92 Of ChrU1ian Fortitude. SExrvr. cafe the more neceffary, becaufe we are fenfr- IV. ble there is a difficulty in the practice of vir- tue, from our own confeffed weaknefs. It is a work to which we find ourfelves unequal, by the vanity of our minds, the darknefs of our underftandings, and many infirmities which compafs us about ; but all thefe difad- >Vantages are no argument for floth or dif- couragement ; on the contrary, they fhould incite us to greater zeal and activity, according to Solomon's proverbial expreffion. * If the iron be blunt, he mull put to the moreßrength. Since moft important confequences depend upon performing our duty aright, and labour not for the meat that perifheth, but for that which endureth to everlafling life ; fnce there is but a fhort time appointed for this moft neceffary work, and + there is no knowledge, nor wifdom, nor device, in the grave whither we are all hafiening; thefe con- siderations urge us to induftry, and fhow that negligence is very unreafonable. Solomon, in his excellent proverbs ; the main defign of which is to recommend religious virtue under the amiable character of wifdom, and engage men in the purfuit of it; very earneftly ex- horts us to diligence as abfolutely neceffary Ecclef. x. lo. John vi. zy. * Ecclef. ix. 10. order
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