22. Perhaps some may ask, “Ought we not then to enquire, What is _the will of God_ in all things? And ought not his will to be the rule of our practice?” Unquestionably it ought. But how is a sober Christian to make this enquiry? To know, what is _the will of God_? Not by waiting for supernatural dreams. Not by expecting God to reveal it in visions. Not by looking for any _particular impressions_, or sudden impulses on his mind. No: but by consulting the oracles of God. _To the law and to the testimony._ This is the general method of knowing what is _the holy and acceptable will of God_. 23. “But how shall I know what is _the will of God_, in such and such a particular case? The thing proposed is in itself of an indifferent nature, and so left undetermined in scripture.” I answer, The scripture itself gives you a general rule, applicable to all particular cases. _The will of God is our sanctification._ It is his will that we should be inwardly and outwardly holy; that we should _be good and do good_ in every kind, and in the highest degree whereof we are capable. Thus far we tread upon firm ground. This is as clear as the shining of the sun. In order therefore to know, what is _the will of God_ in a particular case, we have only to apply this general rule. 24. *Suppose, for instance, it were proposed to a reasonable man, to marry, or to enter into a new business: in order to know, whether this is _the will of God_, being assured, “It is _the will of God_ concerning me, that I should be as holy and do as much good as I can,” he has only to inquire, “In which of these states can I be most holy, and do the most good?” And this is to be determined, partly by reason, and partly by experience. Experience tells him what advantages he has in his present state, either for being or doing good: and reason is to shew, what he certainly or probably will have in the state proposed. By comparing these, he is to judge, which of the two may most conduce to his being and doing good: and as far as he knows this, so far he is certain, what is _the will of God_. 25. *Meantime, the assistance of his Spirit is supposed, during the whole process of the inquiry. Indeed ’tis not easy to say, in how many ways, that assistance is conveyed. He may bring many circumstances to our remembrance, may place others in a stronger and clearer light; may insensibly open our mind to receive conviction, and fix that conviction upon our heart. And to a concurrence of many circumstances of this kind, in favour of what is acceptable in his sight, he may superadd such an unutterable peace of mind, and so uncommon a measure of his love, as will leave us no possibility of doubting, That _this_ even _this_, is his will concerning us.