Sentence:  ... the parliaments, at this time, were not as formerly, factions ready to oppress public liberty, but assemblies of wise and good men, <WSD>sedulous</WSD> for common welfare, and of wisdom equal to the rectitude of their intentions ... 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  Diligent in application or pursuit; constant, steady, and persevering in business or in endeavors to effect an object; steadily industrious.