[All the following compositions of Mrs. Bradstreet were first printed in the 1867 edition of her writings. edited by Mr. John H. Ellis. He found them in a small journal in the possession of one of her descendants. The Meditations Divine and Moral" were in the handwriting of Mrs. Bradstreet herself.]

FOR MY DEAR SON SIMON BRADSTREET.

Parents perpetuate their lives in their posterity, and their manners in their imitation. Children do naturally rather follow the failings than the virtues of their predecessors; but I am persuaded better things of you. You once desired me to leave something for you in writing that you might look upon when you should see me no more. I could think of nothing more fit for you, nor of more ease to myself, than these short meditations following. Such as they are I bequeath to you: small legacies are accepted by true friends, much more by dutiful children. I have avoided encroaching upon others' conceptions, because I would leave you nothing but mine own; though in value they fall short of all in this kind, yet I presume they will be better prized by you for the author's sake. The Lord bless you with grace here, and crown you with glory hereafter, that I may meet you with rejoicing at that great day of appearing, which is the continual prayer Your affectionate mother,

of

A. B.

March 20, 1664.

MEDITATIONS DIVINE AND MORAL.

There is no object that we see, no action that we do, no good that we enjoy, no evil that we feel or fear, but we may make some spiritual advantage of all; and he that makes such improvement is wise as well as pious.

Many can speak well, but few can do well. We are better scholars in the theory than the practice part; but he is a true Christian that is a proficient in both.

Youth is the time of getting, middle age of improving, and old age of spending; a negligent youth is usually attended by an ignorant middle age, and both by an empty old age. He that hath nothing to feed on but vanity and lies must needs lie down in the bed of

sorrow.

A ship that bears much sail, and little or no ballast, is easily overset; and that man whose head hath great abilities, and his heart little or no grace, is in danger of foundering.

It is reported of the peacock that priding himself in his gay feathers he ruffles them up; but spying his black feet he soon lets fall his plumes. So he that glories in his gifts and adornings should look upon his corruptions, and that will damp his high thoughts.

The finest bread hath the least bran, the purest honey the least wax, and the sincerest Christian the least self-love.

The hireling that labors all the day comforts himself that when night comes he shall both take his rest and receive his reward. The painful Christian that hath wrought hard in God's vineyard, and hath borne the heat and drought of the day, when he perceives his sun apace to decline, and the shadows of his evening to be stretched out, lifts up his head with joy, knowing his refreshing is at hand.

Downy beds make drowsy persons, but hard lodging keeps the eyes open. A prosperous state makes a secure Christian, but adversity makes him consider.

Sweet words are like honey: a little may refresh, but too much gluts the stomach.

Diverse children have their different natures: some are like flesh which nothing but salt will keep from putrefaction; some again like tender fruits that are best preserved with sugar. Those parents are wise that can fit their nurture according to their nature.

That town which thousands of enemies without hath not been able to take hath been delivered up by one traitor within; and that man which all the temptations of Satan without could not hurt hath been soiled by one lust within.