prudence : they have only to follow their own notions of duty, and to leave all consequences to God. Hence they go forward in their own way, and in their own spirit; never once con- sidering, what may be the effect of their conduct on the minds of others : and, though they may do some good, they do more injury than they can well conceive. But if we would behave ourselves wisely in a perfect way, we must consider the probable consequences of our actions", and endeavour to accomplish our ends by the most inoffensive means. When Paul went to Jerusalem, where God's design of calling the GentUes into his Church, and of abrogating the Mosaic ritual, was but imper- fectly understood, he took the precaution of conferring privately with the leading members of that Church in the first instance0, in order to explain his views to them, and through them to remove the prejudices of the people at large. This was wise ; and the wisdom of it appeared in the effects which followed. Similar precautions should be used by us in all our commerce with the world at large, or with the Church in particular : we should " give no unnecessary offence either to the Jew, or to the Greek, or to the Church of God." We should consider what every one can bear ; and should suit ourselves to his capacity or condition. Our blessed Lord himself set us this example, speaking every thing in a way of parables, according as his auditors were able to receive itp. St. Paul also admi- nistered " milk or strong meat" to his converts, according as the measure of their proficiency required q. And we also are taught to act under the influence of the same principle, towards all whom we may have occasion to address ; " not casting our pearls before swine," " nor pouring new wine into old bottles," but accommodating our instructions to the necessities and dis- positions of all who hear us. In a word, " I would," as St. Paul says, " have you wise concerning that which is good, and simple concerning evilr."]
4. With disinterestedness and simplicity — [There is a carnal wisdom, which operates in a way of craft and cunning: but this is directly opposed to " the wisdom that is from above," which consists in simplicity and godly sincerity. " It is this, and this alone, that proceeds from the grace of God, and under the influence of which we are to have our conversa- tion in the world s." If there be any selfish objects proposed, any sinister motives indulged, any artifices practised by us, we are far from true wisdom : true wisdom disclaims every thing that is disingenuous. Its eye is single, its object pure, its ope- ration lucid, uniform, irreprehensible. It will bear the light: it will shine the brightest, where it is brought most to view. If
n Eccl. viii. 5. ° Gal. ii. 2. p Mark iv. 33.
1 1 Cor. iii. 2. r Rom. xvi. 19. * 2 Cor. i. 12.