Isaac Watts - Hymn-writer (Boys and Girls Page)

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BOYS & GIRLS PAGE
by Mrs Seaton

Dear Boys and Girls,

The picture on the right shows a portrait of a very famous Hymn-writer called Isaac Watts. He lived about 300 years ago and wrote many famous hymns that we still sing in our Churches.

When Isaac was a very little boy he met with a dreadful accident which left his little back crooked for the rest of his life. In spite of this, however, he was a bright, cheery little boy whom everybody loved, especially when he used to make up his funny little rhymes about things that he saw happening from day to day. One day in school, he was caught laughing at prayers. He was laughing because he had seen, just behind the schoolmaster, a big rat climbing down the bell-rope. The master called him up, and he was just about to get the strap, when the master decided to ask him what had made him laugh. Little Isaac at once replied: –

"There was a rat, for want of stairs,
Came down a rope to go to prayers!"

The master laughed and let him off.

One other day his father was going to punish him because he wanted him to stop making up his rhymes, but little Isaac said to his father: –

"Dear father, do some pity take,
And I will no more verses make!"

And his father too had to let him off.

But, what were it, boys and girls that really made little Isaac so happy? Well, you see, although he was only 8 years old at this time, he loved Jesus with all his heart and soon his funny little rhymes gave way to great and famous hymns that we often sing in Church.

I am sure you will all know this hymn: –

"When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord that I should boast
Save in the cross of Christ my God:
All the vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down:
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of Nature mine,
That were an offering far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all!

Read this hymn through carefully and see just what you can learn about Jesus and the love Isaac Watts had for his Saviour.

Love,

Mrs Seaton

This Page Title – Boys & Girls. Isaac Watts — Hymn-writer
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