Isaac Watts (1674-1748) Father of English Hymnody

Isaac was born in Southampton, Hampshire, England. His father was in prison at the time because of his nonconformist sympathies - he was eventually released.

Young Isaac showed genius early. He was learning Latin by the age of 4, Greek at 9, French by 11 and Hebrew by 13.

The fact that his father was a nonconformist meant that his bright child could not go to either Oxford or Cambridge university. At 16 he went to study at the Dissenting Academy at Stoke Newington, London (1690- 4).

After graduation he spent the next 2 years at home. During this time the bulk of the Hymns and Spiritual Songs ( eventually published in 1707-9) were written and sung from manuscripts in the Southampton chapel.

He spent the next 6 years as tutor to the son of Sir John Hartopp. During this time he began to accumulate theological and philosophical materials which he published subsequently.

Isaac preached his first sermon when he was 24. In 1699 Isaac was appointed assistant minister of London’s Mark Lane Independent chapel - then one of the city’s most influential independent churches. In March 1702 he became full pastor. Apparently he was an inspiring preacher. His first collection of hymns and sacred lyrics was *Horae Lyricae *(1706).

In 1703 he began to suffer from a psychiatric illness which would plague him for the rest of his life. 1712 a fever chattered his constitution. His illness and unsightly appearance took its toll. His 5 foot, pale, skinny frame was topped by a disproportionately over sized head. He had to pass off more and more of his work to Mr Samuel Price, his assistant. He resigned in 1712.

He accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney at Abney Park- intending to stay a week . At Sir Thomas’ request it became his home for the rest of his life. He preached whenever his delicate health would permit and he continued to write. Besides using Psalms and writing hymns he wrote religious songs especially for children Divine Songs for the Use of Children (1719). He also wrote educational books on geography, astronomy, grammar and philosophy which were widely used throughout the 18th century.

The hymns he wrote include When I Survey the Wondrous Cross , Our God, Our Help in Ages Past, Jesus Shall Reign It is as a writer of psalms and hymns that he is known everywhere. Some of his hymns were written to be sung after his sermon, giving expression to the meaning of the text upon which he had preached.

Isaac died on 25th November 1748. he was buried in the Puritan resting place at Bunhill Fields, BUT a monument was erected to him in Westminster Abbey.

Montgomery calls Isaac the greatest name among hymn writers and the honour can hardly be disputed. His published hymns number more than 800.

Sources used
Britannia Online Encyclopedia
Chritianity Today
Hymnary.org