12 DECEMBER 1896, Page 24

Isaac Watts' Divine and Moral Songs for Children, Pictures in

Colours by Mrs. Arthur Gaskin (Elkin Mathews), makes a pretty little volume. Dr. Watts gave stronger and plainer meat to his young friends than the present generation is accustomed to. But it is not loss wholesome. There is a simplicity and directness about his hymns which their modern successors lack. Here is a. specimen :—

" How proud we are, bow fond to show Our clothes, and call them rich and new ! When the poor sheep and silk-worm wore That very clothing long before.

The tulip and the butterfly Appear in gayer clothes than I : Let me be drest fine at I will, Flies, worms, and flowers exceed me still."