Retire, vain world, awhile retire. [Home Missions.] This is found in the 1828-1829 edition of the American (Old Presbyterian) Psalms & Hymns...of the Presbyterian Church, in 7 st. of 4 1., and again in later collections. In most cases it is attributed to I. Watts, but we have failed to trace it to any of his works. Two centos therefrom are also in common use, both beginning with st. ii., "Blest Jesu, come Thou gently down." The first is in the Presbyterian Psalms & Hymns for the Worship of God, Richmond, U. S. A., 1867, composed of stanzas ii., iv.-vi.; and the second, in Hatfield's Church Hymn Book, N. Y., 1872, composed of st. ii., iii., vi., vii. It is usually given for Revival Services and Prayer Meetings.
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >
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