Of ChrJian Fortitude. 95 choice of fuch. Religious diligence does not SERM. confift merely in application and labour by IV. whatever way, but is accompanied with pru- " dence dire&ing the regular ufe of thofe means which in the nature of the thing, and by the belt information we can get, (in this cafe the belt is from the word of God) appear to be the moil proper and effectual. The Scripture fometimes fpeaks of a fieking God, which is unfuccefsful. Our Saviour admo- nifhes his difciples, that many (hall * firive to enter into his kingdom and flall not be able; becaufe they have not wifdom, fincerity,and refolution enough to tread in the paths of ftril holinefs and virtue which God has pre - fcribed to them. And St. 'Paul, who repre- fents religion as a contention for mafleries, (hews that to one's being crown'd, its abfo- lutely neceffary he f Auld flrive - lawfully. And being thus fglicitous to have all the chriftian virtues abound in us, and having made a choice of the bell means, diligence imports the ufing them frequently, and with fpirit and vigour. God has given great encouragement to our hopes, that if we be thus induftrious in re- ligious virtue, our labour (hall not be in vain. * Luke xiii, 24. t 2 Tim. ii. s. It
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