The Works of Joseph Addison

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1870. Excerpt: ... NOTES ON ADDISON'S FREEHOLDER. c The Freenolaer, it musl be remembered, was a kind of political Spectator, published periodically, with the purpose of reconciling the people of England to the accession of the House of Hanover. These papers, while they exhibit the exquisite humour and solid sense peculiar to the author, shew also, even amid the strength of party, that philanthropy and gentleness of nature, which were equally his distinguishing attributes. None of these qualities would have conciliated his great opponent Swift, had the field of combat yet remained open to him. But as he withdrew from it in sullen indignation, he seems to have thrown out the following flashes of satire, as brief examples of what he would have done had the hour of answer been yet current. --scott. The following MS. Notes were transcribed from the original, in Swift's own hand, in Addison's Freeholder, which belonged to Dr. Bernard, late Bishop of Limerick. Fbeeholder, No. 2.--Character of George I. It was by this (this firmness of mind) that he surmounted those many difficulties which lay in the way to his succession.-- What difficulties were those, or what methods did he take to surmount them? Swift. It is observed by Sir William Temple, that the English are particularly fond of a king who is valiant: upon whiqji account his majesty has a title to all the esteem that can be paid to a most warlike prince; though, at the same time, for the good of NOTES ON THE FREEHOLDER, 269 Ills subjects, he studies to decline all occasions of military glory. --This seems to be a discovery. S. I might here take notice of his majesty's more private virtues, but have rather chosen to remind my countrymen of the public parts of his character.---This is prudent. S. But the most remarkable interpositions of Providen...