considered, has no very deep dye of turpitude.

It corrupted no man's principles ; it attacked no man's life. It involved only a temporary and repairable injury. Of this, and of all other sins, you are earnestly to repent; and may God, who knoweth our frailty, and de- si reth not our death, accept your repentance, for the sake of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. which you are pleased so emphatically to ac- knowledge, let me beg that you make in your devotions one petition for my eternal welfare.

I am, dear Sir, Your most affectionate servant,

SAM. JOHNSON.

January z6th, 1777.

��To James Boswell

DEAR SIR,

Why should you importune me so earnestly to write ? Of what importance can it be to hear of distant friends, to a man who finds himself welcome wherever he goes, and makes new friends faster than he can want them ? If

1 Dr. Johnson had written the petitions for a reprieve and, in part, Dr. Dodd's last sermon to his fellow- prisoners.

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