CHAP. III. OF PRUDENCE OR DISCRETION.

THE first thing necessary for a happy progress in business, is prudence or discretion . This, as it relates to trade, is an habit of mind enabling us to conduct our affairs in the wisest and best manner; or, in other words, it is pursuing the proper end by the best means, and in the fittest time. It is not that serpentine craft, which lies in wait to captivate the unwary, impose upon the credulons, and over-reach the weak understanding, and which teaches men to increase their wealth by injustice and fraud. God has given to no man superior wisdom or skill, to be directed to ends so contrary to his own nature and will, and the general good of mankind. But it is that honest wisdom which is consistent with a good conscience, and an ornament to it. Prudence is subtlety refined from all base and unjust views, as subtlety is wisdom