Well, my friends, this week's blog post is going to be a real treat. We're diving deep into the story and the writer behind one of the most powerful and profound hymns of all time – "There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood." Now, I have to let you know upfront that I've done my fair share of research for this one, scouring through Wikipedia and the website umcdiscipleship.org to uncover all the juicy details. But trust me, it's going to be worth it.
You see, this iconic hymn was penned by none other than William Cowper, way back in 1771. And let me tell you, Cowper's life was anything but simple. In fact, he was someone who battled depression and mental illness for the majority of his days. Can you believe it? This man, whose words have brought such profound comfort and hope to countless souls, was himself no stranger to the darkness of the human condition.
But that's what makes his story all the more remarkable, don't you think? To be able to craft such a powerful, unwavering declaration of the redeeming power of Christ's blood, despite the personal turmoil he endured – it's truly awe-inspiring. I can't wait to dive into the details and share Cowper's story with you, my friends. Because I believe there's so much we can learn from this man's life and the legacy he's left behind.
So, grab a cup of your favorite brew, get cozy, and join me as we explore the life and the lyrics of the one and only William Cowper. It's going to be a journey, to be sure, but one that I promise will leave you feeling inspired, uplifted, and maybe even a little bit in awe. After all, that's what great storytelling is all about, isn't it?
You know, my friends, William Cowper was truly a one-of-a-kind figure – a hymn writer who was also a renowned secular poet. And from the moment I started delving into his story, I was captivated by the sheer complexity and depth of this much-beloved, yet deeply tormented literary genius.
Let me paint you a picture of Cowper's early life. He was born in 1731, right in the rectory of the Church of St. Peter in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. His father, George II, was a chaplain – a member of the clergy who had charge of a parish. And you know, Cowper came from quite the literary lineage. His aunt, Judith Madan, was a poet in her own right, and his mother, Ann Donne, sadly passed away when he was just six years old. The loss of his beloved mother at such a tender age clearly left a deep and lasting impact on young William.
But despite the darkness that would come to define so much of his life, Cowper was blessed with a remarkable support system in his early years. His mother's family, particularly her brother Robert and his wife Harriot, showered William with love and nurtured his burgeoning passion for reading. They even gifted him some of his very first books – classics like John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and John Gay's Fables. Can you just imagine the young Cowper, curled up with those timeless tales, his imagination running wild? It's no wonder he grew up to be such a celebrated literary figure.
But of course, as we'll soon discover, Cowper's life was anything but a fairytale. The shadows that would haunt him were just beginning to take shape. Still, even in the face of the immense personal turmoil that was to come, this remarkable man would go on to leave an indelible mark on the world – through his poetry, his hymns, and the enduring legacy of his resilience in the face of adversity. But that's a story for another time, my friends. For now, let's savor the beginnings of Cowper's remarkable journey, and see where it takes us next.
Ah, the fascinating life of William Cowper – a man whose journey was marked by both triumph and tragedy, yet whose legacy has endured for centuries. Let's dive a little deeper into his formative years, shall we?
You see, Cowper's early education was a bit of a rollercoaster ride. He was first sent to a boarding school in Markyate, where he began to struggle with the emotional difficulties that would haunt him throughout his life. Poor lad, even at such a young age, he was already grappling with the shadows that would loom over him. But then, he found a glimmer of happiness at Westminster School, where he blossomed as a scholar, diving headfirst into the classics and honing his skills in Latin. Ah, the joys of young, eager minds! And you know, Westminster was quite the intellectual hub back then – a place where the children of Whig families mingled with those of more humble origins. It was a melting pot of brilliant young minds, and Cowper was right at home, forging lifelong friendships and nurturing his love for the written word.
But of course, the path ahead was not without its challenges. After graduating, Cowper embarked on a new venture, apprenticing himself to a solicitor. And though he was called to the Bar in 1754, he never actually practiced law. In fact, when he was up for a prestigious position as the Clerk of Journals in the House of Lords, tragedy struck – a debilitating panic attack that robbed him of the opportunity. It was a devastating blow that sent him spiraling into a deep, dark depression.
But even in the midst of his personal turmoil, Cowper found solace and support in the most unexpected places. It was during his time at St. Alban's Hospital that he forged a lifelong friendship with the Reverend Morley Unwin and his family. And when tragedy struck again with Unwin's passing, it was none other than the renowned hymn writer John Newton who stepped in, persuading Cowper and the Unwin clan to join him in the quaint village of Olney.
Ah, but it was in Olney that Cowper's legacy truly began to take shape. It was there, amid the supportive embrace of his newfound community, that he and Newton embarked on a joint publication that would become a touchstone of faith – the Olney Hymns. And it was during this time, even in the throes of his own personal struggles, that Cowper penned one of his most beloved and controversial hymns – "There is a Fountain Filled With Blood.”
Truly, the life of William Cowper is a testament to the power of resilience, the transformative nature of friendship, and the enduring legacy of the written word. But the story is far from over, my friends. Join me as we continue to unravel the threads of this remarkable man's life and the indelible mark he left on the world.
As I delve deeper into the life and work of William Cowper, one particular hymn has captivated my attention – "There Is a Fountain Filled With Blood." Based on the powerful imagery of Zechariah 13:1, this hymn stands as a profound meditation on the cleansing, saving power of Christ's blood. It's a testament to the raw, unapologetic poetry that could spring forth from Cowper's pen.
And you know, it's fascinating to me that even in the 19th century, there were those who sought to "sanitize" this hymn, to make it less graphic. In 1819, a group tried to alter the opening line, changing it from "There is a fountain filled with blood" to the more palatable "From Calvary's Cross a Fountain Flows." But as the esteemed hymnologist E.E. Ryder so eloquently stated, such attempts "forget that what they [the offensive graphic language] express is not only poetry, but the poetry of intense and impassioned feeling, which naturally embodies itself in the boldest metaphors.”
And I couldn't agree more. You see, for me, that opening line – "There is a fountain filled with blood" – has always held a deep, personal resonance. In fact, it was my favorite hymn to sing as a solo back in my high school days. Those were the times, weren't they?
But of course, Cowper's life was not without its own profound struggles. In 1773, just two years into the Olney Hymns project, the poet was devastated by the death of his brother. This tragedy plunged him into his deepest, darkest bout of depression yet, to the point where he became convinced that God wanted him to take his own life. And yet, even in the midst of that anguish, Cowper was spared – not once, but three times, as he attempted suicide. He saw this as a sign of God's divine intervention, a testament to the overruling providence that would lead him to write his most famous hymn on that very subject.
And what a testament it is! "God Moves in a Mysterious Way" – a hymn that has undoubtedly touched the hearts of countless souls, including my own. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, even when the path ahead seems shrouded in mystery, there is a divine hand guiding us, a light to lead us through the shadows.
But of course, Cowper's journey was not without its final, devastating blow. In 1796, he lost his dear friend, Mrs. Unwin, and the depth of his grief plunged him into a permanent state of despair. It was a loss from which he never truly recovered, and ultimately led to his passing in 1800.
And yet, even in the face of such profound personal trials, Cowper's words and his music have endured, touching the hearts and souls of generations. For me, this hymn – this bold, unapologetic testament to the power of Christ's blood – has become a source of solace, a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is a fountain of redemption, a wellspring of grace.
As I've grown older, my appreciation for this hymn has only deepened. Perhaps it's because I've weathered my own share of emotional storms, my own bouts of depression. But in those times, I've found solace in the timeless words of William Cowper, in the knowledge that I am not alone in my struggles, that there is a fountain – a wellspring of divine love – that can cleanse and restore the weary soul.
Cowper’s personal story resonates with me deeply, my friend. The parallels between my own journey and that of William Cowper are truly profound. I can only imagine the weight of the struggles he endured, the darkness he had to confront. And yet, through it all, I found solace and strength in the very hymn that so captivated Cowper's own soul. "There Is a Fountain Filled With Blood" – a testament to the cleansing, redeeming power of Christ's sacrifice.
It has been my goal to weave my own story into this hymn, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and, hopefully, profound insights. I found it remarkable that my song, “Who Can Satisfy My Soul," goes so well with this timeless hymn. What a powerful pairing, a testament to the truth that only Christ can truly satisfy the longing of our souls.
I hope my description of that pivotal moment in 1988 when I received “Who Can Satisfy My Soul,” when God flooded my soul with the truth of His presence – is a testament to the transformative power of humility and earnest cries for help. It’s the truth, my friend – when we feel alone, when we're bombarded by the lies of the enemy, we must remember that we don't deserve to be noticed, to be encouraged, to be picked up. And yet, in His infinite grace, God has made a way for us to never be alone, to always be upheld and cherished.
I'm so grateful that I did not succeed in my attempt to take my own life, just as I'm grateful that Cowper was spared. Through the years, I've found that same network of trusted friends and counselors that Cowper did – those who talked me down from the ledge, who walked with me through the valleys of depression and into the sunlit meadows of joy.
We must never lose sight of the fundamental truth that every person has a deep, innate desire to be known and valued. And as followers of Christ, it is our sacred duty to be that light, that friend, that Jesus to those who are struggling, to those who feel alone and forgotten. By simply being present, by offering the gift of our time and our empathy, we can pour balm on the wounded souls of this world.
It is my prayer that my story, my journey, could be a testament to the power of resilience, of faith, and of the unwavering love of our Savior. It is my hope that my words and my music continue to touch the hearts of all who hear them, just as Cowper's hymn has touched my own soul. For in the end, that is the true legacy we all strive to leave behind – a legacy of hope, of healing, and of the unshakable truth that Christ alone can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts.
Dennis Jernigan
To hear The Dennis Jernigan Podcast version of this teaching and to hear the coupling of these two songs, go to https://www.patreon.com/posts/there-is-filled-106818536
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