My sole possession is Thy love, O Lord

Author: William Cowper

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 >

Text Information

First Line: My sole possession is Thy love, O Lord
Author: William Cowper
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

Timeline

Instances

Instances (1 - 2 of 2)
Page Scan

Hymn and Tune Book of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South (Round Note Ed.) #562

Page Scan

Hymn Book of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South #562

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us