A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer

It is a Case often falls out, when there is a Quarrel between Conviction and Corruption. When Light is active and strong in Conscience, Men dare not go against the apparent Will of God, yet their Hearts hang another way. We have one carnal Affection or other, and then all our Business is, to bring God's Will and ours together; and how to disguise and palliate the Matter, that with greatest leave to Conscience we may seem to contradict the Will of God.

5. A fifth Deceit about the Will of God, and that is, a Wish that we were brought under the Power of it, as he that stretched himself upon his Bed, and said, O that this were to labour! Many Men have a Velleity, a languid and incomplete Will; they have a Wish, but not a Volition, not a serious Desire; and sometimes they may draw it out to a cold Prayer, that God would make them better. It is just like a Man, that should lie down and complain, O that I were at such a place, and never travel! Would I had performed such a Task! yet puts not his hand to the Work. Men would, but they will not set themselves in good ⟨p. 275⟩earnest to get the Grace they wish for, there is not striving to accomplish their Will. A Chapman no doubt would have the Wares, it is like he hath a cold Wish, but will not come to the Price; I will buy it, whatever it cost me. They have not those active and industrious Resolutions, such a strong and serious Bent of Heart towards God, but only a few Wishes.

5. A fifth Deceit about the Will of God, and that is, a Wish that we were brought under the Power of it, as he that stretcht himself upon his Bed, and said, O that this were to labour! Many Men have a Velliety, a languid and incompleat Will; they have a Wish, but not a Volition, not a serious Desire; and sometimes they may draw it out to a cold Prayer, that God would make them better. It is just like a Man, that should lie down and complain, O that I were at such a place, and never travel! Would I had performed such a Task! yet puts not his hand to the Work. Men would, but they will not set themselves in good ⟨p. 275⟩