JOHNSON (with an

"Sir, if you talk of

air of animated satisfaction). Cecilia,' talk on."

We talked of Mr. Barry's exhibition of his pictures. JOHNSON. "Whatever the hand may have done, the mind has done its part. There is a grasp of mind there which you find nowhere else." (1)

I asked whether a man naturally virtuous, or one who has overcome wicked inclinations, is the best. JOHNSON. "Sir, to you, the man who has overcome wicked inclinations is not the best. He has more merit to himself. I would rather trust my money to a man who has no hands, and so a physical impos sibility to steal, than to a man of the most honest principles. There is a witty satirical story of Foote. He had a small bust of Garrick placed upon his bureau. 'You may be surprised,' said he, that I allow him to be so near my gold; — but you will observe he has no hands.'

On Friday, May 29., being to set out for Scotland next morning, I passed a part of the day with him in more than usual earnestness, as his health was in a more precarious state than at any time when I had parted from him. He, however, was quick and lively, and critical, as usual. I mentioned one who was a very learned man. JOHNSON. "Yes, Sir, he has a great deal of learning; but it never ies straight. There is never one idea by the side of another; 'tis all entangled: and then he drives it so awkwardly upon conversation!"

I stated to him an anxious thought, by which a

(1) In Mr. Barry's printed analysis or description of these pictures, he speaks of Johnson's character in the highest terms,

sincere Christian might be disturbed, even when conscious of having lived a good life, so far as is consistent with human infirmity: he might fear that he should afterwards fall away, and be guilty of such crimes as would render all his former religion vair Could there be, upon this awful subject, such a thing as balancing of accounts? Suppose a man who has led a good life for seven years commits an act of wickedness, and instantly dies; will his former good life have any effect in his favour? JOHNSON. "Sir, if a man has led a good life for seven years, and then is hurried by passion to do what is wrong, and is suddenly carried off, depend upon it he will have the reward of his seven years' good life: God will not take a catch of him. Upon this principle Richard Baxter believes that a suicide may be saved. • If,' says he, it should be objected that what I maintain may encourage suicide, I answer, I am not to tell a lie to prevent it.' BOSWELL. "But does not the text say, As the tree falls, so it must lie?'' JOHNSON." Yes, Sir; as the tree falls: but,". after a little pause "that is meant as to the general state of the tree, not what is the effect of a sudden blast." In short, he interpreted the expression as referring to condition, not to position. The common notion, therefore, seems to be erroneous; and Shenstone's witty remark on divines trying to give the tree a jerk upon a death-bed, to make it lie favourably, is not well founded.

I asked him what works of Richard Baxter's I should read. He said, "Read any of them; they are all good."

He said, "Get as much force of mind as you can.

Always have something
Let your imports be

Live within your income. saved at the end of the year. more than your exports, and wrong."

you'll never go far

I assured him, that in the extensive and various range of his acquaintance there never had been any one who had a more sincere respect and affection for him than I had. He said, "I believe it, Sir. Were I in distress, there is no man to whom I should sooner come than to you. I should like to come and have a cottage in your park, toddle about, live mostly on milk, and be taken care of by Mrs. Boswell. She and I are good friends now; are we not?"

Talking of devotion, he said, "Though it be true that God dwelleth not in temples made with hands,' yet in this state of being our minds are more piously affected in places appropriated to divine worship, than in others. Some people have a particular room in their houses where they say their prayers; of which I do not disapprove, as it may animate their devotion."

He embraced me, and gave me his blessing, as usual, when I was leaving him for any length of time. I walked from this door to-day with a fearful apprehension of what might happen before I returned. LETTER 434. TO THE RIGHT HON. WILLIAM WINDHAM.

"SIR

The bringer of this letter is the father of Miss Philips (1), a singer, who comes to try her voice

(1) Now the celebrated Mrs. Crouch. B. She died in October, 1805, æt. 45. — ୯

on the stage at Dublin. Mr. Philips is one of my old friends; and as I am of opinion that neither he nor his daughter will do any thing that can disgrace their benefactors, I take the liberty of entreating you to countenance and protect them so far as may be suitable to your station (1) and character, and shall consider myself as obliged by any favourable notice which they shall have the honour of receiving from you. I am, Sir, &c. "SAM. JOHNSON."

The following is another instance of his active benevolence:

LETTER 435. TO SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS.

"June 2. 1783.

"DEAR SIR, I have sent you some of my godson's performances, of which I do not pretend to form any opinion. When I took the liberty of men tioning him to you, I did not know what I have since been told, that Mr. Moser had admitted him among the students of the Academy. What more can be done for him, I earnestly entreat you to consider; for I am very desirous that he should derive some advantage from my connexion with him. If you are inclined to see him, I will bring him to wait on you at any time that you shall be pleased to appoint. I am, Sir, &c. "SAM. JOHNSON."

My anxious apprehensions at parting with him this year proved to be but too well founded; for not long afterwards he had a dreadful stroke of the palsy, of which there are very full and accurate accounts in letters written by himself, to show with what composure of mind and resignation to the Divine Will his steady piety enabled him to behave.

(1) Mr. Windham was at this time in Dublin, secretary to the Earl of Northington, then lord lieutenant of Ireland.

LETIER 436. TO MR. EDMUND ALLEN. "June 17. 1783.

"It has pleased God this morning to deprive me of the powers of speech; and as I do not know but that it may be his further good pleasure to deprive me soon of my senses, I request you will, on the receipt of this note, come to me, and act for me as the exigences of my case may require. I am, &c. SAM. JOHNSON."

LETTER 437. TO THE REV. DR. JOHN TAYLOR. "June 17. 1783.

"DEAR SIR, It has pleased God, by a paralytic stroke in the night, to deprive me of speech. I am very desirous of Dr. Heberden's assistance, as I think my case is not past remedy. Let me see you as soon as it is possible. Bring Dr. Heberden with you, if you can; but come yourself at all events. I am glad you are so well when I am so dreadfully attacked.

"I think that by a speedy application of stimulants much may be done. I question if a vomit, vigorous and rough, would not rouse the organs of speech to action. As it is too early to send, I will try to recollect what I can that can be suspected to have brought on this dreadful distress.

"I have been accustomed to bleed frequently for an asthmatic complaint; but have foreborne for some time by Dr. Pepys's persuasion, who perceived my legs bcginning to swell. I sometimes alleviate a painful, or, more properly, an oppressive constriction of my chest, by opiates; and have lately taken opium frequently; but the last, or two last times, in smaller quantities. My largest dose is three grains, and last night I took but two. You will suggest these things (and they are all that I can call to mind) to Dr. Heberden. 1 &c. SAM. JOHNSON." Two days after he wrote thus to Mrs. Thrale (1):

am,

(1) Vol. II. p. 268. of Mrs. Thrale's Collection.