Martin Madan

1725-1790

Born: 5 October 1725, Bond Street, London, England (at the house of his maternal grandfather, Judge Spencer Cowper, MP).

Died: May 1, 1790, at his home in Woodcote End, Epsom, Surrey, England.

Buried: St. Mary Abbot’s Anglican Church, Kensington, England.

A cousin of William Cowper, Madan was educated at Christ Church, Oxford. Though he planned a career in law, he converted after hearing a sermon by John Wesley, “Prepare to Meet Thy God.” After some difficulties, he took Holy Orders, and subsequently founded and became chaplain of the Lock Hospital, Hyde Park Corner, London. He was a popular preacher, and had a considerable reputation as a composer. He stopped preaching after publication of his work Thelyphthora, which advocated the practice of polygamy. His other works include:

• A Commentary on the Articles of the Church of England
• A Collection of Psalms and Hymns Extracted from Various Authors, 1760

Hymns:

1. Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending
2. Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus
3. Now Begin the Heavn’ly Theme