Talks to Young Men. II: The Prudent Man

TALKS TO YOUNG MEN,

II.— THE PRUDENT MAN. "My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be taught: and if thou wilt ap- ply thy mind, thou shalt be prudent." —Eccle. vi: 32.

The key to the situation is here given by the old philosopher. It is applicable in all things: the will to do; applying one's mind to do it, and one's hands to achieve. Prudence may be said to mean good judgment and foresight, discretion, with practical wisdom and tact. moved the affairs of this world, This combination has ever and been the great aid in making the prosperous and successful man. Prudence teaches the young man to take the best advantage of his environments and opportunities, turning them to the best and noblest purpose, not only his advantages, but his disadvantages as well. Where no advantages appear, the prudent man applies his mind

to find them; where no opportunities seemingly exist, the prudent man applies his wits to make them, and when made, to grasp them. He does not sit down helpless, but studies his situation, and is taught wisdom because he wills it so. Prudence comes to him from such application, and he sees a way out that gives him name and standing. "When I found that I was black," wrote Alexander Dumas, "I resolved to live as if I were white, and so force men to look below my skin."

"The Prudent are crowned with knowledge." — Proverbs. "Weak men wait for opportunities, strong men make them." George Cory Eggleston, quoted by Orison Swett Marden, tells a story of a prudent youth, who possessed the knowledge to do the right thing, at the right time, and in the right place. By it, he was set on to his goal of achievement:

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"If you will let me try, I think I can make something that will do," said a boy who had been employed as a scullion, at the mansion of Signor Falerio. A large company had been invited to the banquet, and, just before the hour, the confectioner, who had been making a large orna- ment for the table, sent word that he had spoiled the piece. "You!" ex- claimed the head servant, in astonishment: "and who are you?" "I am Antonio Canova, the grandson of Pisano, the stone-cutter," replied the pale-faced little fellow. "And, pray, what can you do?" asked the major-domo. "I can make you something that will do for the middle of the table, if you'll let me try." The servant was at his wit's end, so he told Antonio to go ahead and see what he could do. Calling for some butter, the scullion quickly moulded a large, crouching lion, which the admiring major-domo placed upon the table, Dinner was announced, and many of the most noted merchants, princes and noblemen of Venice, were ushered into the dining-room. Among them were skilled critics of art work. When their eyes fell up- on the butter lion, they forgot the purpose for which they had come, in their wonder at such a work of genius. They looked at the lion long and carefully, and asked Signor Falerio what great sculptor had been persuaded to waste his skill upon a work in such a temporary material. Falerio could not tell; so he brought the head servant, who brought Antonio before the company. When the distinguished guests learned that the lion had been made in a short time, by a scullion, the dinner was turned into a feast in his honor. The rich host declared that he would pay the boy's expenses un- der the best masters, and he kept his word. But Antonio was not spoiled by his good fortune. He remained at heart, the same simple, earnest, faithful boy, who had tried so hard to become a good stone- cutter, in the shop of Pisano. Some may not have heard how the boy, Antonio, was prudent enough to take advantage of his first great oppor- tunity; but all know of Canova, one of the greatest sculptors of all time.

"The stronger man is he who, by discipline, exercises a constant control over his thoughts, his speech, and his acts." — Smiles.

And so it is self-control, pluck, tact, prudence, not luck and bluster, that make the man, and cause him to reap the material blessings of life. The prudent man, though not always brilliant, is genuine, not ostentatious, never impudent or pretentious; he

puts arrogance and deception far from him. In conversation, he is simple, modest, not boastful nor egotistical; his language is mod-

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.erate, and he avoids superlativesand exaggerations. H£ possesses that admirable quality, sincerity: is not apt to profess himself to be much of anything, but he is all that he professes to be. He hates falsity, and so he becomes a tower of strength, for truth prevails and conquers, and gives peace of mind. While it may not be prudent to tell the whole truth, the prudent man tells all that he is called upon to say in honor. He has a reserve in his speech, and never obtrudes his opinion upon others. And so, what he thinks, has greater power than what others say. He offends "not against the multitude of a city," and so does not cast himself down among the people. "Silence and reserve suggest latent power. What some men think has more effect than what others say-" — Chesterfield.

The prudent youth is careful of his friendships; he seeks profitable companionship that is recreative, clean and uplifting. He is not passionate in his choice, but forms steady, faithful, at- tachments; he "wears" well; he bears acquaintance. His conduct is modest, and discreet. He is not given to ill-mannered and offensive jesting, such as one hears in public places and on street corners. He is modest and discreet, neither rude nor petulent; and places himself below, rather than above his equals, thus observing the scriptural injunction which forbids the taking of the best seat in the synagogue. The prudent man is frugal and industrious. At the cost of present sacrifice, he sees in faithful service future ease and tranquility, and in the performance of present humble duty, future enlargement of enjoyment, and opportunity, and power. He lives within his income, and continually accumulates something, making no haste to get rich. He does not believe in abandoning present conditions and situations, if he can see gradual improvement ahead. He prepares for better things, and is ready to grasp op- portunity, in her engaging flight, when she passes; but he does not endanger his happiness and peace of mind by adventuresome enter- prizes. He is strong in preparation, and deliberates upon any step he may take with mature consideration.

The "Mormon" creed: "Mind your own business."

The manners of the prudent man, grace his character. He

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does his duty well, but does not subject himself to any responsibil- ity that duty does not impose upon him. He does not meddle, but attends to his own affairs, minds his own business. He abhors the endorsement of notes and guarantees, but if duty compels him to sign his name, he honors the action as if he had received full value for the amount, and considers it a liability that he must meet. He is not a tale-bearer; avoids loud-mouthed political strife, but does his full duty where it counts; and does not shrink from a demand of his country or the public weal. His labors count in his action, rather than in his words. So, then, we learn that in business, in politics and in the ethics of every-day life, the prudent man is a tower of strength. Like- wise in religious affairs, the exercise of prudence is a virtue that bringeth wisdom and delight. For the prudent fulfill their coven- ants with God; they break not their contracts; they fear the Lord, and dread an ill account, persevering with a sincere desire to please our Father in heaven. They observe their prayers, pay their tithes, are kind to the poor, and obtain the spirit to turn away evil with good. These, and many other blessings that might be named, are results worth diligent application; "and if thou wilt apply thy mind, thou shalt be prudent."

"The prudent only will consider: * * * * * the reward

oj these shall be paradise, gardens of eternal abode, which they shall enter, * * * * and the angels shall go in unto them by every gate, saying, Peace be unto you." — The Koran.