CHAP. XXII.

I. AS a Workman is nothing without his Line and Level; so, neither are We, without Prudence. It is the eye of the Soul, the art of life, the guide of all our Actions, and the Rule of other Ver∣tues: There is no living comfortably with∣out it; but exceedingly difficult it is, and obscure. It is difficult: First, in regard of the Comprehension of it; for, it takes cognizance of the whole Universe, in it self, and in every part of it. Secondly, In respect of the Uncertainty of Humane Af∣fairs; which, by reason of infinite Variati∣ons and Accidents, and their dependencies upon divers circumstances, are hardly re∣ducible to a Rule: Nay, there are many times such contrarieties and disagreements, as are almost impossible to be reconciled. The Obscurity lies in this, that we see only the Appearances of things, when the Springs and Causes that move them, are in the dark: We see only the top of the Page  128 Building, but the Foundation is out of sight: Beside, that the good or bad event of things is concealed in the Unsearchable Decree of the Almighty; so that there are very few men wise enough, to make the best of their business.

II. Wisdom is the Product of Experi∣ence and Memory. The one teaches us what is best to be done; and the other minds us when we are to do it. He that commits himself to general experiences, and does not venture out of his depth, is safe. To do wisely, a man should first take a measure of himself; and next, of the matter he takes in hand, for fear of o∣ver-valuing his own strength. One man is undone by presuming too much upon his Eloquence. Another runs himself out of his Fortune, for want of proportioning his Expence to his Estate! A third, kills him∣self with laying more upon an infirm Body, than it is able to bear: Wherefore we are to compare our Force with our Undertaking; and to have a care of Burthens that are too heavy for our shoulders. We should not meddle with any thing neither, but what we may hope to go thorow withal. The next thing is the choice of our Companions; for, we had need have a very good opinion of those people, with whom we propound to divide our Lives: And to look narrowly Page  129 into their Conversation, that we be not ruin'd for our good will. We are (in Con∣clusion) to examine our selves how we stand inclin'd to the thing in Question; for, 'Tis lost labour, to go about to force Na∣ture.

III. It is a hard matter for a man in Passion, to distinguish Truth and Honesty from Errour and Delusion; so that it is a point of Prudence, not to enter upon any considerable Action in a Distemper of mind: For there is no greater Enemy to Wisdom, than Precipitation, which brings many a man to destruction, beyond reco∣very: Wherefore nothing is to be done Headily, or without good advice. Men are naturally unstable, and irresolute: Providences uncertain; Events dubious: and Experience it self proves many times deceitful. In the multi∣tude of Counsellors, there is safety. There are many easie people that judge of things by the Gloss and Out-side only; and so fall in∣to great mistakes: But the wise man passes a strict enquiry into the things themselves, abstracted from all Artifice and Imposture; into the Qualities, and not only into the Names of things. For, what is Money, Re∣putation, Title, but a superficial Vernish to dazle Children and Fools? We are to place our selves, as upon a Watch-Tower, where we may discover all Accidents afar Page  130 off, without danger of being surpriz'd, and and crying out with the senseless Multitude; Who would have thought it! We are like∣wise to proceed with deliberation, matu∣rity of judgment, and diligent examina∣tion of things; for fear of ill Circumstan∣ces: For there is so near a resemblance betwixt Vice and Vertue, that we may ve∣ry well mistake the one for the other; and entertain that for Wisdom, which is no∣thing in the world but Craft and Cunning. When we have once made our Election, we are without delay, to put our purpose in execution: For, good Counsel, without Exe∣cution, is of no effect.