ties. They made long
prayers, and were so particular in outward things as to pay tithes of
the most common herbs. They also gave to the poor. But all this they did
that they might have praise of men. They chose public places to pray;
and when they were about to give anything to the poor, they caused a
trumpet to be sounded before them, to give notice of their approach. All
this was done to feed the pride of the carnal heart; and,
notwithstanding their loud professions, and apparent good deeds, the
heaviest curses the Lord Jesus ever pronounced were directed against
them. Be modest, unobtrusive, and courteous, in all you do and say. Let
the love of Jesus animate your heart, and the glory of God be your
object. Make as little noise as possible, in everything you do. Never
speak of what you have done, unless you see that some good can be
accomplished by it. "When thou doest thine alms, let not thy left hand
know what thy right hand doeth." Keep yourself out of view, and give all
the glory of your success to God.

2. _Great prudence and discretion are necessary in everything._ Do
nothing rashly. When you have any enterprise in view, first sit down and
consider the matter seriously. Pray over it. Look at it in all its
bearings, and inquire what good will be likely to result from it. When
you have satisfied yourself on this point, inquire whether you have
reasonable ground to hope for success. Then summon all your wisdom to
contrive a judicious plan of operations. When this is done, proceed with
energy and perseverance, till you have either accomplished your object,
or become convinced that it is impracticable. Pay especial regard to the
feelings and advice of those who act with you. Keep as much in the
back-ground as you can without embarrassing your efforts; and whenever
you can do it, put others forward to execute the plans you have devised.
This will save you from becoming the object of jealousy, and also serve
to mortify your pride.

3. _Be resolute and persevering._ When satisfied you are in the way of
duty, do not be moved by the scoffs and sneers of the giddy multitude.
If some good people disapprove your conduct, thinking that you attempt
too much, let it lead you to a candid and impartial reexamination of
your course. If by this you become convinced that you are wrong, in the
particular matter in question, confess it, and change your conduct. But,
if this review of the affair confirms you in the opinion that your