April 12 William Cowper, 1731–1800 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13) William Cowper is viewed by some as one of the finest of all English writers. But Cowper’s emotional life was one of great turmoil. At an early age he was directed by his father to study law. Upon completion of his studies, however, the prospect of appearing for his final examination before the bar so frightened him that it