Scribd
Upload
91 views5 pages

William Cowper: Which Theme Did Cowper Explore in His Writings?

Uploaded by

Anum Mubashar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
91 views5 pages

William Cowper: Which Theme Did Cowper Explore in His Writings?

Uploaded by

Anum Mubashar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

William Cowper

William Cowper was an English poet and hymnwriter. One of the most popular poets of his time,
Cowper changed the direction of 18th-century nature poetry by writing of everyday life and
scenes of the English countryside. In many ways, he was one of the forerunners of Romantic
poetry.

Which theme did Cowper explore in his writings?


Cowper's melancholia, exile, and fears of damnation—the sufferings of the “stricken deer”—are
among the best-known facts of literary biography: his writing is both their embodiment and the
site of their transcendence.

1. A Comparison
by William Cowper

The lapse of time and rivers is the same,


Both speed their journey with a restless stream;
The silent pace, with which they steal away,
No wealth can bribe, no prayers persuade to stay;
Alike irrevocable both when past,
And a wide ocean swallows both at last.
Though each resemble each in every part,
A difference strikes at length the musing heart;
Streams never flow in vain; where streams abound,
How laughs the land with various plenty crown'd!
But time, that should enrich the nobler mind,
Neglected leaves a dreary waste behind.
2. Contentment
By William Cowper

Fierce passions discompose the mind,


As tempests vex the sea,
But calm, content and peace we find,
When, Lord, we turn to Thee.

In vain by reason and by rule


We try to bend the will;
For none but in the Saviour's school
Can learn the heavenly skill.

Since at His feet my soul has sate,


His gracious words to hear,
Contented with my present state,
I cast on Him my care.

"Art thou a sinner, soul?" He said,


"Then how canst thou complain?
How light thy troubles here, if weigh'd
With everlasting pain!

"If thou of murmuring wouldst be cured,


Compare thy griefs with mine!
Think what my love for thee endured,
And thou wilt not repine.

"'Tis I appoint thy daily lot,


And I do all things well;
Thou soon shalt leave this wretched spot,
And rise with me to dwell.

"In life my grace shall strength supply,


Proportion'd to thy day;
At death thou still shalt find me nigh,
To wipe thy tears away."

Thus I, who once my wretched days


In vain repinings spent,
Taught in my Saviour's school of grace,
Have learnt to be content.
3. Dependence
By William Cowper
To keep the lamp alive,
With oil we fill the bowl;
'Tis water makes the willow thrive,
And grace that feeds the soul.

The Lord's unsparing hand


Supplies the living stream;
It is not at our own command,
But still derived from Him.

Beware of Peter's word,


Nor confidently say,
"I never will deny Thee, Lord," --
But, -- "Grant I never may."

Man's wisdom is to seek


His strength in God alone;
And e'en an angel would be weak,
Who trusted in his own.

Retreat beneath his wings,


And in His gace confide!
This more exalts the King of kings
Than all your works beside.

In Jesus is our store,


Grace issues from His throne;
Whoever says, "I want no more,"
Confesses he has done.
4. God moves in a mysterious way
By William Cowper
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines


Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,


The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,


But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,


Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,


And scan his work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

You might also like