William Cowper ndash the English poet found a friend in his pastor John Newton ndash the former slave trader Cowper suffered from depression and anxiety attempting to die by suicide more than once When Newton visited him they rsquo d go on long walks together and talk about God Thinking that Cowper would benefit from engaging creatively and having a reason to write his poetry the minister had the idea to compile a hymnal Cowper contributed many songs including ldquo God Moves in a Mysterious Way rdquo When Newton moved to another church he and Cowper remained strong friends and [... more]