Gloss for Edward Taylor

"What tender love is this in chilly form,
In manner chilly see." (Edward Taylor, Harvard College, 1671)

Purpose to act,
this child will show
God beneath the weather.
Slip we may,
Groceries relinquish to the slush
(Satan’s byway)

But pure white him
On whom we fuss,
Immaculate like snow new fallen.
And his breath blisters us unmasked
Drives backward to the pursuing villain;
And riddles our way with fact.

(Harvard College, 1979)