Edward Taylor c 1645 1729 Edward Taylor l

Edward Taylor (c. 1645 – 1729)

Edward Taylor l l l l Born in Leicestershire, England circa 1645. Not much is know about him before his arrival in Boston in 1668. Admitted to Harvard; graduated in 1671. Went to settlement of Westfield as minister & remained there for the rest of his life. Married twice 14 children Acted as physician for town as well as being their spiritual leader.

Edward Taylor l l l Although his poems were composed in the late 17 th & early 18 th centuries, they were not made available to the reading public until over 200 years later. Fundamental religious ideas were identical to those of John Calvin (Calvinism). His library contained only one book of poetry: a copy of Anne Bradstreet’s collection.

Edward Taylor l Manuscript of his works inherited by his grandson, Ezra Stiles. l l Respected injunction that “his heirs should never publish it. ” Given to library at Yale during Stiles’ presidency there. l Remained there until their discovery in 1937.

Edward Taylor l His activities as a preacher in the wilderness takes on significance of his poetry. l l Had they been different, his poetry would not be what it is. His preaching so influenced his poetry that the poems lose their full importance if separated from his sermons.

Edward Taylor l 2 groups of poems: l l Preparatory Meditations God’s Determinations Both groups (in different ways) promulgate his Puritan Calvinism. Employed a poetical style that was derived chiefly from 2 sources: l l The Bible (esp. Song of Solomon & Revelation) Poetry he read as young schoolboy (John Donne & other metaphysicals)

Edward Taylor l l Collection of sermons “Christographia” Composed sermons at 6 -week intervals l l After each one – before delivering it – he composed the poetic meditation. Regarded his meditations as sacramental acts of private devotion & worship. l Used them for the cleansing of his soul & to put him in the correct spiritual frame of mind l l In preparation for administering Lord’s Supper In preparation for his eternal heavenly union with Christ

Edward Taylor l l Primarily were addressed to God or to Christ (and not to any other reader, public or private). More than 200 preparatory meditations preserved l l All are entirely religious in subject matter. Motivated by poet’s sincere and intense religious beliefs.

Edward Taylor l Meditations l l Are what their title suggests: an act of contemplation expressing profound & pious emotions. According to Louis Marz, in The Meditative Poem: An Anthology of 17 th Century Verse, the poem’s “central meditative action consists of an interior drama, in which a man projects a self upon a mental stage, and there comes to understand that self in the light of a divine presence. ”

Edward Taylor l l Taylor frequently begins his meditations with an intellectual or reasoned consideration of his condition or a Biblical verse before feeling an emotional intensity, sometimes ecstasy, that comes with the understanding of God’s greatness and/or his own confidence of being one of the saved. His poetic imagination springs from his religious struggle and faith.

Edward Taylor l Meditations l Followed clearly defined organizational method l Rely on the same structure § § § l 6 -line stanzas Iambic pentameter ababcc rhyme scheme suggests that writing poetry is a ritualistic activity § a means to an end and not an end itself

Edward Taylor l Meditations l Followed clearly defined organizational method l Involved 3 faculties of the soul § § § Memory Understanding Will

Edward Taylor l Meditations l l l Subject matter is heavenly doctrine supplied by the memory This doctrine is analyzed & comprehended by the understanding or reason Once understood, the affections of the will (emotions) are aroused in this order: Love l Desire l Hope l Courage l Joy l

Edward Taylor l Meditations l Subject l Original Sin l Christ’s saving grace l Possibility of personal salvation l Emotion l Despair l Joy l Hope

Edward Taylor l Content & structure of God’s Determinations: l Begins with the damned: l l depiction of man’s fallen estate, original sin, his own sins Depicts Christ and redemptive power; vision of the elect. Concludes with a plea to Christ (hope). Final lines state that he will sing the praises of Christ if he is among the elect.

Edward Taylor l Imagery used by Taylor (from Norman Grabo) : Images of writing l Images of warfare l Images of metallurgy l Images of gardens & vegetation l Images of feasting & communion l Images of spinning & weaving l

Edward Taylor l Recurrent theme: l Fear that his heart has grown cold toward God and the hope that, through God’s grace, his affections will be warmed.

l l http: //www. puritansermons. com/poetry/taylor. htm http: //www. poemhunter. com/edward-taylor/