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What is Edward Taylor asking God to do in "Huswifery"?

"Huswifery" is a classic Taylor poem in that it sets up a conceit, or an extended metaphor.  Throughout this conceit, Taylor uses first the parts of a spinning wheel and then the cloth spun with the thread from that wheel to ask God to use Taylor as an instrument for God's will.  


In the first stanza, Taylor asks God to use his "Holy Word" to charge Taylor's "Affections," "Soul," and "Conversation" with the will...

"Huswifery" is a classic Taylor poem in that it sets up a conceit, or an extended metaphor.  Throughout this conceit, Taylor uses first the parts of a spinning wheel and then the cloth spun with the thread from that wheel to ask God to use Taylor as an instrument for God's will.  


In the first stanza, Taylor asks God to use his "Holy Word" to charge Taylor's "Affections," "Soul," and "Conversation" with the will of God.  It is in this stanza that Taylor uses the metaphor of the spinning wheel to create the image of God spinning the wheel to create the yarn, or to create Taylor, which He will then use to create the garment in the second stanza.


In the second stanza, God becomes the weaver, and by weaving the yarn he creates a beautiful garment that is "pinked with varnished flowers of Paradise" (12).  With this garment, Taylor will be clothed with all of God's influence, thus making him an instrument for the will of God.


In the final stanza, Taylor asks God to clothe his "Understanding, Will, / Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory / [His] Words, and Actions" (13-15).  These are all the characteristics that, as a minister, Taylor can use to influence people and urge them follow God.  And it is through this action that Taylor will do God's glory.

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