Isaac Watts: His Life and Thought

by Graham Beynon

The life story of Isaac Watts 1674 - 1748, the hymn writer who wrote over 700 hymns including the well-known "When I survey the Wondrous Cross," "O God, our help in ages past" and "Jesus shall reign where'er the sun"- hymns which are still sung to this day. Brought up in a non-conformist church and family, Isaac Watts knew what it was to be a pastor whilst also battling prolonged periods of illness. His writings were often initially for his own congregation when he was physically unable to preach. He rejoiced at the reports of revival from New England and was a contemporary of George Whitefield.

Genres: Biography, Church History

196 pages, Paperback

First published November 11, 2013

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I don't prefer the format of this book as it followed a topical approach rather than that of a chronological narrative, it was very well written. There was a well measured use of quotes from Watts and his contemporaries, enough to carry the reader along but not so much as to lose the general flow of the chapter. The book covered Watts life thoroughly and critically. The author's conclusion provides an excellent summary:

Isaac Watts is known today as a hymn writer, and it must be said it was in his hymns that he has the claim to genius. People vary as to whom they think was the best hymn writer of all time, but it usually comes down to a choice between Charles Wesley and Isaac Watts. Watts is often said to win, if only on the basis that he came first and Wesley could use him as a starting point.

But there was so much more to Watts than his hymns. Others have written far more, but his literary output was still extensive. Others have produced more original works, but his were still insightful and helpful. Others have defended the faith against greater threat, but he still fought significant fights in his day.

Perhaps one of the most impressive things to see is the vast range of his writing. He wrote for children and for adults; he explained theology and natural science; he debated with philosophers and penned songs for four-year-olds; he produced textbooks which were used at universities and he wrote pastoral letters for hurting people in his congregation.

He was also very balanced. At a time when reason was being exalted, he happily agreed with the advances in science and logic, but still pointed out the shortcomings of our reasoning and the need for revelation. At a time when churches were firmly divided into different parties, he argued for the central doctrines of the faith which we must unite on, but for tolerance in secondary matters. At a time when religion was becoming dry and rational, he argued fervently for the need for heart religion, but still warned about the need for clear thinking.

I teetered between four and five stars. While I love nothing more than a devotional biography (which I didn't find this to be), I didn't want to rob the author of a star simply because I didn't find the book thoroughly heart-warming. While it might not be Brainerd's Journal it is a excellent biography and ultimately worthy of five-stars.

[Jeffrey Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

My hunch is that if I asked someone what they think about Isaac Watts, they'd either answer, "He's a great hymnwriter" or "Who's Isaac Watts?" As one who, before reading this book, would be in the former category - after all, he's written hymns like "Joy To The World," "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross," "I Sing the Mighty Power of God," and "Alas And Did My Savior Bleed" (aka "At the Cross") - I learned there's a lot more to this gentleman.

Graham Benyon wrote his doctoral dissertation about Watts, but he wrote this book in such a way I would not hesitate recommending it to a middle schooler to read. Benyon did a good job of making this easy to understand and enjoyable to read. This is fitting for a biography for Watts, because he wrote songs for younger people as well as his classic hymns. He also wrote catachisms, and made his age appropriate for different ages.

You may know that Watts only wrote hymn lyrics, using meters for existing tunes, which was common for that day (Charles Wesley did the same). Watts also was a pastor, a teacher, and an apologist. When he saw something that he thought should be done better, he'd do that better. For example, he wrote a book on logic which was used at Oxford, Cambridge, and Yale, titled "Logic: The Right Use of Reason in the Inquiry After Truth." That logic book is available on Amazon.

Watts saw the church of his day being so afraid of being over emotional (in those days, they called it being enthusiastic), and encouraged revival. In the areas of preaching, prayer (private and public) and singing, he encouraged doing it with understanding and reason and also from the heart, with godly emotion.

This is my favorite biography, and I highly recommend it.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a helpful, readable and enjoyable biography by Graham Beynon. He writes simply and yet he gathers all the important areas of Isaac Watts' contribution to the life and history of the Christian Church. Although he was a dissenter, he was concerned for true gospel unity, and held a balance without sacrificing truth or principles.
I had no idea that he was instrumental in supporting the ministry of George Whitfield at a time when the young Whitfield was being criticised as an 'enthusiast.'
I also had no idea that it was Watts, in his closing years who asked Philip Doddridge to write 'The Rise And Progress Of Religion In The Soul' - which Watts was now too frail to write. And the impact of Doddridge's work was tremendous, published in many languages.
The closing years of Watt's saw him focusing his writing on death and the glory to come.
One last comment.... John Wesley records in his journal an occasion when he and Charles visited Watts, and Wesley records that they walked and sang together. What a sight that must have been, to see the two greatest English hymn writers, Charles Wesley and Isaac Watts, singing together!
This is a great biography and I very warmly commend it.

[Margaret Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good summary of Isaac Watts life and in depth on his understanding of God's Word and Faith. He did far more than I realised. However I didn't find this book very engaging but rather dry.

[David Dunlap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a bit dry in spots, this books gives an excellent overview of the life of Isaac Watts, with special attention paid to various aspects of his thought -- in addition, of course, to his hymns. (In fact, I thought the part of the book devoted to Watts's hymns could have been expanded; perhaps the author believes that this part of his work is too well-known to require extended comment.) The author shows a masterful use of Watts's own writings to underscore the points he makes. Especially interesting to me were the portions of the book devoted to how Watts sought to walk a fine line between the cerebral 'Enlightenment' faith so characteristic of his time and the overly-passionate 'enthusiastic' religion that was coming to the fore. Also touched upon were Watts's affinity with Jonathan Edwards and his more skeptical approach toward George Whitefield and the Wesleys. -- Benyon does not -quite- make his subject come to life, as it were, but the book is enjoyable for what it is and what it seeks to accomplish.

[Sean Durity · Rating 4 out of 5]

In some places this read more like a research project than a strong narrative. However, Watts’ life and impact are detailed and impactful. Much more than a hymn writer, he was a pastor and author who dealt with life-long illness, too. I chose this book because I had read that physicist Michael Faraday had taken Watts’ book, The Improvement of the Mind, as a strong inspiration. I needed to hear more about Watts.

This book delivered on that. Watts wrote children’s catechisms, hymns, letters, sermons, poetry, and a textbook on logic. He helped move the church from singing Psalms only to include songs of Christian experience. He held in tension the need for clear thinking and for heart-felt faith. And he publicized and explained the Great Awakening and English Evangelical revivals. I was glad to “meet” Watts in this book.

[Robert Wegner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very encouraging book about a great man of God who made peace but drew necessary lines as well. Great hymn-writer (possibly the best), yet his theological works and years of pastoral leadership were really the impressive feat. A good reminder that if one wants to write good music, he must be deep in good Bible reading.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent entry level biography of Isaac Watts.

[richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

what can I say about this man of God who was such an amazing compassionate man of God. In the age when reason was everything people in the church knew litergy but the heart wasn't stirred. Doctrines were learned but hearts not changed. In this time of history Issac Watts enters the picture and brings both together, knowledge of God leads to love for God. Wonderful Insight into this great man.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I knew about Watts' hymns. Some of my favorites are:
Alas and Did my Savior Bleed?
How Sweet and Aweful is the Place
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Jesus Shall Reign

But before reading this, I was unaware of what a prolific writer and preacher he was. He wrote hymns, textbooks, treatises and even children's books. One of my favorite quotes from the book was this one by Watts himself:

"I content myself with this thought: that nothing is too mean for a servant of Christ to engage in, if he can thereby most effectually promote the Kingdom of his blessed master. If the God whom I serve will bless my labors to sow the seeds of religion in the understanding and hearts of children, I shall hope there will arise a fair harvest of the fruits of holiness in the succeeding generation, and some revenue of glory to my creator and redeemer."

[Michelle Cates · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been curious to know more about Watts and this book does an excellent job of giving you great insight into his theology along with a thorough biography.

[Eddy Ekofo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thee author is clearly Calvinistic to which Dr. Watts was also(which I am not), regardless, great book on this great man Isaac Watts, could be better but still loved it. God bless