God can guide us without being authoritative & domineering
liberty from oppression is possible if we show christ-like qualities of love & compassion
God as a guide who leads with love rather than control
Lyca wanters into the wilderness finding a gentle, protective presence - a world of freedom & harmony is possible if we trust in a God of love rather than fear
links to The Lamb
The Lamb - 'Gave thee clothing of delight,/ Softest clothing woolly bright'
god as generous, not punishing
he is not jealous of creation but is giving - works to uplift & encourage it
God delights in his creation & seeks to nurture it
creation is meant to thrive under God's loving care rather than suffer under fear & oppression
Blake argues against religious institutions that use fear to control believers
contrast w Urizen who is presented as jealous of his creation
Nurse's Song (I) - 'No, no let us play' 'Well, well go and play till the light fades away'
nurse has power but listens to voices of children
if children are treated like this with respect they too will listen to authority figures & view them not with fear but respect
by being treated like this they are able to exist with utmost childlike joy & innocence is preserved - 'When the voices of children are heard on the green/ And laughing is heard on the hill' contrasts to 'whisperings are in the dale' in experience version - these children are allowed to experience unrestricted joy & delight
