all. The attachment of young persons of the two sexes to each other, is sometimes attended with such peculiar and strong emotions ; that when they suffer themselves en- tirely to be carried away with them, on a failure of their expectations and hopes," they often prove the means of the deepest \voe and keenest disappointment. But however strong this attachment for particular persons often is, and however bitter the disappointment that may follow it, we are far from considering that it can be a suHicient reason for any to abandon themselves to despair, as they some- times do, and *****, The attachment is generally a matter of mere fancy and capricCjand often rests on false- hood, mistake, or delusion. All men and all women, though not exactly on a level in parts and abilities in a great many respects, are very much alike. And what qualities or virtues we would ask, are there inherent in any one woman or one man, that cannot be found in hun- dreds and thousands of others ? None. It is idle, then, and worse than idle to suppose that anything can belong to a particular woman or marij that, of itself, ought to make one \tiry happy or very miserable. None but fools and madmen, or those destitute of virtue, will suHer themselves to be materially aflected with crosses of that nature. The philosopher and Christian will spurn at them as of no consequence, and always treat them with indifference. But all cannot or will not be Christians, nor philosophers. On the contrary, numbers are bury- ing themselves deep in the miseries of these disappoint- ments and defeats. Were they governed by prudence a little more, not suffering themselves to be the dupes of* the devil in being chained to a mere worm, might not a little of the poison be prevented ? would not the growing '»¥' / 14 influence of these passions so violent an,l ,.,1, some stages, almost "neonhollab e be de'.ntl Fr'"''^ '" Inl/S'- '"■•/""^W^^^Wy .lir^infshed'^'"''' '"'°""' torrent of passion k^urh .u '*"■ ""P^^^'Josity of the that all the'Teroi ^"f'^h^^^^^^^^ violently torn from their fo.nJ.-^ '^'^*'^'' ^''^ ^^t^er the billows, or wrjlv r Li^s . '""' ^^ ^^^ ^«gin? of These beacoL teach u t L'p '', ""^'T'^^ «^ "«?i<^e. weigh well the condition 'n, ^ '''''"' ^"^ collected, to Uisplsition an^crraZ^^ pXltt't'?^ ''^ ^^"P.^^"' ourselves to be inffulnhed in -^^u i!V ?^°''*' ^^ ^^^er ance nor respite And n. j .P' ' '"^'^'^^ ^^« "o deliver- fices in soo^repair and n ^ ^ !'' ^^ P'^^^^^^ ^hese edi^ and e„efeatto;-fed t^^^ shouhl a?;trT:^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ -ntlon and urbanity of behavio.irrT. '.'"' ^ '"^'- PoU'eness, practised among an -but m2^i '" be understood and among tlie fair. Then we nl. "T^'f^' '^'»^™ '>'« are gations to observt these rules of'^'r. ■'"","8''^' "''"- »ureJ^ canbemuchCrdiscordant?:'h^' '"': "»"""& the virtuous part of the sex th/.. . .^*' seniiments of and decency f„ their presence whih"'^'"''" "^ """'<'*«y t.on of the ?u>es of prEce buT ofotherltr ""'"■ How^orn'=r^7r„»„ i„ I' "^^^ I •; """^'''' '" "'"ke it miserable. be% the mean; of impro Im n't Z m f '' !' (''"^'^'"' °^ nty for slanderers, for'^,n,^e"ero " InTuft ■■' !"''^ " '•^<="" voked destroyers of each"oXrl"yod'nt ^rrre^u't:: 15 they are in ved of some ve need the >sity of the ts full force, are either i raging of ' of notice. Ilected, to he temper, J we suffer 10 deliver- ■ these edi- ir wainins: t attention 1 and pro- has estab- oliteness, tood and m we are ^est obJi- ' nothing iments of modesty Y a viola- s. 'rie.vds. ind Jast- the de- ds; and . might of, nor Jera[)le^ itead of a secu" unpro- reputa- lion ! There are a thousand tiifling words that may be thrown out, which, though not by any means designed to injure reputation nor to provoke jealousy, are always re- ceived and heard of, with tokens of disgust, ill-humour and resentment. They excite disagreeable feelings, and always make impressions unfavourable to those from whom they proceed ; whether they are spoken before the face, or behind the back. Might it not always well become those who are in the habit of dealing so profusely in Avords ofcensoriousnessand scandal, to bethink themselves what possible good it can do them, to be so free with their neighbours ; and what will be the probable and natural result of saying every thing they do, to their detriment ? are we not bound to think a little before we suffer our- selves to speak, and under obligations not to indulge our- selves so much, without restraint or control, in permitting the tongue to run on (as it apparently so often does) with- out the least share of prudence, or discretion ? There are two springs of moving principles, that chiefly operate upon persons who violate the rules of prudence, in their conversation with and treatment of neighbours and friends ; vanity and malice. They are sometimes at work in the dark or behind one's back, and sometimes in his presence. Vanity, it must be acknowledged, has a perpetual contiol over the minds and conduct of mankind, in some place or other ; and none, not even the best and wisest, can be entirely preserved from its dirainutiveness and ridiculous folly. Its influence is universal. Men are proud of, and vain with, they know not what. The arro- gant scribbler, with eager eye, and a glare of boasting and triumph, looks around for the homage which his van- ity teaches him to expect will be rendered him on account of, what he thinks, are his matchless and inimitable pro- ductions. Here may be seen a fine belle, tdsshig her- self round a gaily decorated room, elated and almost enraptured with the splendour of her beauty. There 3'ou will find myriads of thronging loggerheads and con- ceited coxcombs, almost tickled to death with their long tassels , sleek jackets and shining boots and buttons. In '^'"f^mr^' k 16 Y? "s ""connected XP/„";'"hs, 'hat. of themselv ™ er. a. they migi.'tX. they v^uW a?'' f '"P'-'y "x^" Po«' f eels m the uianagemen-t 0,1^°"' ^""^ o'' i'^ l>a,l to brdi.^ifK'!"° A- that itIs'Lf 7lf : -^ four. »We:ei;„e:j;Pd--,»/.«hf '■ firovri,.. „e,,„. t-nlj- bounds ouglZ^be sef L"^? "L""? "-"'= ^"t e -" injuriously, or coStravene the „,a4 ,^!. V" '"7 '"" "P^'""-' Of vanity, there may be ten '^P'''"'«^"oc. several of which often n„Lf " ^reat variety of kind« person, though some ofX"''' "P"" ""= sameiubim o,- general, on/lrt o„?5 1 ? ""^ ''» "° harm. An',?. neighbours and f ie^I .'^ ''."^'^^"y calculated to hHure censuring and eontemr,t of h-^ " "'*'»''<=" belief thaT; I'ave accfuired a degZ of tS '■.P""'^!'^ '''°^'-' *homl;! sons who are dictated bv ,? V ^"^'' ■ '"'" '■''i'o t>><' vol those in whose presenc^.h '^^^^ '" the estimatio o f J".'-" be, eithe*; for" fperio^ kTowl""'/' ""'^ '>"'-"- of discernment. With tL- m.^f„ •T'^/'S"' or quiciaiess espectto build another ,nnn^-"''' ?' """= '•''"''ce, they ter be employed in mnl'in ."^P ""» 'hat (hey cannot liet fant, tha/ by a«ack,W fh"'"""^,'^''*' ""ted an.l ,°, ,«, themselves, e^i,ht\ts4ote^,7'•^''"™ '''^tingSed or m professional entenS .',,d P"'".-'''' "' "'^'"iors ""St be confessed that '^^„vv ("if'""'^'°"- ,«"« here i niahce) is often at work atVhi . ' '^.'*''n>c»■hat allied to so. prevalent among rL^nk nd ,vh •%'"'' "''"' "'« 'hing A prudeVmanU 'o^ y toilZ """^ '?P"tation.^"'" oniy avoids the criminality of slaa. « sense ai-c rcccivec^ nat, of themselves religion, as any wtJ piesumptuous, en they suppose ^time, the Lord "^ m the right. mleed. But if npioy theiipow- Pany of its bad isinanagenient of lows and neigh- ^al for rnanknid 'e too much wan- t'uth ; but cer- mayriotope/-ate 'udence. variety of kinds 5ame subject or harm. And in lated to injure n belief that a those who ma\^ raise the per- ■ estimation of liey otherwise or quickness ■ ediiice, they -y cannot bet- '*J,an^ if who intendto be men in reality an'^"^'' u^^^'^'^ ^^ Courant, of Accurate views S^s ^.^f ^^ ^» t^e Co;,„. worth or value of monev till th^ ' u^^^* "°"^ know the . conveniences of be^^ denrivp . ? -^T '"^^''^^^ the in- that immediately Sw^thl on'e 1' ^^^^ ^^e generation riches, is generally 86^0 tnu "" possession of great easily rid themse v^es of thdr est",t'"' ^T^ P^^''' ^"^ ^« they obtained them ; and that thefrt I?"'* Patrimonies, as begmning poor, ^mJVrtetllul^ZZ'u^^^^ disposed of by their h^.v, 'oj tunes, which are again same way." Verrcorrect ""nh^"''""^^""'' '"""*^ "' ^^e justly extWdauThVXottT^^^^^^^^^^^ ^'^ '^^^ and attempts at just pictu^el nr? -^^'"'"^^"^^^^ic^ inay not have somethnes noss^blv 1 P'^*'? ?"^ ^''^'^'^^ A man who is prudent h, S "^ ^ ^^"^^ ^««d. studies to be welfacqulted w?r/K^^'"^ ness, its advapt-.o-c^^ Tm , "^'^^^ the nature of his bus.'- ^•etires to rest at iT^ron^rtimf '^?? ' ^"^ ,^^"^^^- He sunrise. Nor is he'aboKe streets ^ a>vay his time : or at tavern! S ' ^^^''o^'"? and idling place. spe„.iig hi^'^rey'L^tel?. .J^^S he does not stand uj ill -ff f ■ I *i*^•»M^^w 20 need of. He would ralher sufFer a little to-day than tf fhan Jl'?^ to-morrow; ami be temperate alsj'^oday! than make a frolic of it, and then lie and groan all thc' s he a tmef ^ r V"f '^'^'/^ '''' «'^'^ ^^'^^e doctor' IS he a la mer ? his tools are all ready for the laborers— his barns m order-^his horses fat-his^attfe thr vtg-aiM his land well fenced and manured. If he is a mechanic he keeps a good eye oyer his servants, an.l set hem ex^ iTf v^o?i"^'^' ^""^^^"i. ^^' "-^^^nnt, he takeTcare 10 buy to advantage as well as to sell at a profit from the igmal cost; nor does he suffer toomany Legou^ s and be S.T' ^T^'^'l^'^ '^y' ^"^ other'prett/things! own kn 1 A^'V- ^."'' .^^^°^''^ «"'^ consumed by hi» rtf.n nf^- f^"^' 'L^' ^-^ a professional man; he doe« ^.nii f ? PP'^'"^. ^'' '"^"'^^^ ^« ^"ch purposes as will support him m his honest business morVdiffii'.wU fn l' """ ?''• ''>'^"^' ^'^"^ ^^ ^-^ "^ S'-^'-^t deal more dilhcult to lay out money to advantatre after it i^ 3utvh"*^Tfv^^"^^-"°^^'^"^^*- ,he first%Vr The .TjJf ' ^ • "^f l'^.''"'^ discovered what can be done to • Imme^r '''''' *''^ !' ""/ '^ «"^^^ ^'«^"g '^ immediately' inTt nnf f Tf ?T ^^'' ^'^ ^*^^«"^* and^delay ; and one kP n n • f' ^"^^ "'°"^>'' ^^»^^ »^^^J^^'« the mare go so iike a quick messenger, and procures houses, lands, fur- iXe' .?/r ' T""^'' "?V^«i"^«« ^'octors and know- !n3' 1 "^ ^l?''^* ^^"^ eternal life, this "root of- some good as well as " evil ;" while the tide is wait- nrmlPn. ^^^ /• ^^' .""^' ^'^"^ "P«» ^^"^^ ^.^ execute ; fn t^n "rges him to be cautious as respects the time Sue cSkXlr' '^ '•"' ^^^ piecipitateV or without hJ^JL"''" ^/^?'"^"»^ ^ets out in the world with much at antrTh-' ^'°"'''' ^""!l^^' "^'•''^^fe'^^' horses, and atten- ftlP ;nn h'^P''«P«':ty all came upon him at once, he Shirnpr^'^f iT'"^^"'?^"* ''^' preservation or increase. Sharpers and interested men assail and entran him on "^^r; '? '^f\i' ^l "^"^^^^ ^ bargain, he is most al- suie to be badly cheated and toFmented. He pur- I 21 nes and extra^^acant thino i 3 J ^'"rt^» ^o many /i„c;: pien the rich rneadoH^s aiTfernt f n ""^"^ of money, t^^^' /on^. continued care ^dei^^ made to groan under amort 'e^'l^^^^^ ^''^^'^^^'^ are ^^^V^ do not amount to Te Pnlf A T''^ '"^^ ^hat ner- under the incumbrance, ndthLh -" '^"*''' ^^''""^^« fo be discharged or re letTnied^A "r'"^"^^'' are never is wasted and -one vvh ! k A""^ ^^^^ all his cjtate mourning the C of"tc:j:arvTtiH"".^^f"^ ^'-"''^ -e make themselves comfbrtXi • . r ? ' *° '^^*^ »'ponand prudence in the care nTL' ^^' *"'' ^^ant of nroner not the case Sf^^o ZXTe^st f """^- ™-' llieir parents and friends • but if f. ! •!u^!*'^' ^^'^^^^ them by as well as those who procure nron^ J ^^ '^y ^^'^^^> erlion and labour, Wc n ' /-^f ^f ^' ^-^ ^^^^'' ^^^'" ex- prudence as lespects ^ '"^ "^ consideration of ed^s^-u;^i:^-d^^^^ has ever claim- Whatever be its ream; or essence T "^*^^^ ^^«^'i^^- With Its name ; and in the sohpr" ' ^ ' ^'^ acquainted always ready to acknowledge fL.f'^'^ °* ''^''^^^n' are ought to direct our conductfn'd t^t J. '' ^^^^f^^ing which coiiMder it as consisting of me^e,"^,^,"/^"- ^^y- Son.e domg justice, providino- fnr^ ^ "aturahnaxmis or rules, reciprocating nlighCfivkl^"^^ ""^ ^^"^"ies, and others viewTt as fefng ctS^^^^^ ^-^^"e prayer, faith, baptism^ bow "l^ t '"?i abstinence. ;iestruction of enemas oiTffhl ?^ the %got, or in the bestowmem of h^' ^^' '* '.^" ^^^^^ or pious uses after their decease t^Pk"T' ^* '"«"^>^' ^r ther It be called natural or revealed ' • °f ' '^^ -^°"' ^^^e- stance of the rules of ictJnn ^'. '^ ^^^ ""^on or sub- relation to oui-V^la,' T„^^« bound to observe , exhibited to us b;X ScTintmi'^'-'^'^ ^"^ «"^^-^ve or by natural reas^on and thT 1^' f ';^^^'' ^«^^^ books ^^e of some of thJl^ itt^fr^ .J^^ ^^^ V if* .-».<,., jf l> t2 happiucM or niiscry for millions of ages aftor death it muM /.^e^^essanly be, togiv..' nu,nl)ers,Sf vast i,n/S^^^^^ and ol iijfin.te concern. It i. not «u r province' l,e,^?o point oai .l,.i />«rtuular denon.ination of re li,no« 1 mol^ correct, nor to d .ell on the duties of rcligion^in "^enera \V e are only to sho^v the necessity and policy of S^ the part of prudence in ^.,vy thing^ve hav Yo" ansact" as respects particularly the religilJn of Jesus, or of our own country ; leaving the care of its weightier duteso Its reverend teachers and ministers nftV-n""''/ J" -^'^^ '"'' equity will show the impropriety of orcihly depnvmg men of the rights of conscience, Tid of restrammg them m acts of devStion and worship :"o "heTs'dt^Jihf '"'' ^"•' ^'^^T^ «"^'h^ *« ^»^'«''" then, of" the insult, abuse, and mjury there are, in the ridicule and Tti^onl Th'"" ^'""'^ •'""^•^' ^^^"- ^applications an r^'tit ons. There are a great many things which are ac- < unted sacred, though they are not naturally so To swear m the name of Jesus,1n the presence of any of his hunible followers, would doubtless be . vioIationVf na tural rehgion, by reason of the insult and contempt offer- ed them; but for a man of the world to do so^ abne would not be such a violation. Prudence, however wHl e.xr restrain men from trampling wantonly any way by ridicule on the feelings of the rlligious. To ridSe . pious person in the performence of his duty, or r the exercise of the rites of his religion, can certainly do no kind of good nor afford the least satisf'action to a? y one To mdu Ige m the silly practices of cursing and swe. r'ng.'an fes iT^.^T;^- '" f*'" "r" °*" '^^ ^^^^«"'' t« the "mani- fest mjuiy of friends and pious people ; is certainly verv wrong, and can produce no manner of benefit. Why thei employ so cuttmg an engine as sarcasm, against thiuffa an 1 princinles viewed as holy ? why, by any ?Dethod atfemp to shake the formdation of the sacred temple of piety and rehgion ?_w.y .t listen to the admonitfons of Sence ttlu Xe ^ \ ' V '^"^ '^^^'•^^^ -^ lesLn mlS; uignity, while ti^n- ... i^... a contemptuous defiance and profane mockciy ^« th. religion v,uich forbids tE? is after death, it ' vast importance )roviiu'e here to I reli.rjon is most igioii in «,reneral. poHcy of acthip^ have to transact, Jesus, or of our if^htier duties to the impropriety conscience, and .m\ wo IS hip ; so inform them of the ridicule ami ipplications and js whicli are ac- turally so. To ice of any of his violation of na- contempt offer- do so alone, , however, will ly any way by To ridicule a duty, or in the certainly do no to any one. To 1 swearing, and r, to the mani- certainly very efit. Whythel. linst things and ethod, attempt e of piety and ns of prudence id lessen one's i defiance and )ids them? 23 Kidicule ( the"Xrr,;,:,i''°:;;r.^'' t> .•^.-sorou. would use it withoi »« "capon. He. ;i-nces:o;^i.;oy:iet wilhl^elplXr^^"'*' V' -••-■ ? on who thus h.ve the erne V fo t ' '"^ ''? -'^'^'" *« ^hose, prudence and ^Juty. ran7|^,°,f!;-^f '•^' ^he sanction of ^'-.sh themselves in the Sees of t,l^"f' «" /« ^'i-^th,- th«re are a thousand the m^. wi • . ''<''<="Ie and jestino- : without recurnn:. o anrthi r^^ '"" '>emadechoice o f poes it not argue" weak less l^.r""""'".^^ ^^'^'^ '•^'^i^ion height of foll3-rto rTke chote of ." r'' "^ """''' ^"'^ ^^e sneering and'renroactwtoL^:^^^ '' ' '''^'''' ^^ that deserve to be frowned upon Tl^n'^' YJ practised ^ As persons sometimes in hihn i ""PP^^ed ? haste, misguicled zeT 47^ n^.^ l"^'""'^"' ^''"^''^ *^»'«"ffh «elv^s in Tnuch dSultv out '!•"'"'' "'J^ ^"^^^^^ them- world, deceit and hSsv "' rL ""''"" .'"^^ ^^ the who might wish to £ cSrectt'" '^""f^ '"^'''^ ^^^^ truth to he cautious how thev t«t ' ''"^^^^^^^^^ i^-aught with such interest as 1/ ^^ "?.^'"»^ ^hat are pecialiy to beware of Sin. oufvl"?/" '" '^^"" ' ^"^ ^«- name of the Almighty, touS'hln^^ Professions in ih<. cern, that are not'promptH^^^^ <^on. of the heart; or that are not iVf ™/he love and piety 'fd views, as are nTade to clnorr' -.1 '"''? ^"^'^ '»«tives A counterfeit and b'se cohrwS?n '''^""^' "^^"'•^^ duty. iore him; no. will the cc^ ^eT '.r'', -'r' *^^ '^'' ^^- any ucgree be suppo't^l Tr ^nheld'^ "'V"^^^ and error in truthistoshineinitsfulMustrp .ij "^u ^''"?' ^^^^^" the ree indeed. Let pru lencrtLer. ? ^^" "^''^'^e the pious those who are seekin" a hi ^ "^^^ ^'^ consulted by those who thinkit ^?et to nrT'^ "^heritance, and h^ they would Hghtly g^L in^S^n\''"'^"^"^'^^^^^^^^ ^^' charge of thei^dutief J , th w/ ^^^'^'^""^ ^"^ ^i^- <5. Geivkral Rem vrks rfn n "'^ ^"^ ^^^^^'-'^' with "ow taken a survey of seviro?-?'''''':'^^'—^^ h. ey ot several mteresf ,ng subjects tha k I li sil J 24 "require, in one's conduct, an observance of the rules that are exhibited and sanctioned by prudence. And would to God it were ns easy to conform to their practice, as it is to theorise and speculate about them— would to heaven men would act as nobly and prudently, as thoy can speak. The world remains much the same ns it always has been : parsons preach, moralists write, and laws are made ; but who are they that act ? who will Ke faithful to himself? who not only studies and exerts himself to perform the great and essential duties that we are required (o fulfil ; but also strives to attend, in a proper manner, to all the little obligations at home and among friends, that continually demand our attention and care ? An aw- ful void, a hideous blank will be found against us all. None, or very few are in the habit of attending to every branch of these dtities— prudence is forgotten and deserted by all— sucli is the infatuation^ the weakness ard depravity of human nature. But who will s ;y that men are not for ever neglecting their time and their advantages ? "who can say I have obeyed my parents— honoured the aged and good— lived by honest industry— sup- ported my family, and have besides always been prudent in the manage- ment of all the concerns, and in the performance of all the duties. I have been under obligations to attend to or fulfil ? not one. How great then must be the heedlessness and msiconduct of mankind ; and how weighty are the obligations of all, who are moral, free agents, to strive to do good and to perform their «luty, in all its stages and degrees 1 In families the unhappy contentions that arise Ihrough a lack of pru- dence, are repeated and numerous. Fathers are arrayed against their sons, and sons mourn the loss of the friendship and aid of parents. Hus- bands and wives are indulging in reproach— abuse their own, and oh ! the sanctuary of love, that sacred » home" of felicity and peace, becomes a bed of thorns and a gaol. Friends and neighbours are lighting the fires of discord and hatred— property is wasted in extravagance, and religion is made a mock of and ridiculed, through the stupid carelessness and crimi- nal neglect and misconduct of those, who refuse to submit to the " eai-y yoke" of prudence. For one rash act, or a single unfortunate and hastV sentence, happineds takes its leave for ever— friendship and love, anil charity, and candour, are refused u hearing— are never more to gild or adorn the morning hour, the youthful approach ; nor to brighten the day of manhood, or solace the gloom of old age. Oh! if men would learn to walk in that path of safety and security, whi-'i is seen in an observance of the rules of prudence ; what pangs would escape them, what stupidity, folly, and misery ; and how calm and happy might many of their days be, that are spent by so many in riot, contention, and foolery, and in practices that lead to inevitable and swift destruction. m THE END. ■■•"^•■it.. V'^ a-aCj',