If any of you is deficient in prudence, let him ask it of God, who liberally gives to all without upbraiding: and he will give it.

but let him be fully persuaded of the lawfulness of what he asks: for he that is diffident about that, is like the waves that fluctuate with the wind.

let the rich be humbled by his instability: for he is as transitory as a flower in the field.

happy is he that can stand the tryal: for when he has undergone the test, he shall receive that crown of life which the Lord has promised to those that love him.

Let no man under temptation, say, it is God that tempts him; for as he is incapable of moral evil, he can't influence any one thereto.

'tis he that has voluntarily renew'd us by the oracles of truth, that we might be the first converts of the new creation.

for he that is not dispassionate is a stranger to the practice of true virtue.

he takes a view, turns away, and instantly loses his appearance.

whereas, he that attentively considers the perfect law of liberty, and is attach'd thereto, he is not a forgetful hearer, but reduces it to practice, and his conduct is crown'd with hapiness.

If a person of an ungovernable tongue pretends to religion, he abuses himself: for his religion is meer illusion.

consider, my dear brethren, has not God chose the poor of this world to be rich by faith, and to inherit the kingdom he has promised to those who love him?

for he that violates but one precept of the whole law, is as obnoxious to punishment, as if he had broke thro' all the rest.

he that said, "do not commit adultery," said too, "do not kill." though you should not commit adultery, yet if you kill, you are a transgressor of the law.

for he that has not shewed mercy, shall be condemn'd without mercy: while the merciful shall triumph at his trial.

What advantage is it, my brethren, for a man to say he has faith, if he has no beneficence? can such a faith save him?

and one of you should thus address him; "go and prosper, I wish you a warm fire, and a full meal:" without relieving his wants, would he be the better for your wish?

Vain man, must I show you how lifeless a thing faith is, without its effects?

was not our father Abraham treated as just, in consequence of his actions, when he had attempted to sacrifice his son upon the altar?

it was then, that those words of scripture were accomplished, "Abraham believed God, and he was regarded for it as a man of virtue, and was the favourite of God."

for we are all liable to frequent mistakes. he that does not give too great a loose to his tongue, is an accomplish'd person and fit to moderate the whole church.

you see how manageable horses are made by the application of a bit, which makes them take what motion we please.

so the tongue is but a small part of the body, yet how grand are its pretensions. a spark of fire! what quantities of timber will it blow into a flame?

Whoever is a skilful moralist, let him show by his virtuous conduct, that he practises the humble precepts of wisdom.

Degenerate race, don't you know that friendship with vice is hostility against heaven. he that is a friend to the vicious world, is an enemy to God.

on the contrary, he heaps his favours upon you. wherefore 'tis said, "God defeats the proud, but is gracious to the humble."

Surrender therefore to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

humble your selves before the Lord, and he will raise you up.

Don't, my brethren, treat one another with detraction. he that reflects upon his brother, and censures his brother, reflects upon the law, and censures the law: if you censure the law, instead of obeying it, you set up for a judge.

there is but one legislator, and judge, he that has the power of life and death: who art thou, to pass sentence upon another?

how do you know, what will happen to-morrow? for, "what is your life?" a vapour that just appears, and then vanishes.

he then that knows what is virtuous, and does not practise it, is a criminal.

you have condemn'd the just, you have put him to death, though he did not oppose you.

we pronounce those happy, who have so endur'd. you have heard of the constancy of Job, you know with what success he was crown'd by the Lord, who is all mercy and compassion.