'I could wish my tongue were as the pen of a ready writer': the Fragility of Hope in Elizabeth Major's Honey on the Rod1

• Published in: Bunyan studies no. 7; p. 38
• Main Author: Demers, Patricia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Newcastle Upon Tyne Northumbria University, Department of Humanities, Faculty of Arts, Design and Social Sciences 01.01.1997
• Subjects: British & Irish literature; Bunyan, John (1628-1688); English literature; Tongue
• ISSN: 0954-0970

[...]it takes several readings before comfort emerges or the vail is lifted. The text's quixotic and momentous character, its twisting and stumbling along paths of doubt, imparts a quivering poignancy to this private yet public scrutiny. Since language and writing are clearly agents of consolation for Major, her text warrants closer examination. In addition to emptying her heart 'of all dross', divine intervention will 'from thick clay unclog [her] heart' and 'unghie [her] heart from earthen pleasures'.32 She seeks God as much to counteract evil, 'which like a Christmas Box, till brok't has been, / Can't vent the treasure that's inclos'd within',33 as to celebrate her forecasted reclamation, by decking her 'naked soul ... like the Kings daughter, which / That beauty hath that's truly called such'.34 The apparel of grace releases an expressive sense of expectancy from the willing, patient, faithful recipient: Because his robes are party-coloured too, Variety of grace makes them appear, Like raiment of wrought-work the Queen did wear: I tell thee, O my soul, none can express The glorious beauty of this robe of his; How cure and cloth, and all from him is free; Believe and wait, is all that's done by thee.35 Of course believing and waiting are not easy, placid, or uncomplicated states of being. With varying degrees of directness and polish, these women all register loyalty elsewhere. Since only 'Eliza' married and none bore children, 'Eliza', Collins and Major confound the domestic stereotype of the godly housekeeper.