Watts is probably best known for his hymn writing, but this is a helpful book on a wide range of topics. Many of his points are worth repeating and I think chapter 1 is well worth a read.

From chapter 1 he says, “Presume not too much upon a bright genius, a ready wit, and good parts; for this without labor and study will never make a man of knowledge.” He goes on to say that a large quantity of reading and strong memory do not make one wise. He counsels students to not lean on their own wisdom, but to trust in God and ask him for guidance in all things (Prov. 3:5, 7). It is his providence that can direct a thought or conversation to be more useful than a month’s solitary study. Therefore, a man ought to “let industry and devotion join together.” In chapter 4, he says, “a man may be eating all day, and for want of digestion is never nourished, so these endless readers may cram themselves in vain with intellectual food, and without real improvement of their minds, for want of digesting it by proper reflections.”

After Watts lists out some general rules in chapter 1, he plunges into the real matter of his writing. He talks on the methods of improving the mind (observation, reading, lectures, conversation and study), then moves on to topics like reading and judging books, improvement by conversation, debating, meditation, fixing the attention, improving the memory, determining whether a topic is worth pursuing, benefits of poetry and the natural sciences. Part 2 dives into how to best instruct others in the truth.

It is a unique work and I’ve never read anything quite like it. Sometimes, it can feel a bit tedious due to the older style language, but I found it both enjoyable and profitable overall. It also happens to be available for free on the world wide web! ( )

Great Awakening Writings, 1725-1760 ( )

Isaac Watts (1674-1748) was an English Christian musician, theologian and logician. He was a prolific hymn writer, recognized as the "Father of English Hymnody". He wrote some 750 hymns, including "Joy to the World". He preached among the Dissenter (from Anglican) congregations and is considered a Unitarian. For example, "X. Avoid a dogmatical spirit. [26]".

He was also gay -- "IX Seek beauties" [68] -- during an age of persecution. [He lived under the ardent close love and protection of a rare Lady of the Manor, Mary Abney, and her unmarried gay daughter, Elizabeth who founded a girl's school].

This self-help guide has been used for almost 300 years. Watts was a clergyman, back in the days when the Church performed more than a fund-raising function. Whatever his views of Christianity, fine points of doctrine are a barely-noticeable influence on the thinking expressed here. Granted, the republishers admit that some of the "irrelevant theology" of his work was removed by the 1885 American republishers. Watts was barely five feet in height, never married, had feminine tastes, and was one of our most devoted "evangelical" Unitarians.

"Improvement of the Mind" is largely based on Reformist and rationalist rejection of superstition and "religious error". The schooling of logic, is supported by examples and quotes from John Locke, Plato, Aristotle and others. This work is part of the Great Awakening of the late 1700s. Watts believed that man can improve himself, and his reasoning powers, through simple, conscientious activities. He urges such techniques to increase reasoning powers, and in turn, eliminate superstition, bigotry, errors, and unsupported prejudices.

He provides examples of women in equal judgment and power with men -- Tenerilla and Damon [199]. He also uses the example of the prophet Mahomet who utterly forbids wine, as an aid in restraining a Mohammedan from a vicious appetite for drunkenness. [199]

He urges five methods for gaining knowledge: Observation, Reading, Lectures, Conversation, and Meditation. The point of this effort: "This will awaken you", he says, and "make your soul watchful". Today, Unitarians would use the word "Mindfulness".

The book lists sixteen general rules for the improvement of knowledge, followed by chapters on specific topics. Sections include an overview on books and reading, a guide for study and meditation, an instructional on how to improve one's memory.

For example: "This direction can not be too often repeated, that our
assent ought always to keep pace with our evidence ;
and our belief of any proposition should never rise
higher than the proof or evidence we have to support it,
nor should our faith run faster than right reason can
encourage it." [159]

This is a practical and inspirational book. A true guide to self-betterment. " He refers to the treatment of "our blessed Saviour" in answering the young scribe concerning the two (and only two) great commandments: "Thou art not far' says our Lord, "from the kingdom of heaven," Mark 12: 34. "Imitate the mildness and conduct of the blessed Jesus". [182]

Front board detached but really bought for the family history interest. The front free endpaper records the deaths of a number of members of the Martin family, 1809-47.

A church I was visiting had this on their book table and it caught my attention for two reasons: it was by the great hymn writer Issac Watts and as I teach at a classical school the logic part intrigued me. Watts has much to say to parents and teachers about education. I found his insights very helpful. ( )