the Bishop of Calcutta ... was engaged in forming a collection of hymns and sacred pieces, with the hope of having them introduced into our English churches. Some of yours are so well adapted to that object that I will send out a copy of your book to him. … I cannot but wish that talents and feelings such as yours were employed in the ministry of the gospel, where you would find your happiness in the performance of your duty – you are young enough to think of this.” William Knox suffered a stroke, and died three or four days later in Edinburgh on 12 November 1825. He is buried in the New Calton Cemetery in its upper east section. O, Why Should The Spirit Of Mortal Be Proud? The poem “O, Why Should The Spirit Of Mortal Be Proud?” was a particular favorite of Abraham Lincoln. American painter F. B. Carpenter wrote that while he was engaged in painting his large picture at the White House, he was alone one evening with the president in his room when President Lincoln said: "There is a poem, which has been a great favorite with me for years, which was first shown to me when a young man, by a friend, and which I afterwards saw and cut from a newspaper, and learned by heart. I would,” he continued, “give a great deal to know who wrote it, but I have never been able to ascertain.” References External links Abraham Lincoln's Favorite Poem 1789 births 1825 deaths Scottish poets