PhillipsFamilyBox1_01-02_002a

[Ando]: July 6th,1741
Dear Child,

I am glad and thankful that the work of
God is still going on in Boston and to find that you are so
well disposed & determined; and whereas you desire some direc-
tions from me I know not what better to give you than yt
of our Lord & Saviour to his Disciples which if you headfully
observe you shall do well viz., watch and pray: _ O be not
confident of your own strength nor have any dependence on
your own present zeal and Resolution but be jealous over yr
self and let your jealously excite you to watch, lest you by
any means whatever be overcome either to omit or trifle in
Religious Duty. Probably you are sometimes ready to think,
that you shall never draw back from, or become sluggish in the
service of so good a master: but alas! how many have that as
you do and yet have soon left their first love, for being pleased
with their own zeal as tho sufficient, they have not taken a
due care to preserve it, and so it has gradually languishd
& come to little: I tell you there is no preserving this Holy
fire but by continuall watchfullness & fervent prayer _ and as you
may not have any dependance on your own zeal and strength
and Resolution, so neither on the ordinances of God in them-
selves considered nor upon your own attendance on ye same;
No indeed, but Renounce your own Righteousness and be
willing to be beholden to Christ for Righteousness that you
may be justified; Learn I say, to go out of your self more &
more, and to live by Faith in ye Son of God_ And if at
any time, you find your self almost Discourag'd because
you think God does not hear your Prayers, then remember
that God is trying your affection towards him, and whether you
Love him for what he is, as well for what he has, and whether
you are determined to follow hard after him, whatever be the
event of it: Also bear in mind that not only Religion,
but even civility and good manners teach you to wait on
your Superiors, and especially on yr great Creator & Redeemer