SOURCE: Schweitzer, Ivy. “Semiotics of the Sacrament in Edward Taylor's Preparatory Meditations.” In Praise Disjoined: Changing Patterns of Salvation in 17th-Century English Literature, William P. Shaw, pp. 237-57. New York: Peter Lang, 1991.

In the following essay, Schweitzer explains Taylor's attempts, in his poetry, to bridge the gap between the natural and the supernatural, and the material and the metaphorical.

1:6 Another Meditation at the Same Time.

Am I thy Gold? Or Purse, Lord, for thy Wealth;           Whether in mine, or mint refinde for thee? Ime counted so, but count me o're thyselfe,           Lest gold washt face, and brass in Heart I bee.           I Feare my Touchstone touches when I try           Mee, and my Counted Gold too overly. 

Am I new minted by the Stamp indeed?           Mine Eyes are dim; I cannot clearly see. Be thou my Spectacles that I may read           Thine Image, and Inscription stampt on mee.           If...