Reason and experience
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 show 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.
1771 text
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.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 37 in the 1771 Works. Acts 26:24.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.