John Brown (essayist)

Now let us thank the Eternal Power: convinced
That Heaven but tries our virtue by affliction,—
That oft the cloud which wraps the present hour
Serves but to brighten all our future days.

Estimate of the Manners and Principles of the Times title page, 1757

John Brown (5 November 1715 – 23 September 1766) was an English divine and author.

Quotes

• Now let us thank the Eternal Power: convinced
  That Heaven but tries our virtue by affliction,—
  That oft the cloud which wraps the present hour
  Serves but to brighten all our future days.
  • Barbarossa (1754), Act V, Scene 3

• And coxcombs vanquish Berkeley by a grin.
  • "An Essay on Satire, occasioned by the Death of Mr. Pope"