What does "sedulous" mean?

Sedulous: Diligent in application or pursuit; constant, steady, and persevering in business, or in endeavors to effect an object; steadily industrious; assiduous; as, the sedulous bee. What signifies the sound of words in prayer, without the affection of the heart, and a sedulous application of the proper means that may naturally lead us to such an end L'Estrange. -- Sed"u*lous*ly, adv. -- Sed"u*lous*ness, n.