I give immortal praise. I. Watts, [Praise. A Doxology.] Appeared in his Hymns & Spiritual Songs, 2nd ed., 1709, Bk. iii., No. 38, in 4 stanzas of 8 lines, and entitled, “Song of Praise to the Blessed Trinity." In its original form it is not often found; but as "We give immortal praise," it is in common use in all English-speaking countries. This slightly altered text was given in G. Whitefield's Psalms & Hymns 1753; in M. Madan's Psalms & Hymns, 1760; in A. M. Toplady's Psalms & Hymns, 1776, and others to modern hymn-books. In Kennedy, it is recast as "To God the Father yield," but this form is in limited use.
--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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