For those who know me well, know that my parents divorced when I was just five years old. My oldest brother Ed, was nine years old, then next in line was my brother “Bud” (George F. Fickley the third) seven +yrs old. Then me, then our sister Nancy who was three years younger than me,Then came along my baby brother “Dick” ( Harold Richard) who was only one when our father left us.
My father left us without any support whatsoever, and Mom raised the five of us by herself with the assistance of our grandparents (her mother and dad,) who moved into the house my father had just finished building. Grandad lived until “Dick” turned six years old and entered school in the first grade, Then grandad died soon after in November.
I do not remember ever hearing my mother speak negative words about my father. No verbal renting against him. What I do remember however, is her
mentioning more than once, telling us that my father quoted as he was leaving all of us, the words of William Cowper“
His wonders to perform”
Published by
TC Robinson
Martin at the Scroll has this moving post on the enigmatic William Cowper. Cowper was a friend of John Newton, author of the famous “Amazing Grace” hymn. Here’s a snippet from the Cowper piece:
What is so sad about the story of William Cowper was that while he suffered from these horrible bouts of depression and fear, he wrote wonderful poems about the grace, love, and sovereignty of God. He knew the grace of God mentally but he believed that he had sinned beyond that grace. Sadly, Cowper died still doubting his salvation and believing that he would spend eternity in hell. Everyone who knew him, however, understood that he would not spend eternity in hell. Cowper loved the Lord even though he doubted that the Lord loved himanymore.
It was William Cowper who wrote the following poem:
God Moves in Mysterious Ways
God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain
poet William Cowper
Background: This proverb is attributed to English poet William Cowper (1731-1800) who worked closely with John Newton in Olney, England for two decades. The result of their work is a collection of 349 hymns including 67 writen by Cowper.
I encourage you to listen to this Hymn
you can l sten to this hymn on youtube
By God’s Design
Beyond whatever darkness come your way
Believers need to understand God’s might
Any circumstance that reached your life today
Was not hidden from our Savior’s Sovereign sight
Fathomless is God’s amazing grace
To be partaker of the love that He has shared
Great planning, and design, has taken place
To bring us to Himself, which He prepared
To be awakened, first to know, and then to claim
Christ’s life, and then, the treasure of God’s love
A member of Christ’s bride in Jesus name
To serve, while waiting for our home above.
Jim Fickley © 4 / 11 / 24
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