On The Death Of A Minister.

His master taken from his head,
Elisha saw him go;
And in desponding accents said,
Ah, what must Israel do?


But he forgot the Lord who lifts
The beggar to the throne;
Nor knew, that all Elijahs gifts
Will soon be made his own.


What! when a Paul has run his course,
Or when Apollos dies,
Is Israel left without resource?
And have we no supplies?


Yes, while the dear Redeemer lives
We have a boundless store,
And shall be fed with what he gives,
Who lives for evermore.

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

On A Similar Occasion. For The Year 1793.

William Cowper, Simple Poetry

On The Receipt Of My Mothers Picture Out Of Norfolk, The Gift Of My Cousin, Ann Bodham.

William Cowper, Simple Poetry

The Retired Cat.

William Cowper, Simple Poetry

Epitaph On Mrs. M. Higgins, Of Weston.

William Cowper, Simple Poetry

English

Suggested Poems

Explore a curated selection of verses that share themes, styles, and emotional resonance with the poem you've just read.

Mourning And Longing.

The Saviour hides his face!
My spirit thirsts to prove
Renewd supplies of pardoning grace,
And never-fading love.


The favourd souls who know
What glories shine in him,
Pant for his presence as the roe
Pants for the living stream!


What trifles tease me now!
They swarm like summer flies,
They cleave to everything I do,
And swim before my eyes.


How dull the Sabbath-day,
Without the Sabbaths Lord!
How toilsome then to sing and pray,
And wait upon the word!


Of all the truths I hear,
How few delight my taste!
I glean a berry here and there,
But mourn the vintage past.


Yet let me (as I ought)
Still hope to be supplied;
No pleasure else is worth a thought,
Nor shall I be ...

William Cowper

For The Poor.

When Hagar found the bottle spent,
And wept oer Ishmael,
A message from the Lord was sent
To guide her to a well.^[1]


Should not Elijahs cake and cruse^[2]
Convince us at this day,
A gracious God will not refuse
Provisions by the way?


His saints and servants shall be fed,
The promise is secure;
Bread shall be given them, he has said,
Their water shall be sure.^[3]


Repasts far richer they shall prove,
Than all earths dainties are;
Tis sweet to taste a Saviours love,
Though in the meanest fare.


To Jesus then your trouble bring,
Nor murmur at your lot;
While you are poor and he is King,
You shall not be forgot.

William Cowper

The New Convert.

The new-born child of gospel grace,
Like some fair tree when summers nigh,
Beneath Emmanuels shining face
Lifts up his blooming branch on high.


No fears he feels, he sees no foes,
No conflict yet his faith employs,
Nor has he learnt to whom he owes
The strength and peace his soul enjoys.


But sin soon darts its cruel sting,
And comforts sinking day by day:
What seemd his own, a self-fed spring,
Proves but a brook that glides away.


When Gideon armd his numerous host,
The Lord soon made his numbers less;
And said, Lest Israel vainly boast,^[1]
My arm procured me this success.


Thus will he bring our spirits down,
And draw our ebbing comforts low,
That, saved by grace, but not our own,

William Cowper

Dependence.

To keep the lamp alive,
With oil we fill the bowl;
Tis water makes the willow thrive,
And grace that feeds the soul.


The Lords unsparing hand
Supplies the living stream;
It is not at our own command,
But still derived from him.


Beware of Peters word,^[1]
Nor confidently say,
I never will deny thee, Lord,
But, Grant I never may!


Mans wisdom is to seek
His strength in God alone;
And een an angel would be weak,
Who trusted in his own.


Retreat beneath his wings,
And in his grace confide;
This more exalts the King of kings^[2]
Than all your works beside.


In Jesus is our store,
Grace issues from his throne;
Whoever says, I want no more,
Confe...

William Cowper

Joy And Peace In Believing.

Sometimes a light surprises
The Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord who rises
With healing in his wings:
When comforts are declining,
He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining,
To cheer it after rain.


In holy contemplation,
We sweetly then pursue
The theme of Gods salvation,
And find it ever new.
Set free from present sorrow,
We cheerfully can say,
Een let the unknown to-morrow^[1]
Bring with it what it may.


It can bring with it nothing,
But he will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing,
Will clothe his people too;
Beneath the spreading heavens
No creature but is fed;
And he who feeds the ravens,
Will give his children bread.


The vine nor fig-tree nei...

William Cowper

The Hidden Life.

To tell the Saviour all my wants,
How pleasing is the task!
Nor less to praise him when he grants
Beyond what I can ask.


My labouring spirit vainly seeks
To tell but half the joy;
With how much tenderness he speaks,
And helps me to reply.


Nor were it wise, nor should I choose,
Such secrets to declare;
Like precious wines, their tastes they lose,
Exposed to open air.


But this with boldness I proclaim,
Nor care if thousands hear,
Sweet is the ointment of his name,
Not life is half so dear.


And can you frown, my former friends,
Who knew what once I was;
And blame the song that thus commends
The Man who bore the cross?


Trust me, I draw the likeness true,
And not as fancy paints;

William Cowper