Isaac Watts to Children Regarding the Blessing of Work

Isaac Watts was seven years old when he wrote a poem, an acrostic based upon the letters of his name.

I am a vile polluted lump of earth;
So I’ve continued ever since my birth;
Although Jehovah grace does daily give me,
As sure as this monster Satan will deceive me.
Come therefore, Lord, from Satan’s claws relieve me.

Wash me in thy blood, O Christ,
And grace divine impart;
Then search and try the corners of my heart,
That I in all things may be fit to do
Service to Thee, and sing thy praises too.

(Arthur Davis. Isaac Watts, p.7)

 

It is hard to imagine a seven-year-old comprehending such thoughts, let alone able to express them so skillfully. Isaac Watts was a child prodigy, tremendously talented, and devoted to God.  But on this Labor Day weekend it seems appropriate to remember that he was also an incredibly hard worker producing 750 or so hymns and numerous books in his lifetime of ministry.

One of his poems, written for children, seems appropriate for this special day as we celebrate the privilege of work—God’s loving gift.

 

AGAINST IDLENESS AND MISCHIEF

How doth the little busy bee
   Improve each shining hour,
And gather honey all the day
   From every opening flower!

How skillfully she builds her cell!
   How neat she spreads the wax!
And labours hard to store it well
   With the sweet food she makes.

In works of labour or of skill
   I would be busy too:
For Satan finds some mischief still
   For idle hands to do.

In books, or work, or healthful play
   Let my first years be past,
That I may give for every day
   Some good account at last.

Have a blessed Labor Day.