Often when we think of Isaac Watts, we think of his many powerful hymns, such as Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Joy to the World!, I Sing the Mighty Power of God. Although he is credited with writing 750, there is still much more than just hymn writing that Watts accomplished in his lifetime.
Isaac Watts was born on July 17, 1674 in Southampton. Being the son of a schoolmaster, it would be easy to imagine that Watts had high scholarly expectations to live up to. If this is true, he certainly did live up to them. He began studying Latin in his fourth year of school and was good writing poetry by the time he was seven years old. Throughout his schooling he would learn Greek and Hebrew as well. He also studied at the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe when he was only 16 years of age. When he was just 20, Watts wrote and published his first book of hymns.
Not only was Watts a songwriter, but he was also a pastor and educator. He preached his first sermon when he was 24 and became a pastor at age 28. He wrote devotionals and catechisms for the faith, and also wrote educational books on grammar, astronomy, philosophy, and geography.
Isaac Watts lived a full life and accomplished much in his 74 years on this earth. He passed away on November 25, 1748. May we always keep in our minds the truths that he expressed in song and remember our mighty, loving, and sacrificial Savior.
Information adapted from:
https://hymnary.org/person/Watts_Isaac
https://www.britannica.com/topic/liturgical-music
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