Today Steele discusses prudence (or discretion) in our work.
Firstly he speaks about the nature and advantages of discretion in work.
Secondly Steele teaches us that prudence should be shown:
1. In obtaining a full knowledge of our callings;
2. In the prudent choice of the circumstances of trade;
3. By mature deliberation in affairs of importance;
4. In proportioning business to our abilities;
5. In regulating our expenses by our abilities;
6. By a frequent inspection into the state of our affairs;
7. In governing those passions to which we are most exposed by our callings;
8. In a due consideration of the contingencies of trade;
9. In avoiding those methods which have ruined others;
10. In disposing the common business of life in subserviency to the duties of religion.
Thirdly Steele explains about the importance of prudence to a tradesman.
I appreciated the reminder to use discretion in proportioning my work to my abilities, particularly the abilities of my body: 'That you undertake no more, than the strength of that is able to perform ; for this usually proceeds from covetousness, which is grasping at every thing; it makes men slaves in their callings; and either injures those that employ them by disappointments, or themselves by too much labour; thereby disturbing the peace of their minds, and impairing their health and strength. But let such remember that God and an eternal world call for some proportion of time and vigour of spirits ; and that our bodies were designed to be "the temples of the Holy Ghost," and not drudges and slaves to the world. And as divine providence seldom makes it necessary for any thus to labour in the very fire, he can cause it to be for very vanity, to those whose avarice prompts them thereto.'
We must recognise that there is only so much one can do.
And to chase after more than is physically possible, does indeed violate the tenth commandment.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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