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  MEDITATION MAY 11, 1661
  by Anne Bradstreet
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude to
God through both words and deeds, and walking in obedience to Him.

Topics: "Divine Healing", "Grateful Obedience"
Scripture References: Psalm 107:19, Psalm 116:1, Psalm 119:10

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DESCRIPTION
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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.

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CONTENT
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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.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/anne-bradstreet/meditation-may-11-1661/
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