Page - 105 - in JRFM - Journal Religion Film Media, Volume 07/01

“As i cannot write I put this down simply and freely” | 105www.jrfm.eu 2021, 7/1, 95–122 yet be assured, whether thou mindest it or not, there is a God, whose right it is to govern thee, and will be sure to judge thee: Thou art born his Subject, thô unwilling to obey, and forward to rebell against him; thou hast an immortal Soul, how little soever thou providest for its future […] It’s true, there is a way of Salvation for lost man published in the Gospel; but that can be | nefit one who continues to reject Christ, and refuse the terms of Peace. Thou art the dedicated Child of believing Parents, but their Faith cannot save thee now that thou art capable of consenting to the Covenant, and refusest it;18 I am not arguing that the sources I have referenced here were the sources Elizabeth Parker used, since biblical verses and citations recur in many hymns and prayers. Common phrases cannot be traced to a specific book. The par- allels to the Bible and other foundational texts I have listed here are only indicative, based on textual comparison.19 Still, these resonances provide in- sight into the general religious context within which the narrator, in search of guidance in a deep life crisis, is embedded. She seems to be familiar with a set of hymns, prayers and edifying literature. Materialised Biography: From Text to Context This biographic needlework text(ile) describes Elizabeth’s life as a tragic anti- climax. Once she lived peacefully as a child, but she shifts to a stage marked by confusion and desire for death. Her belief functions as a frame that allows her to interpret her fears, guilty feelings, and wishes. On the one hand, she understands her destiny as the result of her sins, while on the other hand, she asks God as creator and Jesus as saviour for both mercy and redemption. The text gives insight into the intimate religious thoughts of a narrator who is very articulate, despite her statement that she “cannot write”. 18 Williams 1691. 19 I wish to thank Prof. Christopher Rowland, University of Oxford, who helped me to find quotations and references for biblical and other sources.