Edward Taylor Huswifery

Antonia Sanders
September 9, 2009
AP English III
Edward Taylor Huswifery

Many people may show their affection for God in different ways. Edward Taylor wants to be this spinning wheel for his Lord. He uses all these unique ideas to how he can be used in many ways.
In Edward’s first stanza he uses sort of a metaphor analogy sort of style. “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 be” (Lines 1-4). In these lines he basically saying that he first wants God to use or make him like a spinning wheel. He uses parts from a spinning wheel and is asking God to make him into something like the objects. Edward compares his affections to the flyers that is on a spinning wheel. Just as the flyers on a spinning wheel regulates the action or movement he wants the Lords to change his actions or behavior so it can become better and neater.
In his second stanza he still uses metaphors. “Make me thy Loome then, knit therein this Twine. And make thy Holy Spirit, Lord, winde quill. Then dy the same in Heavenly Colorus Choice All pinkt with Varnish’t Flowers of Paradise” (Line 7, 11-12). Now that he has the yarn he now wants to weave it into cloth. Just as he mentioned in his first stanza something about the Spoole, which guides the thread while sewing, he wants God to guide him like wind quills while weaving. While making his fabric he does it using fine colors and decorates it beautifully. But he only uses colors of the choice of his Lord.
Lastly he talks about this piece of clothing which is finished. “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” (Lines 13-16). This piece of cloth that has been created will lead him on a good path. Every time he wears his clothing he will walk with glory and glorify his wonderful God. This robe he has made I think has changed who he is as a person and made he better than what he was.
Edward describes each aspect of the spinning wheel and how it can fit into his life style. I think the whole purpose of Edward writing this poem was to show us readers how God can change use and make us useful for the good. He first goes to being fabric then to becoming this wonderful robe which was created by his Lord.