THE STORY OF THE HYMNS AND THEIR WRITERS 83
Hymn 60. Ere God had built the mountains. WILLIAM COWPER.
In the Olney Hymns, 1779, based on Prov. viii. 22-31. Cowper s hymns are marked C. (See also under hymn 109.) There are 348 pieces in the book ; Cowper wrote about 68, Newton the rest.
Cowper was born in his father s rectory at Great Berkham- stead, in 1731, educated at Westminster School, called to the Bar in 1754. He had suffered from melancholy from his youth, but in 1763, when nominated to the Clerkship of the Journals in the House of Lords, his reason gave way. Through Dr. Cotton s wise treatment at St. Albans he regained strength. He settled in 1767 at Orchard Side, a tall brick house still standing in the market-place at Olney. John Newton was curate in charge. Cowper lived at Olney for nineteen years. Thomas Scott, the commentator, lived here for some time, and William Carey was sent into the ministry from the Baptist church, after not a little hesitation. Dr. Gauntlett was organist as a boy at the parish church. In 1786 Cowper removed to Weston Underwood. In 1796 he went to live at East Dereham, and was buried in St. Edmund s Chapel, Dereham Church, May 2, 1800. On his tomb are the lines
His highest honours to the heart belong, His virtues formed the magic of his song.
Cowper was Newton s lay helper at Olney. Newton says, He loved the poor. He often visited them, consoled and comforted them in their distress ; and those who were seriously disposed were often cheered and animated by his prayers. The Lord evidently sent him to Olney, where he has been a blessing to many, a great blessing to myself. These were happy years. Cowper says, God has given me such a deep-impressed per suasion of the truth, as a thousand worlds would not purchase from me. It gives me a relish to every blessing, and makes every trouble light.
Southey pays high tribute to Cowper when he calls him 1 the best of English letter-writers ; and his poetry will never cease to appeal to those who share his love of nature and of home. His pen was always used to promote the cause of liberty and true religion.
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