This DATE – Cowper died

 

ON-this-DATE   

 

4/25 William Cowper (“Coop’ er”) died 1800, East Dereham, Norfolk, England.  The English Literature world remembers him for THE TASK (1785).  The Church world remembers him for “God Moves in a Mysterious Way,” “O for a Closer Walk with God,” and “There Is a Fountain.”  Though he suffered from depression, he left a great spiritual literary legacy in the above.

Cowper’s father was chaplain to King George II.  Cowper trained for law but never had a practice.  He lived near Olney, co-wrote the Olney Hymns with John Newton (author of Amazing Grace) with whom he shared a backyard fence.

Enjoy these lesser known words from Cowper:

            Lord, I believe Thou hast prepared, unworthy though I be,
            For me a blood bought free reward, a golden harp for me!
            ’Tis strung and tuned for endless years, and formed by power divine,
            To sound in God the Father’s ears no other name but Thine.

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William Cowper – published, Jul 6, 1774

“God Moves in a Mysterious Way”

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 every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

 

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

 

William Cowper on this date, 7/6/1774, published “God Moves in a Mysterious Way.”

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