Testament of a Faithful Walk Through the Fire
image: Cowper and Newton Museum (Olney, UK)
John Newton penned the most famous hymn, Amazing Grace, which is still a favorite today. Most Christians don’t know about an amazing aspect of John Newton’s life. In the summer of 1767, Newton became dear friend to William Cowper. William was a great wordsmith and wrote many hymns and poems about Almighty God, but he was afflicted with despair and suicidal ideations throughout his life. John was a faithful, loving, and compassionate friend that never forsook William during their 27-year relationship. “One could not imagine two more different personalities than John Newton and William Cowper,” wrote George Ella. Newton was extroverted, jubilant, and levelheaded, while Cowper was insecure, introverted, and somber.
Although they had very different personalities, they both lost their mothers at a young age, were fluent in Latin and Greek, loved writing, but most importantly, were brothers in Christ. Newton faithfully walked through the fire with Cowper until his death in 1800. Newton labored to keep Cowper out of despair. The two men collaborated on many projects, including Olney Hymns. This Hymnal was a testament to an endearing friendship. For six years, they had a wonderfully joyous relationship. In January of 1773, Cowper fell into a debilitating depression that seized him until God called him home. Cowper wrestled feverishly with his sanity.
image: Cowper and Newton Museum (Olney, UK)
January 2, 1773, Cowper attempted suicide, but it failed and left him bedridden. Newton stayed near his bedside. For fourteen months, Newton calmed the storm of nightmares, delusions, and hallucinations that consumed his friend. The storm did subside, but Cowper was still in a sorrowful state. He believed himself condemned by God; he turned from his church, from prayer life, and the hopes he had expressed in so many hymns. Still, Newton walked along, and their relationship didn’t fail. (Proverb 18:24) Newton walked through a valley that many of us would have decided to avoid. He found ways to ease Cowper’s troubles. But, Newton did all this with God’s guidance through the darkness, knowing that those “who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).
In 1790, Cowper wrote in a letter to Newton, “The only consolation left to me on this subject is the voice of the Almighty can in one moment cure me of this mental infirmity. That he can, I know by experience, and there are reasons for which I ought to believe that He will,” from Man of God’s Stamp. Newton’s patience, loyalty and love for his friend was not in vain. They walked together day by day, but Newton knew Cowper was in hands that were stronger than his. Newton showed great humility and compassion in his walk with Cowper. He would get confused and frustrated, but never angry with his hurting friend and always was truthful. Even though many of their conversations were centered around Cowper’s depressive mood, he enjoyed Cowper’s way with words. In May 1800, Cowper passed away. Newton read Exodos 3:2-3 at Cowper’s funeral, which was an unusual passage for a funeral. After reading the passage, Newton stated, “I know of no text in the whole book of God’s word more suited to the case of my dear friend than I have read. He was indeed a bush in flames for twenty-seven years but he was not consumed.”