Friday, January 1, 2094

Huswifery

Edward Taylor

Make me, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheele compleat;
Thy Holy Worde my Distaff make for mee.
Make mine Affections thy Swift Flyers neate,
And make my Soule thy holy Spoole to bee.
My Conversation make to be thy Reele,
And reele the yarn thereon spun of thy Wheele.

Make me thy Loome then, knit therein this Twine:
And make thy Holy Spirit, Lord, winde quills:
Then weave the Web thyselfe. The yarn is fine.
Thine Ordinances make my Fulling Mills.
Then dy the same in Heavenly Colours Choice,
All pinkt with Varnish't Flowers of Paradise.

Then cloath therewith mine Understanding, Will,
Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory;
My Words and Actions, that their shine may fill
My wayes with glory and thee glorify.
Then mine apparell shall display before yee
That I am Cloathd in Holy robes for glory.

Taylor, Edward. "Huswifery". 1684. March 2008 <http://poetry.poetryx.com/poems/9569/>.



Reflection: In the poem “Huswifery” Edward Taylor expressed his desire for God’s grace through the use of extended metaphor, syntax and diction.
Dear Diary,
I believe that this poem captures the wants of most of those who came here to the New World. We all wish to have a close relationship with the Lord and have him change us so that we may one day live with him in his kingdom. The comparison between the narrator's change and the creation of elegant robes from rough wool was very well writ. The truth of it is that we are like wool. We aren't worthy or ready to be with God and so we must have his grace in order to have His word change us and embrace His guidance and love.
I remember back in Great Britain we couldn't live out our faith because we would be punished or killed. However, because it was God's will we were able to come here, to this place of new beginnings and we will create a new nation, one that focuses on God and his word. That is our goal and we intend to live it out in order to glorify God. The future looks bright and welcoming. Hopefully this plan will come to fruition and God shall truly rule the earth.
God's peace be with you,
Matthew