1.
I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has
no will of its own in a given matter. When you're ready to do the Lord’s
will, whatever it may be, nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome.
2.
Having done this, I don't leave the result to feeling or simply impression.
If I do so, I leave myself liable to great delusion.
3.
I seek the Will of the Spirit of God through, or in connection with, the
Word of God. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to
the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions
also. If the Holy Ghost guides us at all, He will do it according to the
Scriptures and never contrary to them.
4.
Next I take into account providential circumstances. These often
plainly indicate God’s will in connection with His Word and Spirit.
5.
I ask God in prayer to reveal His will to me aright.
6.
Thus, through prayer, the study of the Word, and reflection, I come to a
deliberate judgment, according to the best of my ability and knowledge.
If my mind is thus at peace, and continues so after two or three more
petitions, I proceed accordingly. I have found this method always effective
in trivial or important issues.