THEIR AUTHORS AND ORIGIN. 208
reason ; and, after attempting suicide, he was placed under the care of Dr. Cotton, at St. Albans.
In 1765, on his recovery, Cowper went to reside at Hun tingdon, in order to be near his brother, who was then studying at Cambridge. At Huntingdon the poet made the acquaintance of the Unwins, who became his companions and friends for life, and with whom he resided till Mrs. Unwin s death, many years after. In 17G7, on the death of Mr. Unwin, Cowper and Mrs. Unwin removed to Olney, on the invitation of the Eev. John Newton, who was then curate there. The succeeding nine years were of the greatest importance to Cowper. His religious life was developed as they passed ; he began to feel his power as a writer ; he had many home blessings, and found himself in happy association with several persons of genius and piety : and what was still more to one tempted to gloomy seclusion and morbid melancholy, he met with friends who constantly made efforts to beguile him of those dreary thoughts that drove him to the brink of despair. Amongst his principal friends were the Rev. William Bull, of Newport Pagnel, and the Rev. John Newton, of Olney. Mrs. Unwin s house was close to the vicarage, and Newton and Cowper exchanged visits almost daily. Newton had passed through extraordinary experiences himself, and knew how to meet the case of his suffering friend. Cowper describes himself as a stricken deer, found by " one who had himself been hurt by th" archers," and how with gentle force,
" The darts soliciting, He drew them, forth, and heal d and bade him live."
At that time Cowper had so far overcome his diffidence as occasionally to offer prayer at a religious meeting, established by Mr. Newton, at a mansion in the neighbourhood of Olney. One who was often present, said " Of all the men I ever heard pray none equalled Mr. Cowper."
It was during this period that the " Olney Hymns " were pre pared. Cowper had promised to share with his friend Newton in
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