PhillipsFamilyBox2_1B_009a

Sip of one of the Stream issuing from good Domestic Fountain

This resignation to God was his daily work; and under various
[afflictions] Providences [was --ured??] to say, "That was a poor Religion, that
could not make a life of God, abstracted from all Creatures." And often,
he would speak from his own Experience, "That the most undoing
Providences, were the most [gaining?] times to his Soul." He also discovered
his proficiency in this excellent part of Godliness, in rich directions
and sayings as these. "We should give up ourselves to God in every
Petition; and pour out our Souls to him, even as he gives himself
to us in every Blessing. And we should so give up ourselves to God,
as never to return to a carnal frame & temper anymore: and yield
ourselves to be ordered by him, as a Child is ordered by its Name. And
that the want of a thorough Surrender of ourselves to God, makes one
lame in all other Duties. Therfore our Religion should not lie only
in Nation, but in a total delivery over of ourselves to God: And
until we come to that clear resignation, our life will always be
a burthen to us. And this giving away of ourselves to God, Should
be with that perfect Surrender, as not to grieve at the cast. Oh! (said He)
could I embark myself in God, being borne up by the wings of his Spirit,
and God guiding the Steerage with his own hand: what need I then
fear meeting Storms! Then, no matter at all unto what Port,
soever I were carried: Then every Cross, every outward Affliction,
Trouble, Danger, loss, would be my Friend. Did I make God any
dwelling-place; all the world would be privileges to me; All things
would be turned into Privileges, and redound for my good."
whence