A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer

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⟩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.

6. Hal•ing the Will of God; as in many Cases, many will do part of the Will of God, but not all; they come not fully up to the Mind of God. For Instance; They will take notice of some great Commandment, but not of the least; we cannot dispense with our selves in the least.