46 THE METHODIST HYMN-BOOK ILLUSTRATED
the close, the substance or application of his sermon. Watts is the real founder of English hymnody. Josiah Conder says, He was the first who succeeded in overcoming the prejudice which opposed the introduction of hymns into our public worship. Earl Selborne writes, It has been the fashion with some to disparage Watts, as if he had never risen above the level of his Hymns for Little Children. No doubt his taste is often faulty, and his style very unequal ; but, looking to the good, and disregarding the large quantity of inferior matter, it is probable that more hymns which approach to a very high standard of excellence, and are at the same time suitable for congregational use, may be found in his works than in those of any other English writer. As long as pure nervous English, unaffected fervour, strong simplicity, and liquid yet manly sweetness are admitted to be characteristics of a good hymn, works such as these must command admiration.
Dr. Watts s Psalms are paraphrases rather than translations. They sometimes lack restraining reverence, and are disfigured by turgid epithets and gaudy ornament, but they are often very noble, and light up the Psalms with gospel meaning. To use his own words, he makes David a Christian. Four thousand copies were sold in the first year of publication. His Divine Songs for Children, with a woodcut at the head of each hymn, gave the young their distinct place in worship.
Doddridge says, in his Life of Colonel James Gardiner, that the brave soldier used to repeat aloud or sing hymns as he rode on his military duties. He quotes a letter from the colonel in reference to Dr. Watts : How often, in singing some of his psalms, hymns, or lyrics on horseback, and elsewhere, has the evil spirit been made to flee
Whene er my heart in tune is found, Like David s harp of solemn sound !
The version of Psalm cxxvi., When God revealed His gracious name, greatly delighted him, and that of Psalm cxlvi., as well as several others of that excellent person s poetical composures. So Doddridge describes them. He quotes a letter in which Colonel Gardiner says, I have been in pain these several years, lest that excellent person, that sweet singer in our Israel, should have been called to heaven before I had an opportunity of letting him know how much his works have been blessed to me, and, of course, of returning him my hearty thanks. I desire
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