his being milder, and therefore not commanding
such awe. Yet, Sir, many people who might have been benefited by your
conversation, have been frightened away. A worthy friend of ours has
told me, that he has often been afraid to talk to you.' JOHNSON. 'Sir,
he need not have been afraid, if he had any thing rational to say. If he
had not, it was better he did not talk.'

We talked of a certain clergyman of extraordinary character, who by
exerting his talents in writing on temporary topicks, and displaying
uncommon intrepidity, had raised himself to affluence. I maintained that
we ought not to be indignant at his success; for merit of every sort
was entitled to reward. JOHNSON. 'Sir, I will not allow this man to
have merit. No, Sir; what he has is rather the contrary; I will, indeed,
allow him courage, and on this account we so far give him credit. We
have more respect for a man who robs boldly on the highway, than for a
fellow who jumps out of a ditch, and knocks you down behind your back.
Courage is a quality so necessary for maintaining virtue, that it is
always respected, even when it is associated with vice.'

Mr. Henderson, with whom I had sauntered in the venerable walks of
Merton College, and found him a very learned and pious man, supped with
us. Dr. Johnson surprised him not a little, by acknowledging with a look
of horrour, that he was much oppressed by the fear of death. The amiable
Dr. Adams suggested that GOD was infinitely good. JOHNSON. 'That he is
infinitely good, as far as the perfection of his nature will allow, I
certainly believe; but it is necessary for good upon the whole, that
individuals should be punished. As to an INDIVIDUAL, therefore, he is
not infinitely good; and as I cannot be SURE that I have fulfilled the
conditions on which salvation is granted, I am afraid I may be one of
those who shall be damned.' (looking dismally). DR. ADAMS. 'What do you
mean by damned?' JOHNSON. (passionately and loudly,) 'Sent to Hell, Sir,
and punished everlastingly!' DR. ADAMS. 'I don't believe that doctrine.'
JOHNSON. 'Hold, Sir, do you believe that some will be punished at all?'
DR. ADAMS. 'Being excluded from Heaven will be a punishment; yet there
may be no great positive suffering.' JOHNSON. Well, Sir; but, if you
admit any degree of punishment, there is an end of your argument for
infinite goodness simply considered; for, infinite goodness would
inflict no punishment whatever. There is not infinite goodness