A Father’s Tender Counsel to His Daughter in the Night

Esther Edwards, the daughter of Jonathan Edwards, recorded many tender moments of her family life in her journal. On September 11, 1756, she reflects on the night before and how her father gave her counsel on some spiritual difficulties she was having

'I opened my difficulties and he as freely advised and directed the conversation as removed some distressing doubts that discouraged me much in my Christian warfare. He gave me some excellent directions to be observed in secret that tend to keep the soul near to God... O what a mercy that I have such a father -- such a guide.'