The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-01-27

in great measure, by feeling the want oil
good hymns, both in number and variety
But now we come to one who was not q
minister.
William Cowper, Esq, one Of the pu
rest and most popular Of the English poets
was born at Berkhamstead, in Hertford-
shire, England, November 10, 1871. Some
Of the Cowper family had occupied higl
posts of honor. The father of our subject
was the Rev. DR., John Cowper, who was
Rector ut the poets birth place, and had
been Chaplain to George H. The mother
had descended by four different lines from
Henry Ill. William was one of family
of seven children, all of whom, excepting
himself and brother, died young, This
brother, Rev John Cowper, who mani
Tested brothers care during the poets
first season of insanity, died in 1870
greatly mourned by the survivor, OF the
parents, their mother died in 1877, and
their father in 1856, After his mothers
death, young Cowper was placed in board
ing school, He was next sent to school
at Westminster, where he says he served
a seven years apprenticeship to the clas
sizes. "A . 80.
At the age of Is, young Cowper was
bound for three years to an attorney, In
this situation he continued about ten year:
without making any considerable advance.
About the time Of attaining to his 3lst
year, he was made Clerk of the Journals
to the House of Lords For several years
he made considerable changes, and at last
became religious.
In 1765 Mr.. Cowper's friends secured
boarding for him at Huntingdon, with the
Rev. Morley Unwin, with whom he re.
mained nearly all the remainder of his
life. He assisted Newton in preparing a
hymn book, but Cowper's morbid melan-
choly gaining ground, his terrible malady
returned, and the work was thenceforth
left in the hands Of the protector. This
second period of Cowper's insanity, be-
clouded the five years Of his life between
1873 and 1878. He was nursed during
this time. When he became better, he
diverted his attention, first, by taking care
of his hares, making boxes for them, and
constructing bird cages. When his mind
had regined its clearness, he commenced
the writing of poetry, drawing landscapes,
&c.
The first volume of Cowper's poems
made its appearance in the year 1882
DR.. johnson and DIR. Franklin spoke highly
of his book The book commenced in
1888, appeared in 1885, and Immediately
rose into popularity He continued to
write for years, when .CowperS malady
returned in 1894, and continued with very
little variation, to the close of his life
which occurred on the 2jth of April, 1900,
in the Goth year Of his age.
The poets body was entombed in the
church at Dercham. A monument was
raised to his memory. We would like to
give the inscription, the poetry, and other
poetry of his, but it would occupy too
much space.
No one of the readers will object, but
feel thankful for the introduction here Of
at least two stanzas of Miss Barrett beau,
tiful poem, entitled Coleper's Grdre;
'T.lsAplace where poets crowned
May feel the hearts decaying
II is II place where happy saints
May weep amid their praying.
Yet let the grief and humbleness,
As low Rs silence langush,
Earth surely now may give her calm
To whom she gave her anguish.
He shall be strong 10 sanctify
The poets high vocation.
And bow the mcckest Christian down
In mceker HdOratiun
Nor ever shall he be in praise
by wise or good fOrsaken;
Named softly as the household name
OF one whom God hath takenl"