Meditation May 11, 1661
The sermon emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude to God through both words and deeds, and walking in obedience to Him.
Anne Bradstreet reflects on her recent illness, acknowledging God's faithfulness in sustaining her through sickness and delivering her from adversity. She expresses her desire to show gratitude not just in words but in actions, living a life that testifies to God's goodness and mercy. Bradstreet's poem conveys her thankfulness for God's restoration, redemption, and healing, as well as her commitment to walk in humble obedience and praise through her life's experiences.
Text
It hath pleased God to give me a long time of respite for these 4 years that I have had no great fit of sickness, but this year from the middle of January till May I have been by fits very ill and weak. The first of this month I had a fever seized upon me which indeed was the longest and sorest that ever I had, lasting 4 days, and the weather being very hot made it the more tedious, but it pleased the Lord to support my heart in His goodness, and hear my prayers, and to deliver me out of adversity. But alas! I cannot render unto the Lord according to all His loving kindness, nor take the cup of salvation with thanksgiving as I ought to do. Lord, Thou that knowest all things know'st that I desire to testify my thankfulness not only in word, but in deed, that my conversation may speak that Thy vows are upon me.
My thankful heart with glorying tongue
Shall celebrate Thy name,
Who hath restored, redeemed, recured
From sickness, death, and pain.
I cried, Thou seem'st to make some stay,
I sought more earnestly
And in due time Thou succour'st me
And sent'st me help from high.
Lord, whilst my fleeting time shall last,
Thy goodness let me tell,
And new experience I have gained
My future doubts repel.
An humble, faithful life, O Lord,
Forever let me walk;
Let my obedience testify
My praise lies not in talk.
Accept, O Lord, my simple mite,
For more I cannot give.
What Thou bestow'st I shall restore,
For of thine alms I live.
Sermon Outline
- God's goodness and deliverance
- Celebrating God's name
- Seeking God's help
- Walking in obedience
- Living a humble, faithful life
- Letting obedience testify praise
Key Quotes
“My thankful heart with glorying tongue Shall celebrate Thy name, Who hath restored, redeemed, recured From sickness, death, and pain.” — Anne Bradstreet
“Lord, whilst my fleeting time shall last, Thy goodness let me tell, And new experience I have gained My future doubts repel.” — Anne Bradstreet
“Accept, O Lord, my simple mite, For more I cannot give. What Thou bestow'st I shall restore, For of thine alms I live.” — Anne Bradstreet
Application Points
- Make sure your conversation reflects God's vows upon you by living a life of thankfulness and obedience.
- Seek God's help in times of need by crying out to Him and trusting in His goodness.
- Accept God's simple gifts and use them to serve and honor Him.