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particular, may be often used by the Christian reader in reference to himself, in his own time of need, but not of despondency. The 22nd Hymn in this Book is very faithful in describing a species of temptation which often pursues the suppliant to the very throne of grace, and in the form of Satan among the sons of God, accuses the self-condemned sinner, who, yet clinging to the footstool, and not to be moved, pleads the promises, and cries for the blessing, which never was so sought in vain. Book iii, Hymn 58— 'Home in View' is one of the most consolatory in the volume, and may make the drooping yet reviving heart home sick for heaven, in prospect, for the last time, before he reaches it for ever. In Hymn 60, Book iii, Newton very strikingly alludes to his former and his latter state ; his change from nature unto grace, and the fruits that followed.
On the whole, though it must be acknowledged that Newton was a poet of very humble order, yet he has produced, in this collection, proofs of great versatility in exercising the one talent of this kind entrusted to him. He has also turned it to the best account, by rendering it wholly subservient to the best purposes in the service of God and man. With this sanction, all his deficiencies as a technical versifier will be forgiven and forgotten by those who have the religious feeling which can appreciate the far higher excellencies of these plain, practical, and often lively, fervent, and sincere effusions of a heart full to overflowing of the love of God, and labouring with indefatigable zeal to promote the kingdom of Christ upon earth.
Of Cowper's share in this work little need be said. Those may disparage the poetry of his hymns who hate or despise the doctrines of the Gospel. They are worthy of him, and honourable to his Christian
