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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 preaches about the mysterious ways in which God works, emphasizing the unfathomable nature of His plans and the need for believers to trust in His sovereignty even in the midst of trials and challenges. He encourages fearful saints to take courage, reminding them that God's providence, though sometimes frowning, ultimately leads to blessings. Cowper urges the congregation not to judge the Lord based on their limited understanding but to rely on His grace and trust that He will reveal His purposes in due time.
Light Shining Out of Darkness
God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform; He plants his footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable mines Of never failing skill, He treasures up his bright designs, And works his sovereign will. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, The clouds ye so much dread Are big with mercy, and shall break In blessings on your head. Judge not the LORD by feeble sense, But trust him for his grace; Behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face. His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding ev'ry hour; The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flow'r. Blind unbelief is sure to err, And scan his work in vain; GOD is his own interpreter, And he will make it plain.
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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.