94 Of Chrian Fortitude. SERM. what pains men are at to compafs wicked de. IV. figns. The adulterer waits for the twilight, t^^-' he fpares no pains, endures fatigue and tedi- ous delays to accomplifh his vicious purpofes. The covetous and ambitious are retllefs in their endeavours ; they rifé early and fit up late, and eat the bread of forrow, to acquire the riches and honour of the world. Change but the objeét, and you will fee what it is to be diligent in religion. Nature itfelf points out the way. Let there be, Firfi, a love of virtue, and in confequence of this, an earneíl intention of mind, which is the fpring of la- bour univerfally in all cafes, but it is the very fpirit and life of religious labour ; for it is not in this as in ordinary outward works where the labour of the hands produces the effef, however the mind is employ 'd ; but here the foul muff: efpecially exert itfelf, without which the external work is of no fignificancy; nay, but an empty form, ferving no purpofe but to difhonour God and expofe ourfelves to condemnation. This will engage us to the ufe of all proper means ; for, in vain (hall we pretend great earneflnefs and intention of mind, without ufing themeans for ,accomplifh- ing what is intended. I fay, proper means, for as reafonable beings we ought to make choice 0
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