The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1901-09-17
THOUGHTS SUGGESTED BY CowpER.
Catawba Co N. C.

THOUGHTS SUGGESTED BY COwPER,
DEAR AUNT JENNIE One of the
most agreeable pastimes to me is the
reading of old musty volumes that
have lain hidden away in some neg.
lected nook or corner of the library.
untouched save by the hand of time
that heaps dust on all neglected
things.
Ipioked up one such this mornig.
It is "The Life of Cowper," written
by William Hayley, Esq. and printed
in 1903. The SIS are made 80 near
like the f's that the reading is a little
difficult in places. For those of our
young friends who are not familiar
with the life of the poet I transoribe
the following:
"The a~fectionate temper Of Cow
per inclined him particularly to exert
his talents at the request of his
friends, even in seasons, when such
exertion could hardly have been
made without a painful degree of
self command. We shall perceive as
we advance that the greater works
of Cowper we're also written at the
express desire of persons whom he
particularly regarded, and it may be
remarked to the honor of friendship,
that he considered it's influence as
the happiest inspiration or, to use
his own words,
"'The Poets Tyre to fix his fame
Should be the Poets heart
Affection lights a brighter flame
Than ever blazed by art
"The poetry of Cowper is itself an
admirable illustration of this maxim
and perhaps the maxim may point to
the prime source Of that uncommon
force, and felicity, with which this
most feeling Poet commands the
affection of his reader"
Cowper, one of the most despond-
ent men that ever endeared them
selves to their friends, we'll under
stood the nature and efficacy OF
cheerfulness and friendship when
shown in the manners of those VINO
visit, especially those who visit the
sick, He was busy writing a letter
when DIR. Kerr paid him a visit
The following are Cowper's W
words: "Just as 7 wrote the last
word I was called down to DR.. Kerr,
who caWe to pay me a voluntary
visit. We're I sick, his cheerful and
friendly manner would almost re-
store me-"
I remember a visit from a lady
when I was very sick. Her manner
was indescribably agreeable. l al
most forgot I was sick, for her con-
versation bauished pain for the time
being, and I felt better for hours
after she had gone. I saw her on
another occasion, when her presence
and attentions were more than
medicine to a young lady who was
suffering greatly, and needed mental
diversion from her bodily suffering
Such persons are jewels in society
They may not be titled or grand,
wealthy OF educated, but their Gre
dentials open doors ahead of them,
and they r appreciated wherever
they go. I know a physician VINO
won the hearts of the people by VS.
iting those who were too poor to pay
him a cent for his services. L saw
him give a poor cOlored woman meal,
cine for her sick child, and he tola
me that she had won his esteem Dy
going to sec and waiting upon q poor
sick woman whom disease had rem
dered unapprOachable to persons
having delicate nOstrils. -.
Again I quote from COwper: ~
how much Importance is an autnOl
to himself" This sentence alone
contains sufficient subject-matt9L
for a whole chapter, SO I leave IL ~
the writer's of Social Chat for th0m
to consider of how much Importance
each is TO himself. :,
One more quotation and VII
close: farewell. Puzzle not your
self about a subject when you WrlS0
to either of us everything IS sug w
ject enough from those we love,
THIS contains a suggestion for 3aoH
of the writer's to Social Chat. Any.
thing that interests and absorDs you-
thoughts will interest all d r09'
because we are all friends.
MRS. MARY E FILLYA"'
Cumberland Co., N. G.