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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 emphasizes the eternal nature and supreme power of God, highlighting His presence from the beginning of time to eternity. He praises God as the Almighty ruler of the sky, the source of salvation, and the compassionate listener to our prayers. Cowper expresses a deep sense of confidence, hope, and zeal in worshiping the Savior, Jesus Christ, who understands our struggles and ensures the certainty of salvation for believers.
Jehovah-Jesus
My song shall bless the LORD of all, My praise shall climb to his abode; Thee, Saviour, by that name I call, The great Supreme, the mighty GOD. Without beginning, or decline, Object of faith, and not of sense; Eternal ages saw him shine, He shines eternal ages hence. As much, when in the manger laid, Almighty ruler of the sky; As when the six days' works he made Fill'd all the morning-stars with joy. Of all the crowns JEHOVAH bears, Salvation is his dearest claim; That gracious sound well-pleas'd he hears, And owns EMMANUEL for his name. A cheerful confidence I feel, My well-plac'd hopes with joy I see; My bosom glows with heav'nly zeal, To worship him who died for me. As man, he pities my complaint, His pow'r and truth are all divine; He will not fail, he cannot faint, Salvation's sure. and must be mine.
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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.