November 26: Birthday of William Cowper (1731)
Prayer Idea
Pray for people who are struggling with mental illness.
History Note
Though William Cowper (pronounced Cooper) was one of the most famous poets in England, he endured a long struggle with depression.
Cowper was born in 1731. His mother died when he was six. His father sent him to a boarding school, where William endured severe bullying. As an adult, William struggled to prepare for a career.
During a period of severe depression, Cowper found solace at an asylum run by Dr. Nathaniel Cotton. At this time, many people who struggled with mental illness faced physical restraint and humiliation. Dr. Cotton attempted to provide his patients with close supervision by staff, activities to keep them engaged, and spiritual nourishment.
During his stay with Dr. Cotton, William Cowper found a sense of peace and a commitment to Christ. Cowper settled in Olney and met minister John Newton. They became close friends and collaborators. They both contributed songs to a collection called the Olney Hymns, published in 1779.
Cowper continued to write and publish. He also continued to struggle with depression and despair. Cowper died in 1800. John Newton spoke at Cowper’s funeral. He said:
The Lord has given me many friends but with none have I had so great an intimacy, as with my friend Mr. Cowper. . . .
Mr. Cowper was afflicted with what is called a nervous complaint to such a degree as might justly be called insanity. . . .
I don’t know a person upon earth I consult upon a text of Scripture or any point of conscience so much to my satisfaction as Mr. Cowper. He could give comfort though he could not receive any himself. He was not only a comfort to me but a blessing to the affectionate poor people among whom I then lived. He used frequently to visit them and pray with them. . . .
I have had hopes the Lord would remove his malady a little time before his death but it continued. . . . He was one of those who came out of great tribulation. He suffered much here for twenty-seven years, but eternity is long enough to make amends for all. For what is all he endured in this life, when compared with that rest which remaineth for the children of God?
Portrait of William Cowper. Image courtesy the National Library of Wales.
Learn More
William Cowper wrote the words for “God Moves in a Mysterious Way” in 1773. This video features First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, SC, singing the hymn.
Find more resources at Homeschool History.
