John Langhorne

John Langhorne Poems

John Langhorne Biography

John Langhorne (March 1735 – 1 April 1779) was an English poet and clergyman, best known for his work on translating Plutarch's Lives. The younger son of Joseph (a clergyman) and Isabel, Langhorne was born at Winton near Kirkby Stephen. According to the parish register, "Joseph LANGHORN & Isabell BLAND of Winton" married "5 Aug 1718" Their church monument states: 1762. To. m. the Reverend Joseph Langhorne of Winton and Isabel his wife. Her, who to teach this trembling hand to write, Toil'd the long day, and watch'd the tedious night, I mourn, tho' number'd with the heavenly host; With her the means of gratitude are lost. –John Langhorne." He was educated first in Winton, and later in Appleby. Following his 18th birthday, he became tutor to a Ripon family, and was later an Usher at the free school in Wakefield. In Wakefield he took orders, being ordained Deacon. He was for two years a curate in London, and from 1766 Rector of Blagdon, Somerset, and later Prebendary of Wells. He is chiefly remembered as being the translator, jointly with his brother, Rev. William Langhorne (1721–1772), of Plutarch's Lives, but in his day he had some reputation as a poet, his chief work in poetry being Studley Park[4] and Fables of Flora. In his Country Justice (1774–77) he foreshadows George Crabbe, as in his descriptive poems he foreshadows William Wordsworth. He was twice married, and both of his wives died in giving birth to a first child. After the death of his first wife, Ann, in 1768, Langhorne went to live with his brother in Folkestone where William was perpetual curate and it was during this time they produced their translation. Langhorne remarried in 1772, and after visiting France and Flanders, returned to Blagdon.)

The Best Poem Of John Langhorne

Eternal Providence

Light of the world, Immortal Mind;
Father of all the human kind!
Whose boundless eyes, that knows no rest,
Intent on Nature's ample breast.
Explores the space of earth and skies,
And sees eternal incense rise!
To Thee my humble voice I raise;
Forgive, while I presume to praise.

Though Thou this transient being gave,
That shortly sinks in to the grave;
Yet 'twas Thy goodness still to give
A being that can think and live;
In all Thy works Thy wisdom see,
And stretch its tow'ring mind to Thee,
To Thee my humble voice I raise;
Forgive, while I presume to praise.

And still this poor contracted span,
This life, that bears the name of man,
From Thee derives its vital ray,
Eternal Source of life and day!
Th bounty still the sunshine pours,
That gilds its morn and evening hours.
To Thee my humble voice I raise;
Forgive, while I presume to praise.

Through Error's maze, through Folly's night,
The lamp of Reason lends me light;
Where stern Affliction waves her rod,
My heart confides in Thee, my God!
When Nature shrinks, oppress'd with woes,
E'en then she finds in Thee repose.
To Thee my humble voice I raise;
Forgive, while I presume to praise.

Affliction flies, and Hope returns;
Her lamp with brighter splendour burns;
Gay Love, with all his smiling train,
And peace and joy, are here again.
These, these, I know, 'twas Thine to give
I trusted, and, behold, I live!
To Thee my humble voice I raise;
Forgive, while I presume to praise.

Oh, may I still Thy favour prove!
Still grant me gratitude and love.
Let truth and virtue guard my heart;
Nor peace, nor hope, nor joy depart;
But yet, whate'er my life may be,
My heart shall still repose on Thee!
To Thee my humble voice I raise;
Forgive, while I presume to praise.

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