82 DUE HYMNS :
pretences to the name of a poet, or a polite writer, in an age wherein so many superior souls shine in their works through the nation." He did not produce any great poetic work, yet he thought it wise to publish his " Lyric Poems" as his introduction to the public before he ventured on the publication of his hymns. His work " Horaa Lyrics?" was sent forth in December, 1705. In his MSS. we read, " Published my Poems, 1705." In it there are several imitations of a modern Latin poet, Matthias Casimir (Sarbiewski), who was a favourite with the young poet. To his own copy of that poet s works, which he purchased in 1696, Watts has prefixed an index in his own handwriting. M. C. Sarbiewski (1595 1G40) was a learned and talented Pole. He had become a Jesuit, and was a professor and preacher in high repute. He was an enthusiastic admirer and imitator of the classics. Dr. Watts, in his preface to the "Lyrics," speaks of his poems in the most glowing terms. This undesirable model rather encouraged than checked Watts early defects of style But some of the " Lyrics" are to be commended, and some make good hymns, and are found in the " New Congregational Hymn Book." His "Lyrics " met with favour, and prepared the way for his " Hymns," which appeared in July, 1707. We give the date from his own memoranda. And, in 1709, their number was increased by the publication of additional hymns in a second edition.
It is as a writer of psalms and hymns that Dr. Watts is known everywhera, and justly held in high admiration. Some of his hymns were written to be sung after his sermons, the hymn in each case giving expression to the meaning of the text upon which he had been discoursing. Produced as they were wanted, and for a practical purpose, some of these hymns lack the fire and genius of poetry, and the same mu&t be admitted of some of his other productions. He apologizes for the absence of poetic form and display on the ground of his desire to write to the level of ordinary worshippers, and says he expected to be often censured for a too religious observance of the words of scripture, whereby
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