[473] We have already alluded to Mr. Van Lier, a Dutch minister of the Reformed Church, to whom the perusal of Mr. Newton's writings was made instrumental in leading his mind to clear and saving impressions of divine truth. He communicated to Mr. Newton an interesting account of this spiritual change of mind, in the Latin manuscript here mentioned, which was transmitted to Cowper, and afterwards translated by him, and finally published by Mr. Newton. It is entitled "The Power of Grace Illustrated," and will be more particularly adverted to in a subsequent part of this book.
[474] Sir John Hawkins is known as the author of four quarto volumes on the general History of Music, and by a Life of Johnson. The former is now superseded by Burney's, and the latter by Boswell's.
[475] Private correspondence.
[476] The unfortunate malady of George III. is here alluded to, which first occurred, after a previous indisposition, October 22nd, 1788. The nation was plunged in grief by this calamitous event, and a regency appointed, to the exclusion of the Prince of Wales, which occasioned much discussion in parliament at that time. Happily the King's illness was only of a few months' duration: his recovery was announced to be complete, Feb. 27th, 1789. Few monarchs have been more justly venerated than George the Third, or have left behind them more unquestionable evidences of real personal piety. The following lines, written to commemorate his recovery, merit to be recorded.
Not with more grief did Adam first survey,
With doubts perplext, the setting orb of day;
Nor more his joy, th' ensuing morn, to view
That splendid orb its glorious course renew;
Than was thy joy, Britannia, and thy pain,
When set thy sun, and when he rose again.
[477] Private correspondence.
[478] The author of the translation of Aristotle.
[479] Private correspondence.
[480] We insert these verses, as expressive of the loyal feelings of Cowper.
ON THE QUEEN'S VISIT TO LONDON,