How often, when we stand up to sing the "Songs of Zion", do we fail to appreciate out of what hardship and turmoil of mind many of our most famous hymns were born. "This Month Long Ago", on the 15th day of the month in 1731, there was born in the old Rectory in Berkhamstead, the man who was destined to be one of the most outstanding of the Church's poets. His name was William Cowper, and almost from his earliest days (his mother died when he was still a child of 6 years), he knew little of true peace of mind. From boyhood he was subject to fits of severe depression, and though he fought bravely against them, they often recurred - sometimes in acute forms which even led him to attempt to take his life on several occasions.

His career as a lawyer had to be terminated on account of one of these attacks, but in many ways, this was to prove to be a blessing in disguise. His depression sent him to God's Word; for, although the son of a minister, his life had been lived without any reference to God whatsoever. As Cowper read Word he was led to pore over the words of Romans Chapter 3 verse 25; "… Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood". Cowper's mind was enlightened and he saw at once that there was salvation in none but Christ.

The steps of God's "mysterious way" that Cowper was later to write about began to show themselves, and after his conversion, the shy invalid, as he now was, was sent to live in the home of the family of Unwin. Mr Unwin had just died, and the widow and mother decided to rear her children in the market town of Olney, where the great John Newton was then minister. Needless to say, when the Unwin family moved into the red house in the Market Square, William Cowper was with them. The years which Cowper was to spend under the ministry of, and in friendship with John Newton were to prove to be the most settled years of his life, but even during these days the darkness of depression often cast its shadow over his soul, and he often wrote out of a heavy heart. Some would tell us that it was Newton's severe Calvinistic outlook and theology that led to Cowper's depressive states, but this is a completely distorted picture, and although he was still often cast down, nevertheless, what peace of mind he knew, he knew at Olney, under Newton.

The house in which the Unwin family lived was separated from Newton's vicarage only by a garden, and many hours were spent in the closest communion on the things of Christ between the two friends. Their united gifts produced the famous "Olney Hymns", most of which were written especially for the Tuesday evening prayer meeting of the parish.

When word spread around the village that Cowper or Newton had penned a new hymn, there was always sure to be an air of anticipation at the meeting until the words were read and sung.

Many of Cowper's own greatest hymns belong to this collection. "Oh, for a closer walk with God"; "There is a fountain filled with blood"; "Jesus, where'er Thy people meet"; "Hark my soul, it is the Lord", and so on.

Cowper's own testimony of his salvation, in many ways, bespeaks the panting after the assurance that always seemed to elude him …

"I was a stricken deer that left the herd Long since: with many an arrow deeply infixed My panting side was charged, when I withdrew To seek a tranquil death in distant shades. There was I found by One who had Himself Been hurt by the archers. In His side He bore And in His hands and feet the cruel scars. With gentle force, soliciting the darts, He drew them forth, and healed, and bade me live".

One of Cowper's worst attacks occurred in the year 1773. At this time he was convinced that he was doomed to hell and "damned below Judas". He fled for refuge to Newton's comforting counsel, and for a whole year refused to leave the vicarage. Again, in answer to those critics of Newton and his religion, let it be said that it was the pastor of Olney's gentle care and cheerful faith that nursed his sick friend back to health again, and left on record some of the greatest experimental utterances that the Church's hymn books know.

Perhaps William Cowper did live in the depths of despair very often; but, do some of his words not touch the depths of all our hearts at times if we are truly the Lord's children. Which of Christ's redeemed cannot look into their soul and sigh ?

"What peaceful hours I once enjoyed, How sweet their memory still; But they have left an aching void, The world can never fill".

And even at our "best of times", is there not the deep-rooted cry

"Lord, it is my chief complaint, That my love is weak and faint".

Words born out of deep conflict of soul, and yet, words that can be our own in so many ways.

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This Page Title – This Month Long Ago – William Cowper The Wicket Gate Magazine "A Continuing Witness". Internet Edition number 39 – placed on line November 2002 Wicket Gate contact address – Mr Cliff Westcombe cw@wicketgate.co.uk If you wish to be notified when each new edition goes on line please send an e-mail to the above address Magazine web address – www.wicketgate.co.uk