Sometimes a light surprises. W. Cowper. [Joy and Peace in Believing.] Published in the Olney Hymns, 1779, Book iii., No. 48, in 4 stanzas of 8 lines, and headed "Joy and Peace in Believing." It is in O. XJ. in its full and in an abbreviated form. There are also two centos therefrom in modern collections:—(1) "In holy contemplation, we sweetly then pursue," in the American Sabbath Hymn Book, 1858, and later editions; and (2) "Thy children, Lord, lack nothing," in Snepp's Songs of Grace & Glory, 1870.
-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
William Cowper (pronounced "Cooper"; b. Berkampstead, Hertfordshire, England, 1731; d. East Dereham, Norfolk, England, 1800) is regarded as one of the best early Romantic poets. To biographers he is also known as "mad Cowper." His literary talents produced some of the finest English hymn texts, but his chronic depression accounts for the somber tone of many of those texts. Educated to become an attorney, Cowper was called to the bar in 1754 but never practiced law. In 1763 he had the opportunity to become a clerk for the House of Lords, but the dread of the required public examination triggered his tendency to depression, and he attempted suicide. His subsequent hospitalization and friendship with Morley and Mary Unwin provided emotional st… Go to person page >
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