Comparison Of The Sovereignty And Goodness Of God By Mary Rowlandson

In the novel, The Sovereignty and Goodness of God, Mary Rowlandson introduces us to her tragic yet engrossing story about being taken captive, by the Native Americans , during King Philip’s War. Through her narrative, we learn that many individuals were not able to live through these harsh conditions of hunger pangs and sleepless nights. However, Rowlandson was one of the few that did survive. In order to overcome her fears and survive, she trusted in God and referenced biblical verses as a way of comfort.

In the Ninth Remove, it can be inferred that Rowlandson is faced with the fear of her children’s lives: “And my spirits was ready to sink, with the thoughts of my poor children”(84). Basically, Rowlandson is stating that she is constantly intrigued with her children’s living conditions and uncertain if they were dead or alive. To go into deeper perspective, in the Second remove, she fears for her youngest daughter’s death: ”with my sick Child
It was risky for the woman because she was pregnant and was accompanied by her infant child. Although Rowlandson does not say so directly , she apparently assumed that the woman had a higher chance of surviving if she remained. The woman would also have to cross over “bad rivers”(88). In her feeble condition, this would have been impossible. Rowlandson then pulls out her bible and references Psalm 27.”Wait on the Lord, Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart, wait I say on the Lord”. From her actions, we can declare that she used this motive to persuade the woman not to escape and to calm her fear as well. The biblical quote discussed how patience is a virtue when it comes to the trials of God(77). More specifically , Rowlandson uses the quote to appeal to the emotions of the woman. It would deliver the message in a way that would ease the woman’s thoughts. As a result, the woman didn’t go with the plan and Rowlandson fears