William Cowper suffered most of his adult life from depression. The prospect of an examination for a job in the House of Lords led to a mental breakdown and attempted suicide. While being nursed back to health, he fell greatly in love with his cousin, but his father refused to let them marry. This led to greater depression. Later, he was to marry again, but his worsening mental condition made it impossible. But he remained great friends with this woman, who encouraged him to write poetry. Later in life, when she died, this led Cowper to further despair, but his works of poetry flourished. He was friends with John Newton for a time in his life, who did not seem to help his state of mind. But during this time, he produced the book Olney Hymns. William loved God, and this is evident in his poetry. He learned great lessons and dependence on God alone through his trials. His suffering drove him to God, his Refuge, and made his faith stronger. His poetry ministers to countless people today!
THE LIFE OF WILLIAM COWPER (1731-1800)
William Cowper suffered most of his adult life from depression. The prospect of an examination for a job in the House of Lords led to a mental breakdown and attempted suicide. While being nursed back to health, he fell greatly in love with his cousin, but his father refused to let them marry. This led to greater depression. Later, he was to marry again, but his worsening mental condition made it impossible. But he remained great friends with this woman, who encouraged him to write poetry. Later in life, when she died, this led Cowper to further despair, but his works of poetry flourished. He was friends with John Newton for a time in his life, who did not seem to help his state of mind. But during this time, he produced the book Olney Hymns. William loved God, and this is evident in his poetry. He learned great lessons and dependence on God alone through his trials. His suffering drove him to God, his Refuge, and made his faith stronger. His poetry ministers to countless people today!
0 comments:
Post a Comment