Isaac Watts, hymn writer and author of devotional poetry and prose, was born in Southampton in 1674.  He was educated at Southampton Grammar School until he chose to attend the non-conformist academy of Stoke Newington from 1690 to 1694.  Watts was almost a Unitarian in his religious outlook. In 1699 he became an assistant pastor of an independent chapel in London, where he became pastor in 1702.  He retired in 1712 due to poor health.  He received an honorary D.D. from the University of Edinburgh in 1728.  Isaac Watts died at Stoke Newington in 1748. 

Watts is best known for his hymn writing.  Some famous hymns include “O God our help in ages past,” and “When I survey the wondrous cross.”  He is also known for writing “Divine Songs for Children.”  Outside the realm hymns and poetry, Watts’ prose work reflected his liberal social and religious views by critiquing the civil establishment of a national church.  

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