In addition to various papers with which he was connected, Cooper in 1850 ran "Cooper's Journal," but only a few issues appeared. At the same time he adopted sceptical views, which he continued to hold until 1855, when he reconverted to Christianity, joined the Baptists, and was a preacher among them. Though still calling himself a Chartist, he sought to earn a living and a reputation as a writer. In addition to his poems, he wrote several novels, although those like "Alderman Ralph" (1853) failed on both counts.