William Cowper
1731–1800 · England · Baroque
William Cowper (1731-1800) was an English poet and hymnwriter whose evangelical spirituality profoundly shaped 18th-century Protestant hymnody. Despite battling severe depression and mental illness throughout his life, he produced numerous hymns of remarkable theological depth and emotional authenticity, including "God Moves in a Mysterious Way" and "Jesus, Where'er Thy People Meet." Collaborating closely with John Newton, he contributed significantly to the Olney Hymns (1779), which became foundational texts in evangelical worship. His accessible yet theologically sophisticated verse gave voice to human suffering and divine grace, establishing him as one of the most influential hymnwriters of the English-speaking church tradition.
Hymn Texts (14)
- Arise O God and Shine
- Deep Were His Wounds and Red
- There is a Fountain Filled with Blood
- My God My Father While I Stray
- There Stands a Fountain Where for Sin
- God Moves in a Mysterious Way
- Deep Were His Wounds
- Jesus in Thy Thirst and Pain
- Lord Hear the Voice of My Complaint
- My Faith Looks Trustingly
- O Thou Who Once in Galilee
- There Is an Hour of Peaceful Rest
- To Thy Temple I Repair
- Dominus Regit Me