Deep in unfathomable mines of never failing skill, he treasures up his bright designs, and works his sovereign will

Deep in unfathomable mines of never failing skill, he treasures up his bright designs, and works his sovereign will

William Cowper was a renowned English poet and hymnodist who lived during the 18th century. His works often reflected his deep faith and belief in the power and sovereignty of God. One of his most famous hymns, "God Moves in a Mysterious Way," contains the lines, "Deep in unfathomable mines of never failing skill, he treasures up his bright designs, and works his sovereign will."

These lines speak to Cowper's understanding of God as a mysterious and all-powerful being whose ways are beyond human comprehension. The image of God as a miner, delving deep into the earth to uncover hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge, is a powerful metaphor for the divine intelligence and creativity that Cowper believed governed the universe.

In Cowper's view, God's designs are "bright" and full of promise, even if they may be hidden from human sight. The idea that God works his "sovereign will" suggests that he is in control of all things, guiding the course of history and the lives of individuals according to his own divine plan.

For Cowper, this belief in God's sovereignty was a source of comfort and reassurance in the face of life's uncertainties and challenges. He saw God as a loving and benevolent ruler, whose will was always for the ultimate good of his creation.

The hymn "God Moves in a Mysterious Way" is a testament to Cowper's deep faith and his conviction that God's ways are ultimately just and merciful, even when they may seem incomprehensible to human beings. The image of God as a skilled miner, carefully crafting his designs in the depths of the earth, serves as a powerful reminder of the divine wisdom and power that Cowper believed governed the universe.