Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1857-10-31
Misttllaneous.
DR. WATTS.

An interesting article in q late number of
the "North British Reviewer" has DR.. Isaac
Watts for its subject. All are supposed to
feel some interest in the sacred song writer
all at least, who have been accustomed to vi.
sit Gods house. For ourselves. we have pc.
rused the Reviewers notice of the good old
divine with a kind of holy enthusiasm the
very extracts which he gives from his hymns
arousing the loftiest and sweetest memories
Of the big 'ha Bible" and 6reside observan-
ces of the Sabbath, when old folks and young
folks sent up with hearty feeling,
"I.et cares like wild dsuge come,
And storms OF sorrow fall,
May but safely reach my home.
My God, my Heaven, my ALL"
There was sincere worship at these home
gatherings Of n Sunday evening, and the in-
spiratious Of Isaac Watts as gathered from
his hymns. brought il out az much as any.
thing else.
1t seems that DR. Watts was tiny and
grave lad with pale face. In the gloomy
reign Of James ii, he was a dligent boy in
Grammar School, at Southampton He had
a sparkling eye, and though his forehead was
far from LOFTY his face generally indicated the
genius his after life developed. He was u
smart lad, quick in the acquisition OF French,
Latin and Greek. He astonished his COM
papions by acrcstjcs and impromptu stanzas,
| and delighted bis Instructor. one Rev. Mr..
Pinhorn. by his unvarying good behavior
II was made serious by the fact Of the i'm
prisanment Of his father for. attending con-
ventices' as well as by his own persecution in
early lille. for on arriving at years Of discra-
tion, he had to hide himself very often, or
| suffer the comrption OF Puritans.
Walls mother taught him his chatechism,
as we'll as how to write verses, SO that his
| pous poetizngs were first nurtured by o
mothers love. He pursted bis studies, after
leaving the Rev. Pinhorn, at the Dissenting
AcadsIny at Needington, declining to enter
University, Thoughts friend volunteered to
pay his way, That be was hard student,
may be gathered from the fact that he talked
! Latin and read Greek and Hebrew as if they
were English. On leaving the Seminary be
did not enter at once upon the ministry. but
paused for q while to reflect upon the solemn
duties he had To perform. lie finally became
the pastor Of Congregational Church in
London. OF which Joseph Caryl, Dr. Owen
and David Clarkson had been ministers. For
a time he lived alone, but q hersous affection
seizing upon him. he vas finally persuaded to
take up his residence with Sir Thomas and
Lady Abney, at their charming retreat neaI
London, where he died November 25th, i74s
At his new home with the Abneys. we arc
told he enjoyed the uninterrupted demonstta
tions Of the truest friendship. There, with
out any care OF his own, he ad everything
which could contribute TO the enjoyment u
life aud favor. the unwearied pursuit OF hi,
studies. There be dwelt in family, which
for pety, order, harmony, and every virtue
was house Of God. There he had the privi
lege OF eountry recess. the fragrant bower
the spreading lawn, the aowery garden. ant
other advantages. to toothe his mind, and ali
his restoration to health. TO yield him. when
ever he chose them, the most grateful inter
walls from his iaborious studies, and enable,
him TO return to them with redoubed vigou
and delight. r-il 5'|
Nor did the Abneys weary Of their guest
nor did that guest, amidst invented 10 xuries
grow soft and idle; and il was in the cheer
ful asylum which they opeDsd to the shattere
invalid that most OF his works were psnnsd
During the latter part Of his career bis con
lgrsgstl0v. On Busy stre~s pstd eeskagus