Sonnet to William Wilberforce, Esq.
July 6, 2023Sardis
July 6, 2023Self-Acquaintance
Dear Lord! accept a sinful heart,
Which of itself complains,
And mourns, with much and frequent smart,
The evil it contains.
There fiery seeds of anger lurk,
Which often hurt my frame;
And wait but for the tempter’s work,
To fan them to a flame.
Legality holds out a bribe
To purchase life from Thee;
And Discontent would fain prescribe
How Thou shalt deal with me.
While Unbelief withstands Thy grace,
And puts the mercy by,
Presumption, with a brow of brass,
Says, “Give me, or I die!”
How eager are my thoughts to roam,
In quest of what they love!
But ah! when duty calls them home,
How heavily they move!
Oh, cleanse me in a Saviour’s blood,
Transform me by Thy power,
And make me Thy beloved abode,
And let me roam no more.
William Cowper
William Cowper (1731-1800) was an English poet and hymnodist who is best known for his works that dealt with religious themes. His most famous works include "The Task" and "John Gilpin." Cowper was also known for his struggles with mental illness and his openness about his experiences helped to destigmatize mental illness in the 18th century.