Deligence in feeking Wifdom, &c. igi good and virtuous. But wifdom, efpecially S E R M. in the fenfe of this writer, though origi- VIII. nally from God, is of a peculiar nature, and `" ' it doth not prevent any qualifying difpofi- tions and endeavours in thofe who obtain it. The foundation of it is laid in the faculties of the mind, that fpirit which is in man, and the iyfpiration of the Almighty, which giveth him underflanding; we have affe &ions and determinations in our nature which lead to it ; but wifdom itfelf is an attainment to which our own altive endeavours contri- bute, and the nobleft powers of the mind are voluntarily and vigoroufly exerted in it. Upon a comparifon with the common fa- vours of, providence, this bleffed accom- plifhment which giveth fuch a luftre to the human nature, being its higheft improve- ment, will appear far more excellent to any one who duly confidereth it ; it is too great, and the confequences of it too important, that it íhould be proflituted to the fool or the wicked, the fenfual or the vicious, the lacy and una &ive. One qualification for attaining wifdom I have already explained, that is, the love of it ; another is contained in the fame text, and an exprefs promife of fuccefs is made to it in the name of wifdom, thofe that feek me early 'hall find me. The love-
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