poem, because it has been the subject of a series of Reflectors in our Miscellany, for near a twelvemonth past. There we explained the design of the author, and selected those passages which recommend themselves by their beauty and originality. His Task, in six books, embraces an astonishing variety of subjects -and will hand down his name to distant generations. So much benevolence and piety, united to so great a portion of taste and genius, claim our highest admiration. Few poems were more universally read, and few more warmly admired. COWPER, all at once, from his recluse abode, burst upon the world with a peculiar effulgence, and will continue to shine with an unclouded glory!

Mr. Cowper also produced a Translation of Homer, in blank verse, which does great credit to his judgment and ability. It was published in two quarto volumes -many of the notes were furnished by Mr. Fuseli, the famous painter this work, report says, has undergone various important emendations. It is truly wonderful that the translator could prosecute so great an undertaking, considering the state of mind under which it was accomplished.

Mr. C. at one time, lived with Dr. Cotton, at St. Albans then resided with Mr. Unwin, at Huntingdon-and lastly took up his abode at Olney, where he formed an acquaintance with the Rev. John Newton, who ushered his poems into the world. In his introductory preface, Mr. N. gives this sketch of the author" It is very probable these poems may come into the hands of some persons in whom the sight of the author's name will awaken a recollection of incidents and scenes which, through length of time, they had almost forgotten. They will be reminded of une who was once the companion of their chosen hours, and who set out with them in early life, in the paths which lead to literary honours, to influence, and affluence, with equal prospects of success. But he was suddenly and powerfully withdrawn from those pursuits, and he left them without regret. By these steps the good hand of God, unknown to me, was provid

ing for me one of the principal blessings of my life, a friend and a counsellor, in whose company, for almost seven years, though we were seldom seven successive waking hours separated, I always found new pleasure. A friend, who was not only a comfort to myself, but a blessing to the poor affectionate people among whom I lived."

Mr. Newton published a volume, entitled Olney Hymns, among which the pieces with the signature C. are Mr. Cowper's; indeed they are easily known from the rest, by their superior elegance and simplicity.

Mr. C. died on the 25th of April, 1800, at East Dereham, about twelve miles from Norwich, where he had resided for some time previous to his dissolution. Mr. Greathead, the independent minister at Olney, has published a funeral sermon for him, in which he details the rise and progress of his malady, with a minuteness gratifying to our curiosity. The account of his death shall be transcribed-" Although our beloved friend never was reconciled to his removal from this vicinity, nor even recovered that freedom in conversation which he enjoyed before his relapse, yet his health was apparently much improved within two years after he left us, and his mind was at least as strongly as ever interested in his literary employments. About twelve months since, when they became less regular, and ceased to engross his attention, his health evidently began to decline, though very gradually. He was, however, usually engaged in the composition of small pieces of poetry, and his appearance betrayed no essential alteration for the worse till the end of last January, (1800). Dropsical symptoms, which were then manifested, became daily more alarming, and his strength very rapidly decayed. Death, which he had for so long a period hourly expected, seemed scarcely to be apprehended by him, when it really approached. His young friend and relative (the Rev. John Johnson), convinced that he would shortly exchange a world of infirmity and sorrow for a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, repeatedly endeavoured to cheer him with the prospect, and to as

sure him of the happiness that awaited him still he; refused to be comforted. "Oh spare me! spare me!' you know, you know it to be false," was his only reply, with the same invincible despair to which he had so long been a prey. Early on the twenty-fifth of April, (1800), he sunk into a state of apparent insensibility, which might have been mistaken for a tranquil slumber, but that his eyes remained half open. His breath was regular, though feeble, and his countenance and animal frame were perfectly serene. In this state he continued for twelve hours, and then ex-' pired, without moving a limb, or even heaving a breath!"

In taking a retrospective view of the character and condition of this extraordinary person, we are led to a variety of reflections. But we shall hazard only two. remarks, which seem to rise out of our subject.

Our first observation relates to the degree of under➡ standing which deranged individuals are found to possess. In the present instance, a striking proof is afforded us, that great strength of mind forms no ground of exemption from this sorest of human calamities. Indeed the case of Mr. Cowper resembles that of Mr. Simon Browne, a dissenting minister, of considerable learning and piety. An interesting ac count of this unhappy man was given to the world by Hawkesworth, in his Adventurer, and it excited no small attention. Having discharged the duties of the christian ministry for several years with singular ability, he, owing to some domestic calamity, became miserably oppressed in mind. He entertained an idea which nothing could ever induce him to relinquish,` that his rational soul had deserted him. Accordingly he considered himself as a mere animal, capable of exercising neither prayer nor praise, being divested of all responsibility. In this state, however, he wrote an admirable treatise against infidelity-dedicated to the queen. The work itself betrayed not the least mark of a disordered mind-but on the contrary, displayed profound erudition and consummate ability. The dedication, indeed, contained a statement of his sad deprivation, where he denominates himself a thing, and

gravely implores the prayers of the queen and her subjects for his recovery-on this account this part was suppressed-and the treatise proved highly ser viceable to the cause of christianity. Thus did he pass his latter days under this melancholy persuasion, an object to all around of pity and compassion. He died in 1732. Now the case of Mr. Cowper was not an idea that his soul was annihilated-but that it was not possible for him to enjoy the divine mercy. With this opinion he would never be prevailed upon to attend public worship, because, as he used to say, he was in a state of absolute reprobation. This was his constant declaration. Yet, in other respects, he possessed powers of mind distinguished for their energy and activity.

The other observation that occurred to us, is that, de plorable must the state of that mind be, who could deshair, though no rational ground could be assigned for its despondency. Mr. Cowper, as well as Mr. Browne, was admired for the benevolence of his temper and the purity of his manners. All who knew themloved them. How thankful should we be for the inestimable blessing of HOPE-it is the sum and substance of our present felicity. To use the words of Mr. C. himself, who knew its value by the depriva tion of it

Hope! let the wretch once conscious of the joy,
Whom now despairing agonies destroy,
Speak-for he can, and none so well as he,
What treasures centre, what delights in thee!
Had he the gems, the spices, and the land,
That boasts the treasure all at his command,
The fragrant grove, th' inestimable mine

Were light-when weigh'd against one smile of thine! While we cherish a fervent gratitude for our elevation in the scale of being, let it be the object of our prayers, that the Deity will be pleased to continue us in the enjoyment of our mental powers till the period of dissolution. Thus shall we possess an useful and ho nourable station in society. And as all things here below originate in the divine bounty-so be the energies of our souls devoted to the divine service and glory!

THE REFLECTOR.

[No. LI.]

WINTER MORNING WALK.

BY WILLIAM COWPER, ESQ.

'Tis morning-and the sun with ruddy orb
Ascending, fires th' horizon, while the clouds
That crowd away before the driving wind,
More ardent as the disk emerges more,
Resemble most some city in a blaze,

Seen through the leafless wood. His slanting ray
Slides ineffectual down the snowy vale,
And tinging all with his own rosy hue,
From ev'ry herb, and ev'ry spiry blade,
Stretches a length of shadow o'er the field.

COWPER.

THH

HE title of this book shews the nature and variety of its contents. Its author was a fervid lover of nature-he traced her through her four seasons relished all her scenes, and has described her most prominent features with an exquisite delicacy. Here, indeed, the foddering of cattle on a frosty morning-the woodman and his dog-the dripping poultry-and the whimsical effects of a frozen water-fall, are drawn in vivid colours, and with a characteristic beauty. The poet then launches out in praise of true liberty-slavery is, of course, justly reprobated-and freedom, temporal and spiritual, is most warmly recommended to the regard of mankind. Mr. Cowper was, in every respect, a zealous advocate for the promotion of human felicity.