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Isaac Watts
Isaac Watts

Chapter VI

Chapter 6 of Isaac Watts is here in full — 139 sentences across 28 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/27 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
First Publication as a Sacred Poet.
The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.
It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.
He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.
Watts himself thought very modestly of his claims in this way, and speaks concerning his own compositions in the humblest language.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Isaac Watts

Chapter VI

Chapter 6 of Isaac Watts is here in full — 139 sentences across 28 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/27 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
First Publication as a Sacred Poet.
/fɜːrst ˌpʌblɪˈkeɪʃən æz ə ˈseɪkrəd ˈpoʊət/
Line 2
The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.
/ðə fækt ðæt ðə fɜːrst wɜːrk ˈpʌblɪʃt baɪ wɑːts wɑːz ðə ˈseɪkrəd ˈlɪrɪks meɪ ˈdʒʌstəfaɪ ðɪs ˈɜːrli ˈestəmət ʌv hɪz ˈkerɪktər æz ə ˈseɪkrəd ˈpoʊət/
Line 3
It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.
/ɪt ɪz ˈprɑːbəbəl neɪ ɪt ɪz ˈsɜːrtən ðæt ðə taɪm bɪˈstoʊd baɪ wɑːts əˈpɑːn ˈpoʊətri wɑːz ˈveri slaɪt ənd ˌɪnsɪɡˈnjɪfɪkənt kəmˈperd wɪð ðæt wɪtʃ hiː dɪˈvoʊtɪd tuː ðə ˈɡreɪvər pərˈsuːts ʌv laɪf ənd ðə ˈveriəs ˈstʌdiz kəˈnektɪd wɪð fɪˈlɑː.sə.fi θiˈɑːlədʒi ˈpriːtʃɪŋ ənd ˌedʒəˈkeɪʃən/
Line 4
He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.
Line 5
Watts himself thought very modestly of his claims in this way, and speaks concerning his own compositions in the humblest language.
/wɑːts hɪmˈself θɔːt ˈveri ˈmɑːdəstli ʌv hɪz kleɪmz ɪn ðɪs weɪ ənd spiːks kənˈsɜːrnɪŋ hɪz oʊn ˌkɑːmpəˈzɪʃənz ɪn ðə ˈhʌmbələst ˈlæŋɡwədʒ/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

compositions noun US /ˌkɑːmpəˈzɪʃənz/

plural of “composition” — the spatial property resulting from the arrangement of parts in relation to each other and to the whole

From this reading “Watts himself thought very modestly of his claims in this way, and speaks concerning his own compositions in the humblest language.”

graver noun US /ˈɡreɪvər/

a tool used by an engraver

From this reading “It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.”

humblest adjective US /ˈhʌmbələst/

superlative of “humble” — low or inferior in station or quality

From this reading “Watts himself thought very modestly of his claims in this way, and speaks concerning his own compositions in the humblest language.”

Lyrical adjective US /ˈlɪrɪkəl/

suitable for or suggestive of singing

From this reading “He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.”

Lyrics noun US /ˈlɪrɪks/

plural of “lyric” — the text of a popular song or musical-comedy number

From this reading “The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.”

pursuits noun US /pərˈsuːts/

plural of “pursuit” — the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture

From this reading “It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.”

theology noun US /θiˈɑːlədʒi/

the rational and systematic study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truth

From this reading “It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.”

Watts noun US /wɑːts/

English poet and theologian (1674-1748)

From this reading “The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

compared with verb + particle counted as “compare with”

In this reading “It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.”

own compositions verb + noun counted as “own composition”

In this reading “Watts himself thought very modestly of his claims in this way, and speaks concerning his own compositions in the humblest language.”

very slight adjective + noun

In this reading “It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.”

appeared in verb + particle counted as “appear in”

In this reading “He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.”

All words in this reading · 85

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading First Publication as a Sacred Poet.

amongstprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋst/

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

appearedverbUS /əˈpɪrd/

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading First Publication as a Sacred Poet.

authornounUS /ˈɔːθər/

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

bestowedverbUS /bɪˈstoʊd/

past form of “bestow” — present

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.

certainadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtən/

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

characternounUS /ˈkerɪktər/

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.

claimsnounUS /kleɪmz/

plural of “claim” — an assertion of a right (as to money or property)

From this reading Watts himself thought very modestly of his claims in this way, and speaks concerning his own compositions in the humblest language.

comparedverbUS /kəmˈperd/

past form of “compare” — examine and note the similarities or differences of

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

compositionsnounUS /ˌkɑːmpəˈzɪʃənz/

plural of “composition” — the spatial property resulting from the arrangement of parts in relation to each other and to the whole

From this reading Watts himself thought very modestly of his claims in this way, and speaks concerning his own compositions in the humblest language.

concerningverbUS /kənˈsɜːrnɪŋ/

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading Watts himself thought very modestly of his claims in this way, and speaks concerning his own compositions in the humblest language.

connectedadjectiveUS /kəˈnektɪd/

being joined in close association

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

devotedadjectiveUS /dɪˈvoʊtɪd/

zealous in devotion or affection

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

Dr

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.

educationnounUS /ˌedʒəˈkeɪʃən/

the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

EnglishnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ/

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

entitledadjectiveUS /enˈtaɪtəld/

qualified for by right according to law

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

estimatenounUS /ˈestəmət/

an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth

From this reading The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.

factnounUS /fækt/

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.

FirstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading First Publication as a Sacred Poet.

gravernounUS /ˈɡreɪvər/

a tool used by an engraver

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Watts himself thought very modestly of his claims in this way, and speaks concerning his own compositions in the humblest language.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.

honourableadjectiveUS /ˈɑːnərəbəl/

worthy of being honored; entitled to honor and respect

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

Horæ

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

humblestadjectiveUS /ˈhʌmbələst/

superlative of “humble” — low or inferior in station or quality

From this reading Watts himself thought very modestly of his claims in this way, and speaks concerning his own compositions in the humblest language.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

insignificantadjectiveUS /ˌɪnsɪɡˈnjɪfɪkənt/

signifying nothing

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

JohnsonnounUS /ˈdʒɑːnsən/

English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

judgesnounUS /ˈdʒʌdʒɪz/

a book of the Old Testament that tells the history of Israel under the leaders known as judges

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

justifyverbUS /ˈdʒʌstəfaɪ/

show to be right by providing justification or proof

From this reading The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.

languagenounUS /ˈlæŋɡwədʒ/

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading Watts himself thought very modestly of his claims in this way, and speaks concerning his own compositions in the humblest language.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

LyricaladjectiveUS /ˈlɪrɪkəl/

suitable for or suggestive of singing

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

LyricsnounUS /ˈlɪrɪks/

plural of “lyric” — the text of a popular song or musical-comedy number

From this reading The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.

Lyricæ

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.

modestlyadverbUS /ˈmɑːdəstli/

with modesty; in a modest manner

From this reading Watts himself thought very modestly of his claims in this way, and speaks concerning his own compositions in the humblest language.

nayexclamationUS /neɪ/

an old word for “no”

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Watts himself thought very modestly of his claims in this way, and speaks concerning his own compositions in the humblest language.

philosophynounUS /fɪˈlɑː.sə.fi/

The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. (Triết học, đạo lý nhân sinh.)

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

placenounUS /pleɪs/

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

PoemsnounUS /ˈpoʊəmz/

plural of “poem” — a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

PoetnounUS /ˈpoʊət/

a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading First Publication as a Sacred Poet.

poetrynounUS /ˈpoʊətri/

literature in metrical form

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

poetsnounUS /ˈpoʊəts/

plural of “poet” — a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

preachingnounUS /ˈpriːtʃɪŋ/

an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

printnounUS /prɪnt/

the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

probableadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːbəbəl/

likely but not certain to be or become true or real

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

PublicationnounUS /ˌpʌblɪˈkeɪʃən/

a copy of a printed work offered for distribution

From this reading First Publication as a Sacred Poet.

publishedadjectiveUS /ˈpʌblɪʃt/

prepared and printed for distribution and sale

From this reading The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.

pursuitsnounUS /pərˈsuːts/

plural of “pursuit” — the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

SacredadjectiveUS /ˈseɪkrəd/

concerned with religion or religious purposes

From this reading First Publication as a Sacred Poet.

slightnounUS /slaɪt/

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

speaksverbUS /spiːks/

third-person singular of “speak” — express in speech

From this reading Watts himself thought very modestly of his claims in this way, and speaks concerning his own compositions in the humblest language.

studiesnounUS /ˈstʌdiz/

plural of “study” — a detailed critical inspection

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.

theologynounUS /θiˈɑːlədʒi/

the rational and systematic study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truth

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He first, however, appeared in print as the author of the “Horæ Lyricæ,” the Lyrical Poems: and Dr. Johnson judges that they entitled him to an honourable place amongst our English poets.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Watts himself thought very modestly of his claims in this way, and speaks concerning his own compositions in the humblest language.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

variousadjectiveUS /ˈveriəs/

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.

WattsnounUS /wɑːts/

English poet and theologian (1674-1748)

From this reading The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Watts himself thought very modestly of his claims in this way, and speaks concerning his own compositions in the humblest language.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading It is probable, nay it is certain, that the time bestowed by Watts upon poetry was very slight and insignificant compared with that which he devoted to the graver pursuits of life, and the various studies connected with philosophy, theology, preaching, and education.

workverbUS /wɜːrk/

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading The fact that the first work published by Watts was the “Sacred Lyrics” may justify this early estimate of his character as a sacred poet.

Chapter 6 of Isaac Watts by Edwin Paxton Hood holds 139 sentences, grouped into 28 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 6 of Isaac Watts contain?

Chapter 6 holds 139 sentences of Isaac Watts, unabridged, divided into 28 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 6 of Isaac Watts by Edwin Paxton Hood exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 139 sentences, grouped into 28 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 6 of Isaac Watts?

Work through the 28 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 28 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

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Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 6 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

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Common questions about reading Isaac Watts by Edwin Paxton Hood on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Isaac Watts?

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Project Gutenberg eBook #?, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

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Vocabulary met early in Isaac Watts

Words and structures a reader meets early in Isaac Watts, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter 1
One of the 0 chapters of Isaac Watts, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 2
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Chapter 3
One of the 0 chapters of Isaac Watts, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.