Lowth made a name for himself as a very young man through his composition of verses in both English and Latin. He began by writing pious stanzas at age 14, and his career as a poet developed at Oxford, where he wrote Latin verses. Yet it was Lowth's skill as a critic, not a writer, of verse that would win him genuine and widespread fame. While professor of poetry at Oxford, Lowth delivered the thirty-four Praelectiones de sacra poesi Hebraeorum that were to make his name. Through his travels, Lowth established firm connections with prominent whig noblemen and with influential figures in the ministry, including Frederick of Prussia. He had an illustrious career in the Anglican church, which left him free to pursue literary and theological controversy. He was successful in attaining "worldly success" through patronage. The most substantial of Lowth's publications was his new translation, with notes, of the book of Isaiah. His grammar guide was also very popular.