Isaac Watts

Isaac Watts (1674–1748) was an English Christian minister, hymn writer, theologian, and logician, widely regarded as the “Father of English Hymnody.” Born in Southampton, he was educated at the Dissenting Academy in Stoke Newington and became pastor of the Independent congregation at Mark Lane, London. Watts helped reshape English-language worship by writing hymns in a more personal, expressive style than the metrical psalms then common. His best-known hymns include “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” “Joy to the World,” and “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.” He also wrote influential works on logic and education, including *Logic, or the Right Use of Reason* (1724).