quote · Legacy record
The Sacred Book, its value understood, Received the seal of martyrdom in blood. These holy men, so full of truth and grace, Seem, to reflection, of a different race; Meek, modest, venerable, wise, sincere, In such a cause they could not dare to fear; They could not purchase earth with such a price, Or spare a life too short to reach the skies. From them to thee conveyed along the tide, Their streaming hearts poured freely when they died; Those truths which neither use nor years impair, Invite thee, woo thee, to the bliss they share.
The Sacred Book, its value understood, Received the seal of martyrdom in blood. These holy men, so full of truth and grace, Seem, to reflection, of a different race; Meek, modest, venerable, wise, sincere, In such a cause they could not dare to fear; They could not purchase earth with such a price, Or spare a life too short to reach the skies. From them to thee conveyed along the tide, Their streaming hearts poured freely when they died; Those truths which neither use nor years impair, Invite thee, woo thee, to the bliss they share.
Approximate author period: c. 1765 AD · early modern
Meaning not yet available
An individual explanation has not yet been added. We do not substitute a generic description for an interpretation of these particular words.
Begin with source-checked readings and explanations ↗Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- William Cowper
Attribution: attributed - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Approximate author period: c. 1765 AD · early modern
author lifetime midpoint (1731–1800)
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888) (1888 AD)
Page 378 · printed citation: Cowper · subject: MARTYRDOM
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.