204 



A feeling, even, of dissatisfaction with Watts began to exhibit itself, 

 almost as soon as his version had begun to be generally used ; and 

 this feeling was traced to the general improvement in literary taste, 

 and to the evident superiority of the production of later writers. 



Proceeding with his historical sketch Mr. Goodell referred to the 

 hymns and compilations of Doddridge, Hart, the Wesleys, Mrs. Bar- 

 bauld, Cowper, Ann Steele, and noticed the different editions of the 

 verses of these authors that appeared in New England, with the date 

 of each, commenting upon their influence here. 



The selected Hymns and Psalms arranged by Joel Barlow, Timothy 

 Dwight, and Dr. Bentley were described and the causes which led to 

 these departures from the earlier editions of Watts's Imitations were 

 pointed out. 



The speaker finally declared that we were still, "to coin a word, in 

 the Wattsian period." It has been estimated that fifty thousand cop- 

 ies of his sacred poems were, within a few years, annually sold in 

 England and the United States. 



Four principal defects of Watts's verses were enumerated, some 

 one* of which the speaker declared each new edition endeavors wholly 

 or in part to remedy. 



Our best hymns, or nearly all of them, have appeared since Watts's 

 day. Some of these the speaker read, and commented upon the 

 authors and editors of the best collectionSj alluding particularly to 

 some American productions. 



He concluded by venturing the prediction of still further improve- 

 ment in hymnody, and the abandonment of much that a few years ago 

 was prized so highly as to lead to the overthrow and rejection of 

 the time-honored Psalmody of our New England fathers. 



Wm. P. Upham, after some complimentary allusions to Mr. Goodell's 

 two papers on New England church music, and expressions of satis- 

 faction and pleasure which he had derived from listening to the read- 

 ing, moved the adoption of the following vote, which was unanimously 

 accepted : 



Voted, That the thanks of the Institute be presented to Mr. Goodell 

 for his able and highly interesting communications on church music 

 in New England, and that a copy of the same be requested for refer- 

 ence to the publication committee to print in the Historical Collections, 

 or otherwise, as may be deemed expedient 



Eeuben Arey, John S. Jones, and Edward W. Jones, of Salem; J. 

 Franklin Ely, John A. Putnam, John E. Longley, Warren Porter, 

 Melvin B. Putnam, and William E. Putnam, of Dauvers, were elected 

 Resident Members. 



