An Ode, On Reading Richardsons History Of Sir Charles Grandison.

Say, ye apostate and profane,
Wretches, who blush not to disdain
Allegiance to your God,
Did eer your idly wasted love
Of virtue for her sake remove
And lift you from the crowd?


Would you the race of glory run ,
Know, the devout, and they alone,
Are equal to the task:
The labours of the illustrious course
Far other than the unaided force
Of human vigour ask.


To arm against reputed ill
The patient heart too brave to feel
The tortures of despair:
Nor safer yet high-crested pride,
When wealth flows in with every tide
To gain admittance there.


To rescue from the tyrants sword
The oppressd; unseen and unimplored,
To cheer the face of woe;
From lawless insult to defend
An orphans righta fallen friend,
And a forgiven foe;


These, these distinguish from the crowd,
And these alone, the great and good,
The guardians of mankind;
Whose bosoms with these virtues heave,
O with what matchless speed they leave
The multitude behind!


Then ask ye, from what cause on earth
Virtues like these derive their birth?
Derived from Heaven alone,
Full on that favourd breast they shine,
Where faith and resignation join
To call the blessing down.


Such is that heart:but while the muse
Thy theme, O Richardson, pursues,
Her feeble spirits faint;
She cannot reach, and would not wrong,
The subject for an angels song,
The hero, and the saint!

William Cowper

William Cowper was an English poet and hymnodist known for his contributions to English literature and the Evangelical revival of the 18th century. He suffered from periods of severe depression and mental illness, which influenced much of his work. Despite his struggles, Cowper produced notable works including 'Olney Hymns' in collaboration with John Newton and 'The Task,' which gained considerable popularity. His poetry is often characterized by its introspective, religious, and sometimes melancholic themes.

William Cowper

The Future Peace And Glory Of The Church. - Isaiah ix.15-20.

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Stanzas. On The Late Indecent Liberties Taken With The Remains Of Milton.[1]

William Cowper, Simple Poetry

True And False Comforts.

William Cowper, Simple Poetry

Elegy III. Anno Aetates 17.[1] On The Death Of The Bishop Of Winchester.[2]

William Cowper, Simple Poetry

English

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And dwells there in a female heart,
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Madam,A strangers purpose in these lays
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I

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Epistle

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An Ode, On Reading Richardsons History Of Sir Charles Grandison.

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An Ode, On Reading Richardsons History Of Sir Charles Grandison.