Dr. Johnson and I went in Dr. Adams’s coach to dine with Dr. Nowell, Principal of St. Mary Hall, at his beautiful villa at Iffley, on the banks of the Isis, about two miles from Oxford.  While we were upon the road, I had the resolution to ask Johnson whether he thought that the roughness of his manner had been an advantage or not, and if he would not have done more good if he had been more gentle.  I proceeded to answer myself thus:  ’Perhaps it has been of advantage, as it has given weight to what you said:  you could not, perhaps, have talked with such authority without it.’  Johnson.  ’No, Sir; I have done more good as I am.  Obscenity and Impiety have always been repressed in my company.’  Boswell.  ’True, Sir; and that is more than can be said of every Bishop.  Greater liberties have been taken in the presence of a Bishop, though a very good man, from 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