Meditation (Saturday, July 15)

 From Richardson's The History of Clarissa, vol. IV, let. 3 (6-7).

"Mrs. Lovick gave me, at my request, the copy of a meditation she showed me, which was extractd by the lady from the Scriptures, while under arrest at Rowland's, as appears by the date. The lady is not to know I have taken a copy."

 

MEDITATION

Saturday, July 15

O that my grief were thoroughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balance together!

For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up.

For the arrows of the Almighty are within me; the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit. The terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.

When I lie down, I say, When shall I arise? When will the night be gone? And I am full of tossings to and fro, unto the dawning of the day.

My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope—mine eye shall no more see good.

Wherefore is light given to her that is in misery: and life unto the bitter in soul?

Who longeth for death; but it cometh not; and diggeth for it more than for hid treasures?

Why is light given to one whose way is hid; and whom God hath hedged in?

For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me!

I was not in safety; neither had I rest; neither was I quiet: yet trouble came.

But behold God is mighty, and despiseth not any.

He giveth right to the poor—and if they be bound in fetters, and holden in cords of affliction, them He showeth them their work and their transgressions.

 

—oOo—