# How does Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral develop the theme of Virtue and Moral Guidance?

> Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral by Phillis Wheatley

## Answer

Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral by Phillis Wheatley develops Virtue and Moral Guidance across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Wheatley repeatedly exhorts readers to pursue virtue, piety, and moral rectitude, warning against sin and temptation, as seen in 'On Virtue' and 'To the University of Cambridge,' where she urges students to shun evil.

The poem is a direct appeal to Virtue for moral guidance through youth and toward eternal life.

David's faith and courage serve as a moral example, contrasting with Goliath's pride and defiance.

The poem urges gratitude, prayer, and moral reflection, warning against neglecting the 'filial pray'r' and emphasizing the duty to praise God.

## Evidence

- [on-virtue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/on-virtue.md): The poem is a direct appeal to Virtue for moral guidance through youth and toward eternal life.
- [goliath-of-gath](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/goliath-of-gath.md): David's faith and courage serve as a moral example, contrasting with Goliath's pride and defiance.
- [thoughts-on-the-works-of-providence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/thoughts-on-the-works-of-providence.md): The poem urges gratitude, prayer, and moral reflection, warning against neglecting the 'filial pray'r' and emphasizing the duty to praise God.
- [an-hymn-to-the-evening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/an-hymn-to-the-evening.md): The poem urges the heart to glow with virtue and seek purity, guarded from sin through divine grace.
- [on-recollection](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/on-recollection.md): The poem contrasts the torment of vice with the peace of virtue, calling on Virtue to guide the poet's future days.
- [to-captain-h-d-of-the-65th-regiment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-captain-h-d-of-the-65th-regiment.md): Virtue is praised as a key attribute of the captain, alongside valor.
- [to-a-gentleman-on-his-voyage-to-great-britain-for-the-recovery-of-his-health](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-a-gentleman-on-his-voyage-to-great-britain-for-the-recovery-of-his-health.md): The speaker's concern for the gentleman's health and the appeal to divine aid reflect moral and virtuous care for another's well-being.
- [to-the-rev-dr-thomas-amory-on-reading-his-sermons-on-daily-devotion-in-which-that-duty-is-recommended-and-assisted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-the-rev-dr-thomas-amory-on-reading-his-sermons-on-daily-devotion-in-which-that-duty-is-recommended-and-assisted.md): Amory's sermons are depicted as cultivating habitual grace and inspiring youthful minds to aspire to virtue.

## Links

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