128 CHRISTIAN DILIGENCE. and mortification of sin, at cutting off right-hands, and plucking out right-eyes ; they are offended at persecution, which some- times rises against strict ,godliness ; the frowns of the world terrify their hearts, they dare not be singular in the profession of faith, or the practice of virtue : They are ashamed of the worship, and the name of God in the midst of profane and sinful men ; they go back, as some disciples did in the days of Christ, and walk no longer with him. But let us remember the divine threatenings, The man who bath put his hand to the plough, and looks back; Luke ix. 62. my soul, saith the Lord, shall have no pleasure in him ; Heb. x. 38. 7. The last character I shall ascribe to the diligent man is, "perseverance in opposition to fainting and weariness." The man of diligence must hold out to the end, if he ex- pect to have his labour crowned. An imperfect work among men is very littleworth: It is the end that crowns all. And it is just the same in religion, unless we persevere in the duties of holiness, we have no reason to expect the divine reward ; but the glorious recompenceis sure to us, if we are not weary in well doing; we shall reap in due time if wefaint not; Gal. vi. 9. St. Paul just before his martyrdom rejoices in this, he had fought the goodfight, in opposition to all the enemies t the gospel, and he had finished his course offaith and holiness: Henceforth saith he, is laid up for me a crown of righteousness; . 2 Tim. iv. 7. Let us animate ourselves by his blessed example, and by the promise of our Lord Jesus to the church of Ephesus ; Rev. ii. 10. Be thoufaithful unto death, and Twill give thee a crown of life. Let these thoughts awaken our drowsy spirits, and prolong our patience in the work of the Lord, that we may not at last be found among them who draw back toperdition, but among those celte believe, and persevere to the saving ofthe soul; Heb. x. 39. Thus far I have been engaged in setting before you the several things implied in diligence or industry, both in matters of this life, and that which is to come ; but I have in some mea- sure entered upon my second general head, by often touching upon the happy fruits of diligence,, as well as the dismal conse- quences ofall thecontrary vices. My remaining work therefore will be very short, and that is to mention in a more express and distinct manner, the blessings which attend diligence in a course of virtue andgoodness ; and they are such as these : 1. Diligence hath a natural tendency to success, and to obtain the good things we seek. " In all labour saith Solomon; there is profit ;" Prov. xiv. 23. " He that tilled' his land shall be satisfied with bread;" Prov. xii. 11. and " the hand of the diligent maketh rich ;" Prov. x. 4. But as for ", the field of the
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