70 OUE HYMNS :
vialities that were sometimes carried to excess. Addison left one daughter. He died June 17, 1719.
Dr. Johnson speaks of it as to the lasting praise of this poet, that by the pleasing character of his criticisms on the " Paradise Lost " he has made Milton a universal favourite, with whom readers of every class think it necessary to be pleased. Of Addison s poetry, Johnson says, " It is polished and pure; the product of a mind too judicious to commit faults, but not suffi ciently vigorous to attain excellence." There are five of Addison s hymns in the " New Congregational Hymn Book." They were all written in 1712, when his powers had reached the greatest height of cultivation and development.
"The spacious firmament on high." No. 20. (Psalm xix.),
appeared at the close of an article by Addison on " The right means to strengthen Faith," in the " Spectator," No. 4G5, August 23, 1712.
" The Lord my pasture shall prepare." No. 27. (Psalm xxiii.),
first appeared at the close of an essay on " Trust in God," in the "Spectator," No. 441, July 26, 1712. Verses 3 and 4 are transposed in this collection. The essay that is introductory to this translation contains the following appropriate and beautiful words by Addison, the author of it and of the hymn: "The person who has a firm trust on the Supreme Being is powerful in His power, wise by His wisdom, happy by His happiness. He reaps the benefit of every Divine attribute, and loses his own insuffi ciency in the fulness of infinite perfection."
" How are thy servants blest, Lord." No. 166.
This is given with No. 489 (Saturday, Sept. 20, 1712) of the " Spectator" a paper on " The Sea" as affecting the imagination by its greatness. The hymn is entitled, " The Traveller s Hymn." The original piece consists of ten verses. It was written by " A Gentleman upon the Conclusion of his Travels."
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