The cast of mind which is natural to a discreet man, makes him look forward into futurity, and consider what will be his condition millions of ages hence, as well as what it is at present.

8.  He knows, that the misery or happiness which are reserved for him in another world, lose nothing of their reality by being placed at so great a distance from him.  The objects do not appear little to him because they are remote.  He considers that those pleasures and pains which lie hid in eternity, approach nearer to him every moment, and will be present with him in their full weight and measure, as much as those pains and pleasures which he feels at this very instant.  For this reason he is careful to secure to himself that which is the proper happiness of his nature, and the ultimate design of his being.

9.  He carries his thoughts to the end of every action, and considers the most distant as well as the most immediate effects of it.  He supercedes every little prospect of gain and advantage which offers itself here, if he does not find it consistent with his views of an hereafter.  In a word, his hopes are full of immortality, his schemes are large and glorious, and his conduct suitable to one who knows his true interest, and how to pursue it by proper methods.

10.  I have, in this essay upon discretion, considered it both as an accomplishment and as a virtue, and have therefore described it in its full extent; not only as it is conversant about worldly affairs, but as it regards our whole existence; not only as it is the guide of a mortal creature, but as it is in general the director of a reasonable being.  It is in this light that discretion is represented by the wise man, who sometimes mentions it under the name of discretion, and sometimes under that of wisdom.

11.  It is indeed (as described in the latter part of this paper) the greatest wisdom, but at the same time in the power of every one to attain.  Its advantages are infinite, but its acquisition easy; or, to speak of her in the words of the apocryphal writer, “Wisdom is glorious, and never fadeth away, yet she is easily seen of them that love her, and found of such as seek her.”

12.  “She preventeth them that desire her, in making herself first known unto them.  He that seeketh her early, shall have no great travel:  for he shall find her sitting at his doors.  To think, therefore, upon Her, is perfection of wisdom, and whoso watcheth for her, shall quickly be without care.  For she goeth about seeking such as are worthy of her, sheweth herself favourably unto them in the ways, and meeteth them in every thought.”

Pride.

1.  There is no passion which steals into the heart more imperceptibly, and covers itself under more disguises, than pride.  For my own part, I think, if there is any passion or vice which I am wholly a stranger to, it is this; though at the same time, perhaps this very judgment which I form of myself, proceeds in some measure from this corrupt principle.