Scripture References:
st. 3-4 = Ps. 51:12, Job 29:2-3
st. 5 = Heb. 12:14
William Cowper (PHH 434) wrote this text on December 9, 1769, during the illness of his long-time friend and housekeeper, Mrs. Unwin. In a letter written the next day Cowper voiced his anxieties about her condition and about what might happen to him if she died. Saying that he composed the text "to surrender up to the Lord" all his "dearest comforts," Cowper added,
Her illness has been a sharp trial to me. Oh, that it may have a sanctifying effect!. . . I began to compose the verses yesterday morning before daybreak, but fell asleep at the end of the first two lines; when I awoke again, the third and fourth were whispered to my heart in a way which I have often experienced.
The text was published in Richard Conyers's Collection of Psalms and Hymns (1772) and, with some revision, in the Olney Hymns (1779). There it had the heading "Walk with God" and included a reference to Enoch in Genesis 5:24. The original fourth stanza is omitted.
Although Cowper frequently battled depression, doubt, and melancholy, this text speaks of a very intimate walk with the Lord. That walk is rooted in Scripture (st. 1), rejoices in conversion (st. 2-3), and denounces all idols that would usurp God's sovereignty (st. 4). The text concludes with a return to the prayer of the first stanza, but now that prayer is sung with increased confidence and serenity.
Liturgical Use:
For occasions of aspiration, hope, and encouragement for a more intimate walk with God; a fine testimonial hymn.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook
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O for a closer walk with God. W. Cowper. [Walking with God.] This is one of the most beautiful, tender, and popular of Cowper's hymns. It appeared in the 2nd edition of R. Conyers's Collection of Psalms & Hymns, 1772, in 6 stanzas of 4 lines, and again in A. M. Toplady's Psalms & Hymns, 1776, and in the Olney Hymns, 1779, Book i., No. 3, and headed, "Walking with God." It is based on Gen. v. 24, "And Enoch walked with God." It is in extensive use in all English-speaking countries, and usually in its original form.
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
Cowper, William, the poet. The leading events in the life of Cowper are: born in his father's rectory, Berkhampstead, Nov. 26, 1731; educated at Westminster; called to the Bar, 1754; madness, 1763; residence at Huntingdon, 1765; removal to Olney, 1768; to Weston, 1786 ; to East Dereham, 1795; death there, April 25,1800.
The simple life of Cowper, marked chiefly by its innocent recreations and tender friendships, was in reality a tragedy. His mother, whom he commemorated in the exquisite M Lines on her picture," a vivid delineation of his childhood, written in his 60th year, died when he was six years old. At his first school he was profoundly wretched, but happier at Westminster; excelling at cricket and football, and numbering Warren Hast… Go to person page >
