Page:Our Hymns.djvu/88

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68 CUE HYMNS :

1709, when John, his son, was saved from death almost by miracle. It is stated on the music that "the words are by the Eev. Samuel Wesley, rector of Epworth." Two additional verses Nos. 2 and 6 were given. John Wesley gave this hymn in "A collection of moral and sacred poems from the most celebrated English authors, 1744."

��JOSEPH ADDISON.

16721719.

JOSEPH ADDISON was born at Milston, near Amesbury, in Wilt shire. His father was rector of Milston, and afterwards dean of Lichfield. After enjoying the advantage of instruction From his father, Addison was sent to school at Ainesbury and Salisbury, and afterwards to the Charterhouse, London, where he made the acquaintance of his great literary compeer, Richard Steele. Addison afterwards graduated at Oxford, where the excellence of his Latin verses attracted attention and brought him honour.

After producing some minor pieces, he wrote in 1695 a poem to King William, with an introduction addressed to Lord Somers; and in 1697 appeared his Latin poem on the peace of Eyswick. These productions procured him a pension of i300 a year. Avail ing himself of this pecuniary assistance he travelled on the Con tinent, gathering facts for future use, and extending his knowledge of men and manners in other lands. During his travels he found leisure to write his "Dialogue on Medals," and part of his tra gedy, " Cato ;" and, while in Italy, he sent to Lord Halifax his celebrated " Poetical Letter " on that classic land. On his return, he published his travels ; and in 1704 he celebrated the battle of Blenheim in a poem called "The Campaign. 1 It is in this poem that his well-known comparison is found, in which Marlbo- rough, leading the battle, is compared to an angel directing a storm. For this poem he was rewarded with the appointment of Commissioner of Appeals ; and, after holding other offices, he

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