In an inspiring book, The Poetic Wonder of Isaac Watts, Douglas Bond introduces Watts to us. The book is part of the Long Line of Godly Men Profile series edited by Steve Lawson. Hardcover is available from Amazon for under $14, the Kindle version for less than $8. I mention that because I recommend the book to you, especially if you’re interested in how God used ordinary people in the past to influence his people for good even to the present.
Why We Should Know Watts. Bond explains: “By his extraordinary literary skill, he made hymn-singing a devotional force in the Protestant church. Captured by a towering vision of God, this gifted composer revitalized congregational singing by restating rich theology in lyrics that matched the music weightiness of the biblical message . . . this pastor-hymnologist influenced the course of congregational worship that has lasted until this day.” Of course, “this day” worship music is more influenced by popular Christian artists than pastor-hymnologists whose souls are filled with the weightiness of the biblical message.
The Man. Watts was born in a troubled England 340 years ago and died 266 years ago. Bond tells the story of his life, sprinkling his hymns throughout, so we don’t feel as if we’re reading an encyclopedia but a narrative of an ordinary man God used extraordinarily. We learn about Watts’ life and legacy, his role as an educator, lyric poet, hymn writer, poet theologian, children’s poet, psalm interpreter. We read about his sermon hymns and his impact on our time. But the strength of the book is the hymns themselves.
A Few Favorites Among His Hymns. Whenever I came to one of Watts’ hymns, I found myself pausing to read it aloud, slowly and thoughtfully, and being moved to praise the God he was praising. Read these hymns that way and see if your soul beats with the glory of our God and Savior . . .
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
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 a present far too small
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all
Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed?
Alas! and did my Savior bleed?
And did my Sovereign die?
Would he devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I?
Was it for crimes that I have done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut his glories in
When Christ the mighty Maker died
For man the creature’s sin.
Thus might I hide my blushing face
While his dear cross appears
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness
And melt mine eyes in tears.
But drops of grief can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe
Here, Lord, I give myself away
‘Tis all that I can do.
How Sweet and Awful Is the Place
How sweet and awful is the place
With Christ within the doors
While everlasting love displays
The choicest of her stores!
While all our hearts and all our songs
Join to admire the feast
Each of us cry with thankful tongues
“Lord, why was I a guest?”
“Why was I made to hear Thy voice
And enter while there’s room?
When thousands make a wretched choice
And rather starve than come?”
‘Twas the same love that spread the feast
That sweetly drew us in
Else we had still refused to taste
And perished in our sin.
When I Can Read My Title Clear
When I can read my title clear
To mansions in the skies
I’ll bid farewell to every fear
And wipe my weeping eyes.
Should earth against my soul engage
And fiery darts be hurled
Then I can smile at Satan’s rage
And face a frowning world.
Let care like a wild deluge come
And storms of sorrow fall
May I but safely reach my home
My God, my heaven, my all.
Watts, Bond writes, “was unapologetically a biblical and theological poet who has given to all Christians a rich legacy of sung worship, full of imagination, skill, deep theological perception, vivid sensory insight, cheerfulness in the midst of suffering and disadvantages, and a contagious sense of wonder at the majesty of God.”
Why not get to know him better through this book? If you do, I’m sure you’ll get to know his God better through his hymns!
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