Edward Taylor, an orthodox Puritan minister, stands as a distinct voice in early American poetry. His works remained unpublished for over two centuries, hidden away by his own directive for his heirs not to publish them. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that his poetry was rediscovered and finally published in 1939, revealing a unique blend of spiritual devotion and poetic craftsmanship that continues to captivate modern readers.

The Discovery of Edward Taylor’s Poetry

For more than two hundred years after Edward Taylor's death, his poetic works were shrouded in obscurity. Taylor himself had expressly forbidden their publication, a request honored by his descendants. However, in 1883, Yale University received a manuscript of Taylor’s poetry from Henry Wyllys Taylor. It was not until Thomas H. Johnson, a scholar of American literature, obtained permission to publish these works that Taylor's profound contributions to Puritan literature came to light. This discovery was monumental, as Johnson regarded these poems as some of the best of Taylor’s era, capturing the essence of New England Puritanism with a voice reminiscent of the English metaphysical poets like John Donne and George Herbert.

“God’s Determinations” and Puritan Theology

Among the most significant works in Taylor's collection is the extensive verse sequence titled "God’s Determinations Touching His Elect." This series vividly illustrates the Puritanical struggle between good and evil, embodying a theological discourse within a narrative that features characters such as Mercy, Justice, Christ, Satan, the Soul, and a Saint. These characters engage in a dialogue that mirrors the moral allegories of medieval English plays. The poems in this sequence are crafted with the distinctive conceits and metaphysical wit of the 17th-century English poets, drawing heavily on the everyday life of New England for its metaphors and similes.

"God’s Determinations" is deeply rooted in Calvinistic ideology, particularly the doctrine of the Covenant. This doctrine posits that God made an initial covenant with Adam, promising eternal happiness in return for obedience. However, Adam's fall necessitated a new Covenant of Grace, offering salvation through faith in Christ. Taylor's poetry reflects this theological framework, attempting to reconcile the complexities of grace, faith, redemption, and damnation, themes that modern readers might find tedious but were essential to Puritan dogma.

The Poet’s Lyricism and Craft

Despite the theological density of "God’s Determinations," Taylor's poetic prowess shines through. In the "Prologue" to this work, he humbly petitions God for inspiration, acknowledging his own limitations as mortal "Crumb of Dust" tasked with praising the divine. This humility translates into a vivid, sensory richness in his poetry, which balances the intellectual rigor of theology with the beauty of lyrical expression.

One of the most enchanting moments in "God’s Determinations" occurs during Christ's comforting response to a soul besieged by Satan. Here, Taylor’s portrayal of Christ is tender and paternal, soothing the troubled soul with gentle reassurances and familiar rural imagery. This passage exemplifies Taylor’s ability to humanize religious doctrine, transforming abstract theological principles into palpable human experiences.

The Occasional Poems and "Huswifery"

Among Taylor's occasional poems, "Huswifery" stands out as a frequently anthologized work, demonstrating his skillful use of extended metaphor or "conceit." The poem compares the process of spiritual transformation to the making of a garment, a common task in everyday life. The spinning wheel becomes a metaphor for divine intervention, where the poet’s soul is woven into a tapestry of faith, dyed with heavenly hues, and sewn into robes of glory. This conceit not only reflects Taylor’s deep religious devotion but also his mastery of poetic form, encapsulating complex spiritual ideas in accessible imagery.

Taylor's "Sacramental Meditations"

Spanning over four decades from 1682...