Isaac Watts (July 17, 1674 - November 25, 1748), recognised as the 'Father of English Hymnody', as he was the first both prolific and popular English hymnwriter, credited with some 750 hymns. Many of his hymns remain in active use today.

Born in Southampton, Watts was brought up in the home of a committed Nonconformist - his father had been imprisoned twice for his views. At his local school he learnt Latin, Greek and Hebrew, and displayed a propensity for rhyme at home, driving his parents to the point of distraction on many occasions with his verse. Once, he had to explain how he came to have his eyes open during prayers.

"A little mouse for want of stairs

ran up a rope to say its prayers."

Receiving corporal punishment for this, he cried

"O father, do some pity take

And I will no more verses make."

Watts, unable to go to either Oxford or Cambridge due to his Nonconformity, went to the Dissenting Academy at Stoke Newington in 1690.

His education led him to the pastorate of a large church in London, and he also found himself in the position of helping trainee preachers, despite poor health.

He died in Stoke Newington, having left behind him a massive legacy, not only of hymns, but also of treatises, essays and the like.

One of his best known poems was an exhortation Against Idleness And Mischief

How doth the little busy bee

Improve each shining hour,

And gather honey all the day

From every opening flower!

List of hymns

Some of Watts' more well-known hymns are:

• Joy to the World! (sung to a tune by Handel)
• Come We that Love the Lord (often sung with the chorus [and titled] ‘We’re Marching to Zion’)
• Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove
• Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun
• O God our Help in Ages Past
• When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

See also

• Africa (Billings)