To ——

XLV. — TO.

May 16, 1759.

Dear Sir, — Since I received your favour I have had many thoughts on worldly and Christian prudence. What is the nature of each 1 How do they differ? How may we distinguish one from the other?

It seems worldly prudence either pursues worldly ends — riches, honour, ease, or pleasure; or pursues Christian ends on worldly maxims, or by worldly means. The grand maxims which obtain in the world are, the more power, the more money, the more learning, and the more reputation a man has, the more good he will do. And whenever a Christian, pursuing the noblest ends, forms his behaviour by these maxims, he will infallibly (though perhaps by insensible degrees) decline into worldly prudence. He will use more or less of conformity to the world, if not in sin, yet in doing some things that are good in themselves, yet (all things considered) are not good to him; and perhaps at length using guile or disguise, simulation or dissimulation; either seeming to be what he is not, or not seeming to be what he is. By any of these marks may worldly prudence be discerned from the wisdom which is from above.

This Christian prudence pursues Christian maxims, and by Christian means. The ends it pursues are holiness in every kind, and in the highest degree; and usefulness in every kind and degree. And herein it proceeds on the following maxims: — The help that is done upon earth, God doeth it himself; it is he that worketh all in all; and that, not by human power; generally he uses weak things to confound the strong; — not by men of wealth; most of his choicest instruments may say, “Silver and gold have I none;” — not by learned or wise men after the flesh; no, the foolish things hath God chosen; — not by men of reputation, but by the men that were as the filth and ofiscouring of the world; ail which is for this plain reason, — “that no flesh may glory in his sight.”

Christian prudence pursues these ends upon these principles, by only Christian means. A truly pnident Christian, while, in things purely indifferent, he becomes all things to all men, yet wherever duty is concerned, matters the example of all mankind no more than a grain of sand. His word is then, —

“Non mc, qui cjptera vincit
Impetus, et rapido contrarius evehor orbi.’’*

He will not, to gain the favour or shun the hate of all, orxiit the least point of duty. He cannot prevail upon himself on any account or pretence to use either simulation or

* This quotation from Ovid is thus translated by Addison : — ♦’ I steer against their notions; nor am I Borne back by all the current of the sky.” — Ed.

dissimulation. There is no guile in his mouth; no evasion or ambiguity. Having one desire, one design, to glorify God with his body and with his spirit j having only one fear, —

‘* Lest a motion, or a word,
Or thought arise, to grieve his Lord;”

having one rule, the word of God; one guide, even his Spirit; he goes on in childhke simplicity. Continually seeing Him that is invisible, he walks in 0{>en day. Looking unto Jesus, and deriving strength from him, he goes on in his steps in the work of faith, the lal)Our of love, the patience of hope, till he is called up to be ever with the Lord.

O that this were in all points your own character? Surely you desire it above all things. But how shall you attain? Difficulties and hinderances surroimd you on every side! Can you bear with my plainness 1 I believe you can. Therefore I will speak without any reserve. I fear you have scarce one friend who has not more or less of the prudence which is not from above. And I doubt you have (in or near your own rank) hardly one example of true Christian prudence! Yet I am persuaded your own heart advises you right, or rather God in your heart. O that you may hearken to his voice alone, and let all creatures keep silence before him! Why should they encumber you with Saul’s armour? If you essay to go forth thus, it will be in vain. You have no need of this, neither of his sword or spear; for you trust in the Lord of hosts. 0 go forth in his strength! and with the stones of the brook you shall overthrow all your enemies.