To finish off my month of looking at William Cowper, here is an essay that I have written on his life and work – an attempt to draw together the threads of life that was simultaneously dark and beautiful. I hope you find it a helpful read.
William Cowper – The Waiting Soul
Posted byMatthew PullarPosted in12 Poets Project, Devotional, Essays, PoetryTags:depression, faith, God, healing, mental illness, William Cowper
Published by Matthew Pullar
Teacher, writer, blogger, husband, father, Christian. Living in Wyndham in Melbourne's west, on the land of the Kulin Nation. Searching for words to console and feed hearts and souls. View more posts
The Consolations of Writing 
Gosh, so much there it’s hard to comment. For me the thing that jumps out (once again) is this link between mental health and writing/creativity. Have you written anything about this Matt? Having my own struggle with depression I find I am helped by others who have suffered. Some of his excerpts you quoted are astounding, what a rollercoaster his life must have been.
I’ve been planning a book for a while now exploring that exact idea, mostly because I’ve also found it really helpful to see others write about their mental health struggles in a way that’s honest and encouraging. I’m planning for the William Cowper essay to be a chapter in the book. We’ll see if it gets written!
Oh do write it, sounds a great thing to do!
Thanks! I’d like to. It’s just a matter of having the time for a project of that size. It may have to wait until I’ve finished my Masters.