Page:The works of Anne Bradstreet in prose and verse.djvu/91

 Religious Experiences. 7

in my walking after I haue been affli6led. I haue been with God like an vntoward child, that no longer then the rod has been on my back (or at leaft in fight) but I haue been apt to forgett him and myfelf too. Before I was afflicted I went aflra}', but now I keep thy ftatutes.

I haue had great experience of God's hearing my Prayers, and returning comfortable Anfwers to me, either in granting the Thing I prayed for, or elfe in fatiffying my mind without it; and I haue been con- fident it hath been from him, becavfe I have fovnd my heart through his goodnes enlarged in Thank- fullnes to him.

I haue often been perplexed that I haue not found that conftant Joy in my Pilgrimage and refrefliing which I fuppofed mofi: of the fervants of God haue ; althovffh he hath not left me altoo^ether without the wittnes of his hol}^ fpirit, who hath oft given mee his word and fett to his Seal that it fliall bee well with me. I haue fomtimes tafted of that hidden Manna that the world knowes not, and haue fett vp my Ebenezer, and haue refolved with myfelf that againft fvch a promis, fvch tafts of fweetnes, the Gates of Hell fhall never prevail. Yet haue I many Times Unkings and droopings, and not enjoyed that felicity that fomtimes I haue done. But when I haue been in darknes and feen no light, yet haue I defired to ftay my felf upon the Lord.

And, when I haue been in licknes and pain, I haue

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