experience when we will those things which God wills.
The more excellent the object is which we desire, the more liable we are to be deceived. Thus, even in the desire after God Himself, we are in danger of falling into the snares of self-love, by having an eye to our own interests and to the advantages which we expect from God, rather than to His Will, Whose pleasure it is that we should love, desire, and obey Him simply for the sake of His Glory.
I will now tell you how to avoid this delusion, which would hinder your progress in holiness; and how to get into the habit of willing and doing all things according to the guidance of the Spirit of God, and with the pure motive of honouring and serving Him only, Who should be the Beginning and End of all our thoughts and actions. When any thing presents itself as in accordance with the Will of God, do not bring yourself to will it, until you have first lifted up your thoughts to God, to ascertain whether it is His Will that you should will it, and whether you will it because He does, and with the view of pleasing Him Alone.
Then let your will—thus moved and drawn by His—be bent upon willing it, because He wills it, and with the sole object of pleasing and glorifying Him.
