England)

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Isaac Watts (17 July 1674 – 25 November 1748) was an English hymnwriter, theologian and logician. A prolific and popular hymnwriter, he was recognised as the "Father of English Hymnody", credited with some 650 hymns. Many of his hymns remain in use today, and have been translated into many languages.

Born in Southampton, England, in 1674, Watts was brought up in the home of a committed religious Nonconformist — his father, also Isaac Watts, had been incarcerated twice for his controversial views. At King Edward VI School (where one of the houses is now named "Watts" in his honour), Watts learned Latin, Greek and Hebrew. From an early age, Watts displayed a propensity for rhyme. ... more »

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''For Satan finds some mischief still
For idle hands to do.''
Isaac Watts (1674-1748), British hymn-writer. Against Idleness and Mischief, st. 3, Divine Songs for Children (1715). A similar thought was expres...
''Death, like an overflowing stream,
Sweeps us away: our life's a dream,...''
Isaac Watts (1674-1748), British hymn-writer. Published in The Sacred Harp (1991). "Death, like an overflowing stream," l. 1-2 (1709).
''But, children, you should never let
Such angry passions rise;
Your little hands were never made
To tear each other's eyes.''
Isaac Watts (1674-1748). Divine Songs for Children, "Against Quarreling," xvi (1715).
''From all that dwell below the skies
let the Creator's praise arise!
Let the Redeemer's name be sung
through every land, by every tongue!''
Isaac Watts (1674-1748), British hymn-writer. "From all that dwell," l. 1-4, Psalms of David (1719). Inspired by Psalm 117.

Isaac Watts (17 July 1674 – 25 November 1748 / Southampton / England)

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