Hymns!

Isaac Watts (1674-1748) was a non-conformist hymn writer, recognised today as the ‘Father of English hymnody’. He preceded Charles Wesley (1707-1788) by many years and their output of religious verse is often compared and contrasted. They have both added enormously to all of our hymn books (1933, 1984, 2011)

In Singing the Faith, for example, Wesley has 79 hymns and Watts, 13.

They have individual and distinctive styles – Watts being formal and somewhat distant while Wesley is more passionate, emotional and very much involved in what he writes.

You can see the difference if you compare these hymns –

Watts   Let every mortal ear attend

And every heart rejoice.

The trumpet of the gospel sounds

With an inviting voice.

Wesley Come, sinners, to the gospel feast,

Let every soul be Jesu’s guest.

You need not one be left behind

For God has called all humankind.

Or                             

Wesley   Christ, whose glory fills the skies,

Christ, the true the only light,

Sun of Righteousness arise,

Triumph o’er the shades of night;

Day-spring from on high, be near,

Day-spring , in my heart appear.

Watts     Once more, my soul, the rising day

Salutes thy waking eyes.

Once more, my voice, thy tribute pay

To him that rolls the skies.

Dear God, let all my hours be thine

Whilst I enjoy the light,

Then shall sun in smiles decline

And bring a pleasing night.