Watt's Songs Against Evil

A collection of moral and didactic poems written in the early 18th century. This book emphasizes themes of virtue and morality through engaging rhymes that target children and young readers. It serves as a guide to good behavior, focusing particularly on avoiding pride, laziness, and bad company while promoting the values of innocence, hard work, and righteousness. Throughout the collection, Watts employs various characters and scenarios to convey his messages. Through poems such as ''Against Pride in Clothes'' and ''The Sluggard,'' he illustrates the folly of vanity and laziness, encouraging readers to seek inner virtues like knowledge and grace instead. Other verses, including ''The Ant'' and ''Against Evil Company,'' highlight the importance of diligence and the impact of one's companions on moral development. The overarching intent of the work is to instill ethical principles in a manner that is accessible and memorable for children, ultimately guiding them towards a virtuous life.