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William Cowper
William Cowper (November 15, 1731 – April 25, 1800) was an English preacher, poet, and hymn writer whose deeply personal ministry and literary contributions made him a pivotal figure in 18th-century evangelicalism. Born in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, to Rev. John Cowper, rector of Great Berkhamsted, and Ann Donne, he was the fourth of seven children, though only he and his brother John survived infancy. His mother’s death in 1737 at age six left a lasting wound, shaping his melancholic faith. Educated at Westminster School (1742–1748), Cowper trained as a lawyer, called to the bar in 1754, but never practiced, crippled by severe depression and anxiety—exacerbated by a failed nomination to a parliamentary clerkship in 1763, which led to a suicide attempt and asylum stay at St. Albans. Cowper’s preaching career emerged informally after his conversion in 1764, when reading Romans 3:25 at the asylum brought him peace, convincing him of God’s grace. Settling in Olney, Buckinghamshire, in 1767 with the Morley family, he joined forces with Rev. John Newton, curate of Olney Parish Church. Though not ordained, Cowper preached through hymns and personal ministry, co-authoring the Olney Hymns (1779) with Newton, contributing 67 works including “There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood” and “God Moves in a Mysterious Way”—penned amid recurring mental breakdowns, including a 1773 crisis where he believed God damned him. His sermons, delivered in prayer meetings and to villagers, reflected his fragile yet profound trust in divine mercy.
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William Cowper's sermon focuses on the internal struggles of a sinful heart, acknowledging the presence of anger, legalism, discontent, unbelief, and presumption within. The sermon highlights the conflict between worldly desires and the call of duty, emphasizing the need for cleansing in the Savior's blood and transformation by God's power to become a beloved dwelling place for the Lord.
Self-Acquaintance
1. Dear Lord! accept a sinful heart, Which of itself complains, And mourns, with much and frequent smart, The evil it contains. 2 There fiery seeds of anger lurk, Which often hurt my frame; And wait but for the tempter's work, To fan them to a flame. 3 Legality holds out a bribe To purchase life from thee; And discontent would fain prescribe How thou shalt deal with me. 4 While unbelief withstands thy grace, And puts the mercy by; Presumption, with a brow of brass, Says, "Give me, or I die." 5 How eager are my thoughts to roam In quest of what they love! But, ah! when duty calls them home, How heavily they move! 6 Oh, cleanse me in a Saviour's blood, Transform me by thy pow'r, And make me thy belov'd abode, And let me rove no more.
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William Cowper (November 15, 1731 – April 25, 1800) was an English preacher, poet, and hymn writer whose deeply personal ministry and literary contributions made him a pivotal figure in 18th-century evangelicalism. Born in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, to Rev. John Cowper, rector of Great Berkhamsted, and Ann Donne, he was the fourth of seven children, though only he and his brother John survived infancy. His mother’s death in 1737 at age six left a lasting wound, shaping his melancholic faith. Educated at Westminster School (1742–1748), Cowper trained as a lawyer, called to the bar in 1754, but never practiced, crippled by severe depression and anxiety—exacerbated by a failed nomination to a parliamentary clerkship in 1763, which led to a suicide attempt and asylum stay at St. Albans. Cowper’s preaching career emerged informally after his conversion in 1764, when reading Romans 3:25 at the asylum brought him peace, convincing him of God’s grace. Settling in Olney, Buckinghamshire, in 1767 with the Morley family, he joined forces with Rev. John Newton, curate of Olney Parish Church. Though not ordained, Cowper preached through hymns and personal ministry, co-authoring the Olney Hymns (1779) with Newton, contributing 67 works including “There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood” and “God Moves in a Mysterious Way”—penned amid recurring mental breakdowns, including a 1773 crisis where he believed God damned him. His sermons, delivered in prayer meetings and to villagers, reflected his fragile yet profound trust in divine mercy.