Cowper, William

English, 1731–1800. His birthplace was Hertfordshire. He was admitted to the bar but did not pursue law because of poor physical and emotional health; his entire life was a struggle against despair and mental illness. The humane and pleasant tone of much of his poetry, particularly his famous long poem The Task, stands as a remarkable contrast to the hardships of his personal life. His interest in hymn writing was stimulated by his friendship with the evangelical clergyman John Newton.

God Moves in a Mysterious Way, 285 (Text)