Heaven upon earth in the serene tranquillity and calm composure, in the sweet peace…

The 2d. use serves to discover the great unsoundness, and strong delusion, that is in the conclusion, that hypocrites (the second sort of persons whom this Doctrine deals with) are disposed to draw from it; who are ready to bless themselves, and to think and say, Well's us that there is such a truth as this; for though we fail and come short in many things, yet we have a good mind, and meaning; and under this specious, and plausible-like pretext, they shrewd, (and as it were) hide all their voluntary neglects, and omissions of these things which they are called to, in the practice of Religion, and in living honestly, in order to winning at this solid peace and tranquillity of a good Conscience; But let me ask such, have ye the qualifications which we assigned of this willingness? Is it a willingness that carries you forth towards coming at the mids, to will holiness, ⟨p. 311⟩as well as at the end to will happiness? and that carries you towards the mids, viz. Holiness for it self, and not for heaven or happiness only? is it an habitual willingness, and not by fits and starts? is it single, and not mercenary, nor crooked? And is it effectual, and not sluggish? Though God will graciously accept of willingness, where persons are honest and sincere in their aim and endeavour, notwithstanding of much failing and short-coming; yet where men allow themselves in their short-comings, he will not there accept of willingness: Therefore that word opportunity, is •o put in by the Apostle, Gal. 6. 10. As we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially to them that are of the household of faith; and Philip. 4. Ye were careful, but ye lacked opportunity; If there be not an opportunity, God will accept of a willing mind, as he did from the Thief on the Cross; Or, if a man be poor, and have not to give out towards the supply of others, but yet if he have, and yet by shutting of his purse, he shut up his bowels from his poor Brother; Yea, if a man through his own culpable accession hath disabled himself from that charitable duty, if it be not sincerely repented of, (For he should work with his hands, that he may give to them that want) his willingness will not be accepted: Therefore let none think, that this willingness looseth any, the least latchet or buckle to looseness and sinful liberty;