7. Have I any knowledge of the _world_? Have I studied _men_ (as well as books) and observed their tempers, maxims and manners? Have I learned, to _beware of men_? To add the wisdom of the serpent to the innocence of the dove? Has God given me by nature, or have I acquired, any measure of the _discernment of spirits_? Or of its near ally, _prudence_, enabling me on all occasions to consider all circumstances, and to suit and vary my behaviour according to the various combinations of them? Do I labour never to be rude or ill-mannered? Not to be remarkably wanting in _good-breeding_? Do I endeavour to copy after those who are eminent for address and easiness of behaviour? Am I (tho’ never light or trifling, either in word or action, yet) _affable_ and _courteous_ to all men? And do I omit no means which is in my power, and consistent with my character, of _pleasing all men_ with whom I converse, _for their good, to edification_? If I am wanting even in these lowest endowments, shall I not frequently regret the want? How often shall I move heavily, and be far less useful than I might have been? How much more shall I suffer in my usefulness, if I have wasted the opportunities I once had of acquainting myself with the great lights of antiquity, the _Antenicene_ fathers? Or if I have droned away those precious hours, wherein I might have made myself master of the _sciences_? How poorly must I many times drag on, for want of the helps which I have vilely cast away? But is not my case still worse, if I have loitered away the time wherein I should have perfected myself in _Greek_ and _Hebrew_? I might before this have been critically acquainted with the treasuries of sacred knowledge. But they are now hid from my eyes; they are close locked up, and I have no key to open them. However, have I used all possible diligence to supply that grievous defect, (so far as it can be supplied now) by the most accurate knowledge of the _English_ scriptures? Do I meditate therein day and night? Do I think (and consequently speak) thereof, _when I sit in the house, and when I walk by the way; when I lie down, and when I rise up_? By this means have I at length attained a thorough knowledge as of the sacred text, so of its literal and spiritual meaning? Otherwise how can I attempt to instruct others therein? Without this, I am _a blind guide_ indeed! I am absolutely incapable of teaching my flock, what I have never learned myself: no more fit to lead souls to God, than I am to govern the world. (2.) And yet there is a higher consideration than that of _gifts_; higher than any or all of these joined together; a consideration in view of which all _external_ and all _intellectual endowments_ vanish into nothing. Am I such as I ought to be, with regard to the _grace_ of God? The Lord God enable me to judge aright of this!