On the Burning of My House
Anne Bradstreet's sermon reflects on the loss of her home in a fire, emphasizing the importance of spiritual wealth over material possessions.
Anne Bradstreet reflects on a tragic event where her house is consumed by fire, leading her to contemplate the fleeting nature of earthly possessions and the importance of placing one's hope and treasure in heaven. She acknowledges God's sovereignty in giving and taking away, finding solace in the eternal home prepared by God. Bradstreet urges listeners to shift their focus from worldly wealth to the priceless inheritance awaiting them in heaven, emphasizing the need to detach from material possessions and set their hearts on things above.
Text
In silent night when rest I took,
For sorrow neer I did not look,
I waken'd was with thundring nois
And Piteous shreiks of dreadfull voice.
That fearfull sound of fire and fire,
Let no man know is my Desire.
I, starting up, the light did spye,
And to my God my heart did cry
To strengthen me in my Distresse
And not to leave me succourlesse.
Then coming out beheld a space,
The flame consume my dwelling place.
And, when I could no longer look,
I blest his Name that gave and took,
That layd my goods now in the dust:
Yea so it was, and so 'twas just.
It was his own: it was not mine;
Far be it that I should repine.
He might of All justly bereft,
But yet sufficient for us left.
When by the Ruines oft I past,
My sorrowing eyes aside did cast,
And here and there the places spye
Where oft I sate, and long did lye.
Here stood that Trunk, and there that chest;
There lay that store I counted best:
My pleasant things in ashes lye,
And them behold no more shall I.
Under thy roof no guest shall sitt,
Nor at thy Table eat a bitt.
No pleasant tale shall 'ere be told,
Nor things recounted done of old.
No Candle 'ere shall shine in Thee,
Nor bridegroom's voice ere heard shall bee.
In silence ever shalt thou lye;
Adieu, Adeiu; All's vanity.
Then streight I gin my heart to chide,
And didst thy wealth on earth abide?
Didst fix thy hope on mouldring dust,
The arm of flesh didst make thy trust?
Raise up thy thoughts above the skye
That dunghill mists away may flie.
Thou hast an house on high erect
Fram'd by that mighty Architect,
With glory richly furnished,
Stands permanent tho' this bee fled.
It's purchased, and paid for too
By him who hath enough to doe.
A Prise so vast as is unknown,
Yet, by his Gift, is made thine own.
Ther's wealth enough, I need no more;
Farewell my Pelf, farewell my Store.
The world no longer let me Love,
My hope and Treasure lyes Above.
Text notes:
Line 5: fire and fire, Fire! and Fire!
Line 11: beheld a space, watched for a time
Line 14: I blest his name that gave and took, see Job 1:21
Line 24: Sate, sat
Line 40: Arm of flesh, see 2 Chron. 32:8; Isa. 9:18-20; Jer. 17:4-7
Line 42: Dunghill mists, see Ezra 6:9-12.
Line 43: House on high erect, see 2 Cor. 5:1; Heb. 11:10
Line 48: Enough to doe, ie. enough to do it
Line 52: Pelf, property, possessions
Line 54: Treasure lyes Above, see Luke 12:34
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The experience of loss through fire - Initial reaction and plea to God - Recognition of God's sovereignty
- II points: - Reflection on earthly possessions - The futility of material wealth - The permanence of spiritual treasures
- III points: - Encouragement to focus on heavenly hope - The assurance of a heavenly home - The call to let go of earthly attachments
Key Quotes
“I blest his Name that gave and took.” — Anne Bradstreet
“The world no longer let me Love, My hope and Treasure lyes Above.” — Anne Bradstreet
“Thou hast an house on high erect.” — Anne Bradstreet
Application Points
- Reflect on what truly matters in life and prioritize spiritual growth.
- Let go of attachments to material possessions and focus on eternal treasures.
- Trust in God's plan and sovereignty during times of loss and hardship.