While our author was engaged on the ‘Credibility,’ he appeared occasionally from the press with other minor but still very valuable productions. In 1737, he published, ‘Counsels of Prudence for the use of young People; a Discourse on the wisdom of the serpent, and the innocence of the dove; in which are recommended general rules of prudence, with particular directions relating to business, conversation, friendship, and general usefulness.’ This excellent and judicious piece has been much and deservedly admired, as containing a store of sound and valuable advice, well adapted to the young persons for whom it was intended, and proceeding from a rare combination of the simplicity and godly sincerity of the pious Christian with the accurate knowledge of the world and of human nature, which is commonly the result only of a much more extensive intercourse with general society. It has been frequently reprinted, and, it may be hoped, has been of extensive service in promoting the important object for which it was designed and is so well fitted. The ‘Counsels of Prudence’ were followed shortly afterwards by two excellent sermons against ‘conformity to this world,’ which contain a valuable treasure of practical wisdom in the application of genuine Christian principles to the conduct of men in society. In this discourse the author has executed, with great skill and
