Upon My Dear and Loving Husband His Going Into England
The speaker prays for her husband's safety and success while he is away, and expresses her desire to be reunited with him and to sing praise to God.
Anne Bradstreet's sermon is a heartfelt prayer to God, expressing deep trust and reliance on His mercy and faithfulness. She petitions for the protection and success of her husband, acknowledging her submission to God's will and desire to praise Him. Bradstreet asks for God's guidance, provision, and favor in all aspects of their lives, emphasizing the importance of consecrating their days to singing praises to God.
Text
O thou Most High who rulest all
And hear'st the prayers of thine,
O hearken, Lord, unto my suit
And my petition sign.
Into Thy everlasting arms Of mercy
I commend Thy servant, Lord.
Keep and preserve My husband,
my dear friend.
At Thy command, O Lord, he went,
Nor nought could keep him back.
Then let Thy promise joy his heart,
O help and be not slack.
Uphold my heart in Thee, O God.
Thou art my strength and stay,
Thou see'st how weak and frail I am,
Hide not Thy face away.
I in obedience to Thy will
Thou knowest did submit.
It was my duty so to do;
O Lord, accept of it.
Unthankfulness for mercies past
Impute Thou not to me.
O Lord, Thou know'st my weak desire
Was to sing praise to Thee.
Lord, be Thou pilot to the ship
And send them prosperous gales.
In storms and sickness, Lord, preserve.
Thy goodness never fails.
Unto Thy work he hath in hand
Lord, grant Thou good success
And favour in their eyes to whom
He shall make his address.
Remember, Lord, Thy folk whom Thou
To wilderness hast brought;
Let not Thine own inheritance
Be sold away for nought.
But tokens of Thy favour give,
With joy send back my dear
That I and all Thy servants may
Rejoice with heavenly cheer.
Lord, let my eyes see once again
Him whom Thou gavest me
That we together may sing praise
Forever unto Thee.
And the remainder of our days
Shall consecrated be
With an engaged heart to sing
All praises unto Thee.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction and Prayer
- Her Husband's Journey
- The Speaker's Obedience
- Mercy and Praise
- Conclusion and Prayer
- Seeking God's guidance and success
- Requesting tokens of God's favor
- Longing to see her husband again
Key Quotes
“O thou Most High who rulest all” — Anne Bradstreet
“Thou art my strength and stay” — Anne Bradstreet
“Thy goodness never fails” — Anne Bradstreet
Application Points
- We should pray for our loved ones and seek God's guidance and help for them.
- We should be obedient to God's will and seek His acceptance and guidance.
- We should desire to sing praise to God and express our gratitude for His mercy and goodness.