1f0 e7iRIST1AN DILrGBNCE, [SMR7d. VI27. Solomon, there is profit ;" Prov. xiv. 23. " He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with 'bread ;" Prov. 11. and " the hand of the diligent maketh rich ;" Prov. x. 4. But as for " the 'field of the slothful, it is Overgrown with thorns ; nettles and briars cover it ;" Prov. xxiv. 31. " And drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags ;" Prov. xxiii. 21. It is the same in spiritual things, as in the things of nature. Diligence in seeking the knowledge of God, shall be crowned with an increase of sacred knowledge ; Hos. vi. 3. " Then shall we know the Lord, if we follow on to know him. Give attendance to reading, saith Paul to Timothy, that thy profiting may appear to all ;" 3 Tim. iv. 13. Diligence and labour with our own hearts in weaning them from the world, and a fervent constancy in the pursuits of godliness, is the proper and rational Way to obtain theblessings ofgrace and glory. But I add, 2. Diligence hath the rich arid siecial promises of a faithful God to encourage its hope. What David said to his Son Solómon, with regard to building the temple, the gospel saith the same to every Christian ; 1 Chron. xxii. 16. " Arise and be doing, and the Lord shall be with thee ;" And Solomon gave the same advice to his son, and the same promise ; Prov. ii. 3, 4. , " If thou seekest after wisdom as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures, then shalt thou obtain saving knowledge, 'and learn the fear of the Lord." Give all diligence, said, Peter in the name of Christ ; 2 Pet. i. 5--10.' give all 'diligence, and add ono christian grace to another, add to your faith virtue, to your virtue temperance, patience, godliness and charity. Give diligence again to make your calling and your election sure ; for if ye do these things ye shall never fall, but an entrance shall bee mini- stered to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdomof our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 3. Diligence and industry are a'happy guard against snares and temptations of every kind. When the devil finds you idle, he bath a proper moment to assault you with some powerful temptation : He will employyou in his work, when he finds your handsand hearts, entirelyat leisure andunemployed ; he that is not awake to his' duty, isnot awake to his danger, and is easily suprized into 'Mischief the viJakeful.diligentchristian is like Nehe-
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