A Long Line of Godly Men - The Poetic Wonder of Isaac Watts

Book Description:

In an age of simplistic and repetitive choruses, many churches are rediscovering the blessing of theologically rich and biblically informed songs.

In the latest addition to our A Long Line of Godly Men Profile series, Douglas Bond introduces us to Isaac Watts, "the father of English hymnody."

Douglas Bond urges Christians to delight in the grandeur, beauty, and joy of Watts' poetry.

Table of Contents: 1. Watts' Life and Legacy 2. Watts as Educator 3. Watts' Sermon Hymns 4. Watts as Lyric Poet 5. Watts as Hymn Writer 6. Watts as Poet Theologian 7. Watts as Children's Poet 8. Watts as Psalm Interpreter Conclusion: Watts for Our Time

Author:

Sinclair B. Ferguson is Associate Preacher at St Peter's Free Church in Dundee and also Distinguished Visiting Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was Senior Minister of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina and prior to that, he was minister of St. George's-Tron Church in Glasgow.

Endorsement:

"Who among us has not had heart and mind stirred by a Watts hymn? Here we learn the story behind the hymns, We learn of a Christ-centered life, a doxological life. And from that wellspring has come the hymns we love to sing. Watt's hymns are a gift for the church, and so is this biography by Douglas Bond." - Dr. Stephen J. Nichols, Professor at Lancaster Bible College and Graduate School, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

"We all know and love 'Joy to the World,' 'Jesus Shall Reign,' 'Alas and Did My Savior Bleed,' 'When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,' 'O God, Our Help in Ages Past,' and a host of his other compositions. And yet, most Christians know precious little about the author of these great hymn texts - the man history has dubbed as the 'Father of English Hymnody.' At least, until now. Thanks to the prolific and eloquent pen of Douglas Bond, we now have an insightful glimpse into the life, the faith, and the poetic wonder of this remarkable servant of the church: Isaac Watts. This delightful book needs to be put at the top of your must-read list." - Dr. George Grant, Pastor, East Parish Presbyterian Church, Franklin, Tennessee

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