Page:The works of Anne Bradstreet in prose and verse.djvu/89

 Religions Experiences. 5

About 16, the Lord layd his hand fore vpon me and fmott mee with the fmall pox. When I was in my affliction, I belbvght the Lord, and confeffed my Pride and Vanity and he was entreated of me, and again reftored me. But I rendered not to him accord- ing to the benefitt received.

After a fhort time I changed my condition and was marryed, and came into this Covntry, where I fovnd a new world and new manners, at which my heart rofe. But after I was convinced it was the way of God, I fubmitted to it and joined to the church at Bofton.*

After fome time I fell into a lingering ficknes like a confvmption, together with a lamenefle, which cor- rection I law the Lord fent to humble and try me and doe mee Good : and it was not altoo-ether in- effeCtuall.

It pleafed God to keep me a long time without a child, which was a great greif to me, and coft mee many prayers and tears before I obtaind one, and after him f gave mee many more, of whom I now take the care, that as I have brovght yov into the world, and with great paines, weaknes, cares, and feares brovght yov to this, I now travail in birth again of yov till Chrift bee formed in yov.

Among all my experiences of God's gratious Deal- ings with me I haue conftantly obferved this, that he hath never futfered me long to litt loofe from him,


 * See Introduction. f See page 24.

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