He Hides a Smiling Face

"Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.” William Cowper, a great influential poet, led a life of internal torment and suffering. In the last hours of his seemingly fruitless life he could not find the assurance of faith that he sought. Because of his doubts, Cowper drew closer and clung more tightly to God. God also used this afflicted life to encourage the believer to reject selfishness, embrace the sanctifying work of the Lord, and serve Him with great passion and joy. As we look at these things we see that within the poet’s suffering there is a loving and merciful hidden smile of God.

In the Hidden Smile of God, John Piper explains how Cowper's suffering was beneficial to him: “What makes it so relevant for Cowper’s condition is Herbert’s insight into how God, at times, withholds a rest from our soul, not to make us miserable, but that restlessness may toss us to his breast.” William’s suffering was a way of drawing him to God. He no longer relied on himself or his world, which seemed to be falling in around him, but on the one true God.

How can a believer benefit by dwelling on a life like Cowper’s filled with internal, spiritual battles; several attempts at suicide; and a death without hope of salvation? Studying the life of Cowper, who suffered so much, is an important habit for believers. Understanding his suffered reproaches, persecutions, and yet his continual praise and obedience to God is an illustration for believers to exemplify. It gives the believer zeal to look outside of himself and his own sufferings and to, instead, do good to all men in the name of the Lord. Benjamin Brook made this very point:

“Of all the books which can be put into your hands,
those which relate the labors and suffering of good
men are the most interesting and instructive. In them
you see orthodox principles, Christian tempers, and
holy duties in lovely union and in vigorous operation.
In them you see religion shining forth in real life,
Subduing the corruptions of human nature, and inspiring
A zeal for every good work.”

Though William Cowper suffered because of his faith, his life was very benficial. He adorned the doctrine of God with the fidelity of his life. His steadfastness through suffering sweetened and intensified the song of his faith. We are commanded by the bible to imitate those who through faith and patience inherited the promises. We can only do this once we have read their stories.

Another benefit of Cowper’s suffering is the powerful words of his God centered poems and hymns. “Cowper today is still touching the hearts of thousands who know nothing of him at all, simply because, in worship, they sing his hymns “There Is a Fountain filled with Blood,” “O for a Closer Walk with God,” and “God Moves in a Mysterious Way.” As William suffered he was drawn to God. He, then, began to write Hymns of wonderful spiritual significance. These Poetical songs are encouragement for many Christians who are, as Piper said, being touched by Cowper simply because, in worship, they sing his hymns.

William Cowper’s life should be an example to the Christian on how he should look at his salvation. The Christian should constantly look at himself with a critical spiritual microscope to determine if he is in the faith. Many people will go through what they call the Christian walk. “Their assurance, however, is not based upon truth. Despite their veneer of righteousness and obedience to God’s commands, Jesus reserves his most withering words for them, such as ‘son of hell’ and ‘how will you escape being condemned to hell?” Donald S. Whitney in How Can I Be Sure I’m A Christian describes a very scary thought: A person may live what he thinks is the Christian life and yet be “condemned to hell.” So it is important for the Christian to test himself to see if he is in the faith.

Cowper was the recipient of much good through his suffering. Each moment of persecution that he went through was one less moment of selfishness, and one more moment for him to draw closer to God. Cowper is an encouragement for believers today. Through his life, he encourages believers to continue on steadfastly in their faith even in the most trying times. Truly behind the frowning providence of William Cowper’s life there sits the merciful, smiling face of God.