Isaac Watts 1674-1748

Watts, a non-conformist preacher, was responsible for developing hymns for adults and for children in the early 18th century. Written in a simple and clear style, they attracted many readers. For examples of some of his hymns, use the following link: WATTS HYMNS

"Against Idleness and Mischief"

How doth the little busy bee

Improve each shining hour,

And gather honey all the day

From every opening flower!

How skillfully she builds her cell!

How neat she spreads the wax!

And labours hard to store it well

With the sweet food she makes.

In works of labour or of skill

I would be busy too:

For Satan finds some mischief still

For idle hands to do.

In books, or work, or healthful play

Let my first years be past,

That I may give for every day

Some good account at last.

"The Sluggard"

.

'Tis the voice of the Sluggard: I heard him complain,

'You have waked me too soon! I must slumber again!'

As the door on its hinges, so he on his bead

Turns his sides, and his shoulders, and his heavy head.

'A little more sleep, and a little more slumber!'

Thus he wastes half his days and his hours without number;

And when he gets up he sits folding his hands,

Or walks about sauntering, or trifling he stands.

I passed by his garden, and saw the wild brier,

The thorn, and the thistle grow broader and higher:

The clothes that hang on him are turning to rags;

And his money still wastes, till he starves or he begs.

I made him a visit, still hoping to find

He had took better care for improving his mind:

He told me his dreams, talk'd of eating and drinking;

But he scarce reads his Bible, and never loves thinking.

Said I then to my heart, 'Here's a lesson for me!

That man's but a picture of what I might be;

But thanks to my friends for their care in my breeding,

Who have taught me by times to love working and reading!'

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