Quote

Learning itself, received into a mind By nature weak, or viciously inclined, Serves but to lead philosophers astray, Where children would with ease discern the way.

William Cowper

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William Cowper
Age: 68 †
Born: 1731
Born: November 26
Died: 1800
Died: April 25
Hymnwriter
Poet
Poet Lawyer
Translator
Writer
Berkhamsted
Hertfordshire
Would
Philosopher
Viciously
Weak
Astray
Lead
Discern
Learning
Inclined
Nature
Philosophers
Children
Serves
Mind
Received
Way
Ease

More quotes by William Cowper

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No one was ever scolded out of their sins.
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Mercy to him that shows it, is the rule.
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No tree in all the grove but has its charms, Though each its hue peculiar.
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Could he with reason murmur at his case, Himself sole author of his own disgrace?
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England with all thy faults, I love thee still-- My country! and, while yet a nook is left Where English minds and manners may be found, Shall be constrained to love thee.
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Good sense, good health, good conscience, and good fame,--all these belong to virtue, and all prove that virtue has a title to your love.
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But truths on which depends our main concern, That 'tis our shame and misery not to learn, Shine by the side of every path we tread With such a lustre he that runs may read.
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But still remember, if you mean to please, To press your point with modesty and ease.
William Cowper
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When one that holds communion with the skies Has fill'd his urn where these pure waters rise, And once more mingles with us meaner things, 'Tis e'en as if an angel shook his wings.
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There is in souls a sympathy with sounds.
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For when was public virtue to be found Where private was not?
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God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.
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Blind unbelief is sure to err, And scan his work in vain God is his own interpreter, And he will make it plain.
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Grief is itself a medicine.
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All we behold is miracle.
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The mind, relaxing into needful sport, Should turn to writers of an abler sort, Whose wit well managed, and whose classic style, Give truth a lustre, and make wisdom smile.
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A story, in which native humour reigns, Is often useful, always entertains A graver fact, enlisted on your side, May furnish illustration, well applied But sedentary weavers of long tales Give me the fidgets, and my patience fails.
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Whoever keeps an open ear For tattlers will be sure to hear The trumpet of contention.
William Cowper
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Some drill and bore The solid earth, and from the strata there Extract a register, by which we learn, That he who made it, and reveal'd its date To Moses, was mistaken in its age.
William Cowper
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A life all turbulence and noise may seem To him that leads it wise and to be praised, But wisdom is a pearl with most success Sought in still waters.
William Cowper