194 Diligence in feeking Wifdom S E R M. ings, in attending to and meditating on in VIII. ftruCtion, and of our aéive powers in prac- '" 'tiling according to it. We all know what diligence is, in the things of this world; our naturally altive powers do always exert themfelves according to the predominant in- clinations and bent of the mind, and in pro- portion to the ftrength of them. Solomon obferveth, that the adulterer waiteth for the twilight; he fpareth no pains, he endureth fatigues and tedious delays, that he may ae- complifh his wicked purpofes. The cove- tous and the ambitious rife early and fit up late, that they may acquire riches and ho- nours. Change the object, and you will fee what it is to be diligent in religion ; that it importeth an earneft intention of mind, which is particularly the fpirit and life of all religious labour ; for it is not here as in or- dinary outward work, where the labour of the hands produceth the proper effeét, how- ever the mind is employed ; but the foul muff efpecially exert itfelf with vigour and earneft application, without which, external actions are of no avail, indeed, but empty forms, ferving no other purpufe than to difhonour God, and expofe men to con- demnation for hypocrify. Secondly,
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