Page:The works of Anne Bradstreet in prose and verse.djvu/104

 20 An7ie Brad/treet'' s Works.

��Augull 28, 1656.

\ FTER mvch weaknes and ficknes when my ■^ ^ Ipirits were worn out, and nian}^ times my faith weak likewife, the Lord was pleafed to vphold my drooping heart, and to manifeft his Loue to me; and this is that which ita3'es my Soul that this condition that I am in is the beft for me, for God doth not affli6l willingly, nor take delight in greiving the chil- dren of men: he hath no benefitt by my adverfity, nor is he the better for my profperity; but he doth it for my Advantage, and that I may bee a Gainer by it. And if he knowes that weaknes and a frail body is the beft to make me a veffell fitt for his vfe, why Ihould I not bare it, not only willingh' but joyfully? The Lord knowes I dare not defire that health that fom- times I haue had, leaft my heart fhould bee drawn from him, and fett vpon the world.

Now I can wait, looking every day when my Saviour fhall call for me. Lord gravnt that while I live I may doe that fervice I am able in this frail Body, and bee in continuall expe6lation of my change, and let me never forgett thy great Love to my foul fo lately exprelTed, when I could lye down and bequeath my Soul to thee, and Death feem'd no terrible Thing. O let me ever fee Thee that Art invifible, and I fhall not bee vnwilling to come, tho: by fo rovgh a Meifenger.

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