View

209

Psalms and Hymns

Isaac Watts

Isaac Watts (1674-1748) was a popular pastor, poet and hymnist, referred to as the "father of English hymnody". He was born in Southampton, England, into a Nonconformist household, being initially educated by his parents (his father was a local schoolmaster). Always an avid reader, he studied Latin, Greek, and Hebrew already in grammar-school, before attending an academy in London. By 1694 he began to blossom as a poet, composing his first hymns, and continued to write during his duties as a private tutor (1696-1701) in Stoke Newington (near London). There he also became pastor of a local congregation, serving even after his health began to deteriorate (from 1712 on), continuing to preach and write. Some of Watts' theological and religious ideas were considered heterodox, but his faith, devotion, and learning are clear in all his writings. His compositions include poetry and philosophical essays, but his volumes of Hymns (1707) and Psalms (1719) are his greatest legacy.

Nearly 700 Hymns and Psalm adaptations which are among the finest in the English language.

This is a collection of Watts' hymns and adaptations of the Psalms of David, originally published in 1707 and 1719, respectively. There are more than 300 adaptations of the 150 Biblical Psalms, differing primarily in translation and in versing display. There are more than 350 hymns divided into three parts - (1) hymns collected or adapted from Scripture, (2) hymns composed on divine subjects, and (3) hymns prepared for the Lord's Supper. Watts' skillful and informed poetry, full of devotion, gave a new depth and power to hymn-singing in English. The compositions proved immensely popular, and many are still sung regularly in churches today. Among the more familiar are hymns such as: "When I survey the wondrous cross"; "Alas! and did my Savior bleed?"; "Come, we that love the Lord"; "From all that dwell below the skies"; and many more. His finest hymns have been reckoned among the greatest in the English language.

Music & Worship

Hymns