[Watts, Isaac, 1674-1748.]

Variant names
Dates:
Birth 1674-07-17
Death 1748-11-25
Britons,
English,

Biographical notes:

English non conformist theologian.

From the description of Autograph letter signed : to his brother (Enoch?), 1731 Dec. 22. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270661040

From the description of Autograph letter signed : London, to Daniel Gerdes, 1745/6 Jan. 28. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270661048

From the description of Autograph letter signed : to his brother Enoch, 1731 Apr. 24. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270661031

Minister and hymn writer.

From the description of Notebook, 1699-1709 (inclusive) 1699-1700 (bulk). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122338003

Epithet: of Add MS 41413

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000001188.0x000007

Isaac Watts, hymn writer and author of devotional poetry and prose, was born in Southampton in 1674. He was educated at Southampton Grammar School until he chose to attend the non-conformist academy of Stoke Newington from 1690 to 1694. Watts was almost a Unitarian in his religious outlook. In 1699 he became an assistant pastor of an independent chapel in London, where he became pastor in 1702. He retired in 1712 due to poor health. He received an honorary D.D. from the University of Edinburgh in 1728. Isaac Watts died at Stoke Newington in 1748.

Watts is best known for his hymn writing. Some famous hymns include "O God our help in ages past," and "When I survey the wondrous cross." He is also known for writing "Divine Songs for Children." Outside the realm hymns and poetry, Watts' prose work reflected his liberal social and religious views by critiquing the civil establishment of a national church.

From the description of Isaac Watts collection, 1735, 1748. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 145405887

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Subjects:

  • Children
  • Consolation
  • Doxology
  • English literature
  • English poetry
  • Faith
  • Hymns, English
  • Letters
  • Manuscripts
  • Music
  • Obituaries
  • Occasional verse, English
  • Portraits, British 19th century
  • Psalms (Music)
  • Sacred vocal music
  • Sympathy

Occupations:

  • Clergy
  • Lyricists

Places:

  • Namur (Belgium) (as recorded)
  • England (as recorded)
  • Cyprus, Asia Minor (as recorded)
  • New York (State)--New York (as recorded)
  • Devonport, Devon (as recorded)
  • Great Britain (as recorded)
  • Great Britain (as recorded)

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