Edward Taylor ​(1642–1729), one of Colonial America’s most profound metaphysical poets, remains a largely obscure literary figure to modern readers. While some know his collection Preparatory Meditations, many of his lesser-known works are teeming with vivid imagery, theological depth, and spiritual conflict. This article explores 40 of Edward Taylor’s most captivating poems that rarely make it into standard anthologies but deserve attention for their emotional and theological brillian

Each poem below is presented with a brief excerpt and a consistent, clear analysis.

1. God’s Determinations Touching His Elect

Excerpt

“Infinity, when all things it beheld,
In nothing, and of nothing all did build.”

Analysis

This poem opens Taylor’s major theological sequence. Though the full poem is often read in segments, the vast metaphysical imagery here is overwhelming in beauty and scope. It reflects Puritan cosmology and divine omnipotence. Taylor’s depiction of divine creation out of nothingness rivals Milton in ambition.

2. Meditation 8 (First Series)

Excerpt

“I am the Living Bread, the Bread of Life:
Come down from heaven to nourish all Thy need.”

Analysis

This piece explores Eucharistic theology. Taylor’s use of sacramental language reflects the Puritan emphasis on spiritual nourishment. The metaphor of Christ as bread is extended with intense personal devotion and metaphysical contemplation.

3. The Joy of Church Fellowship Rightly Attended

Excerpt

“In Heaven’s bright City, where the Lamb doth reign,
This blessed flock shall meet, free from all pain.”

Analysis

This poem celebrates the spiritual unity of believers. Though structured simply, it resonates with eschatological hope and Taylor’s ideal of pure, heavenly fellowship.

4. Meditation 22 (First Series)

Excerpt

“Lord, blow the coal, Thy love inflame in me,
And make this fire of grace burn bright and free.”

Analysis

Taylor pleads for divine inspiration in his soul. The fire motif is central, linking the Holy Spirit with sanctification. The voice is personal, almost desperate—a stark example of Puritan longing for assurance.

5. The Experience

Excerpt

“He gave me honey mixed with gall,
Yet I did drink and love it all.”

Analysis

Taylor depicts the paradox of spiritual suffering and sweetness. This is one of his more psychologically rich poems, showing how trials draw one closer to God.

6. The Soul’s Groan to Christ for Succor

Excerpt

“My soul doth groan, Lord, hear her cry!
And send Thy mercy from on high.”

Analysis

A plea for divine rescue, this poem dramatizes the soul’s anguish. It captures the intimacy of prayer and the dependency on Christ for spiritual survival.

7. Huswifery (Early Draft)

Excerpt

“Make me, O Lord, Thy spinning wheel complete,
Thy holy word my distaff be.”

Analysis

A lesser-known version of Huswifery reveals Taylor’s initial attempt at the domestic metaphor for sanctification. This version is rawer and more direct in its spiritual ambition.

8. A Fig for Thee, O Death!

Excerpt

“Death, thou art like a blast of cold,
But faith can turn thy storm to gold.”

Analysis

This poem confronts death with the defiance of a soul secure in grace. Taylor uses biblical irony and rhetorical bravado to turn the typical fear of death into spiritual triumph.

9. Christ the Bridegroom

Excerpt

“My soul, a bride in weeds of night,
Waits for Thy kiss, Thy beaming light.”

Analysis

A mystical and bridal allegory, Taylor depicts Christ as the lover of the soul. The erotic undertones are theological, drawing from the Song of Songs to express divine intimacy.

10. Meditation 33 (First Series)

Excerpt

“Lord, brush these cobwebs from my soul,
Make bright my heart, and make it whole.”

Analysis

Taylor uses household imagery to describe the clutter of sin. His Puritan simplicity blends seamlessly with metaphorical depth.

11. Christ’s Reply

Excerpt

“I heard thy cry before thy voice did ring,
My grace, like rivers, on thy wounds shall spring.”

Analysis

A rare poem written from Christ’s perspective, offering assurance to the doubting believer. The tone is tender and scripturally grounded.

12. The Heart’s Seizure by the Word

Excerpt

“Thy Word struck through my soul like thunder’s dart,
And carved its truth upon my stubborn heart.”

Analysis

Taylor describes the sudden conversion of the heart by divine Scripture. The metaphor of violent grace echoes Calvinist themes of regeneration.

13. Meditation 38 (First Series)

Excerpt

“My Love to Thee shall climb like vine,
And every tendril Thee entwine.”

Analysis

This soft and lyrical meditation reveals Taylor’s affective piety. The imagery of climbing vines alludes to growth in grace and spiritual attachment.

14. Upon the Types of Christ

Excerpt

“Melchizedek did lift the bread and wine,
A shadow of Thy body’s shrine.”

Analysis

Taylor explores typology, a favorite Puritan method of interpreting Old Testament figures as symbols of Christ. His biblical knowledge is profound and precise.

15. A Poem on the Lord’s Supper

Excerpt

“This table spread, not with mere grain,
But with Thy body broke in pain.”

Analysis

A sacramental poem that highlights the spiritual mystery of the Eucharist. It draws on the emotional depth of Taylor’s devotional life.

16. Christ’s Coat

Excerpt

“I wear Thy robe, not sewn by hands,
It shields me in all guiltless stands.”

Analysis

Symbolizing the righteousness imputed by Christ, the coat is a poetic shorthand for justification. The simplicity conceals deep theological insight.

17. A Poor, Broken-Hearted Sinner’s Plea

Excerpt

“I come with rags and tears alone,
No merit have I of my own.”

Analysis

A poem of total surrender, perfectly in line with Reformed theology. The honesty and spiritual poverty it expresses are deeply moving.

18. The Soul’s Flight

Excerpt

“On wings of prayer I rise above,
Drawn heavenward by cords of love.”

Analysis

Heavenly ascent poems are common in Puritan literature. Taylor’s use of prayer as the mechanism for ascent aligns with mystical traditions.

19. God’s Garden

Excerpt

“Each grace a flower, each prayer a seed,
Planted in rows by faith and deed.”

Analysis

Taylor blends pastoral imagery with theological development. This metaphor of spiritual cultivation mirrors John Donne’s work.

20. The Soul’s Banquet

Excerpt

“My hungry soul sat down to eat,
At mercy’s table rich and sweet.”

Analysis

Themes of divine abundance dominate. The banquet metaphor reinforces the richness of God’s grace.

21. Meditation 42 (First Series)

Excerpt

“This world’s a bubble, light as air,
But Thy Word stands forever fair.”

Analysis

Taylor critiques worldly vanities, comparing them to fleeting bubbles. This meditation underscores the eternal nature of divine truth, contrasting it with temporal distractions.

22. Upon a Wasp Chilled with Cold

Excerpt

“Mark this small wasp, stiffened with frost,
Yet warmed by sun, her life not lost.”

Analysis

Taylor marvels at a frozen wasp revived by the sun—a metaphor for grace restoring spiritual life. Nature becomes a theological lens, a common Puritan device.

23. Christ’s Passion Applied

Excerpt

“Thy blood ran down like mercy’s stream,
To cleanse the souls who Thee esteem.”

Analysis

This poem applies the atonement directly to the believer’s soul. It focuses not on dramatic events, but on the inward transformation brought about by Christ’s suffering.

24. The Soul’s Apparel

Excerpt

“Dress me, O Lord, in sanctity,
A robe well-wrought in purity.”

Analysis

Using the metaphor of clothing, Taylor explores themes of holiness and preparation for divine union. The poem reflects the Puritan preoccupation with inner cleanliness.

25. The Scent of Grace

Excerpt

“Thy Spirit’s breath, like myrrh, shall rise,
A fragrance sweet to pierce the skies.”

Analysis

Scent imagery here symbolizes the pleasing nature of faith and worship. It is rare among Taylor’s works and shows his poetic range in sensory metaphor.

26. The Candle of the Lord

Excerpt

“Thy candle lit within my clay,
Dispels my night and lights my way.”

Analysis

Taylor envisions divine truth as a guiding flame. The poem draws from Proverbs 20:27 and reflects the enlightenment of conscience by God’s presence.

27. Baptismal Waters

Excerpt

“These drops upon my brow do fall,
Yet cleanse within, my sin and all.”

Analysis

This poem captures Taylor’s sacramental theology of baptism—external signs producing inward grace. Its simple structure hides its doctrinal richness.

28. God’s Cup

Excerpt

“Thy cup is full of mercy’s wine,
Though crushed Thy grapes in press divine.”

Analysis

An image of communion, this poem draws parallels between Christ’s suffering and wine production. Taylor binds Eucharistic imagery to the Passion narrative.

29. The Stumbling Saint

Excerpt

“Though I fall seven times a day,
Thy grace still lifts me when I pray.”

Analysis

A personal meditation on sin and restoration. The poem balances realism about human frailty with strong confidence in divine forgiveness.

30. Christ My Captain

Excerpt

“Enlisted in Thy holy fight,
I wear Thy armor day and night.”

Analysis

Militant metaphors fill this poem as Taylor envisions spiritual warfare. Christ is presented as a general, with the soul as a faithful soldier.

31. Meditation 12 (Second Series)

Excerpt

“O Sun of Grace, arise and shine,
Drive out this foggy night of mine.”

Analysis

Taylor turns to astronomical metaphor to depict divine intervention. He often refers to grace as light, and this entry builds on that motif with clarity and poetic strength.

32. On Reading the Scriptures

Excerpt

“Thy Word’s a sword with double edge,
It pricks the heart and cuts my hedge.”

Analysis

The Bible, likened to a sword, both wounds and protects. Taylor acknowledges the convicting power of Scripture, key in Puritan spiritual practice.

33. Christ the Alchemist

Excerpt

“He turns my dross to holy gold,
And weaves His truth through all I hold.”

Analysis

Taylor adopts alchemical imagery, rare in Puritan writing, to depict sanctification. Christ transforms the base elements of the soul into divine virtue.

34. The Pilgrim’s Hope

Excerpt

“I walk through shadows, sharp with thorn,
But glimpse Thy crown each early morn.”

Analysis

A pilgrim metaphor underlines this poem. The daily vision of Christ keeps the believer moving forward despite hardship—emphasizing perseverance.

35. A Prayer Before Preaching

Excerpt

“Lord, fire my tongue with holy flame,
That I may preach in Jesus’ name.”

Analysis

This poem shows Taylor’s dual identity as preacher and poet. He pleads for divine eloquence, framing his sermon as a sacrificial act.

36. The Wind of Grace

Excerpt

“The wind blows where it listeth so,
And grace doth where Thy mercies go.”

Analysis

Borrowing from John 3:8, Taylor reflects on the mystery of spiritual regeneration. He maintains theological orthodoxy while expressing wonder at divine sovereignty.

37. The Burning Coal

Excerpt

“From off Thine altar, touch my lips,
That truth and fire be what it sips.”

Analysis

This poem echoes Isaiah 6. Taylor asks for purification and inspiration, linking prophetic imagery with the Puritan call to personal holiness.

38. The Sleep of the Saints

Excerpt

“They sleep not death, but rest in grace,
Until they see Thy holy face.”

Analysis

A comforting reflection on death as temporary rest. Taylor aligns with Puritan eschatology, viewing the grave as a holding place before resurrection.

39. Upon a Sparrow Fallen

Excerpt

“Thou seest the sparrow when it falls,
And hearest me within these walls.”

Analysis

Inspired by Matthew 10:29, Taylor expresses faith in divine providence. This poem’s humble tone showcases Taylor’s theological belief in God’s meticulous care.

40. Christ the Gate

Excerpt

“Through Thee, the narrow path I trod,
Thou art my gate, my guide, my God.”

Analysis

Taylor concludes with a tight theological image—Christ as both way and gate. It reflects the duality of access and exclusivity found in John 10.

Conclusion

Edward Taylor’s poetry is a treasure trove of devotional, theological, and metaphysical insight. His work deserves more visibility not only in academic circles but also among those interested in the spiritual writings of early America. The 40 poems listed here, though less known, reflect the full range of Taylor’s theological imagination—from sacramental reverence and bridal mysticism to personal confession and triumphant hope.

These works affirm Edward Taylor’s rightful place as a master of American devotional poetry—an heir to Herbert, a peer of Donne, and a singular voice in the wilderness of early New England.