(Job 1:21)
Naked as from the earth we came,
And crept to life at first,
We to the earth return again,
And mingle with our dust.
The dear delights we here enjoy
And fondly call our own
Are but short favours borrowed now
To be repaid anon.
'Tis God that lifts our comforts high,
Or sinks 'em in the grave.
He gives, and (blessed be his Name)
He takes but what he gave.
Peace, all our angry passions then!
Let each rebellious sigh
Be silent at his sovereign will,
And every murmur die.
If smiling Mercy crown our lives
Its praises shall be spread,
And we'll adore the justice too
That strikes our comforts dead.
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Isaac Watts is recognised as the "Father of English Hymnody", as he was the first prolific and popular English hymnwriter, credited with some 750 hymns. Many of his hymns remain in active use today and have been translated into many languages.
His education led him to the pastorate of a large Independent Chapel in London, and he also found himself in the position of helping trainee preachers, despite poor health. Taking work as a private tutor, he lived with the non-conformist Hartopp family at Fleetwood House, Abney Park in Stoke Newington, and later in the household of Sir Thomas Abney and Lady Mary Abney at Theobalds, Cheshunt, in Hertfordshire, and at their second residence, Abney House, Stoke Newington.
Though a non-conformist, Sir Thomas practised occasional conformity to the Church of England as necessitated by his being Lord Mayor of London 1700-01. Likewise, Isaac Watts held religious opinions that were more non-denominational or ecumenical than was at that time common for a non-conformist, having a greater interest in promoting education and scholarship, than preaching for any particular ministry.