THE Author of the following Letter, having heard that his friend

Dr. Johnfon had faid, that he would prefer a state of torment to that of annihilation, waited upon the Doctor, and told him that such a declaration, coming from a person of his weight and character, might be productive of evil confequences. Dr. J. defired him to arrange his thoughts on the fubject. This request was complied with, and the arguments, then drawn up, have, fince the Doctor's death, been enlarged, at the requeft of fome particular friends who faw, and approved of them.

The Reader will meet with a reference to the above in Mr. Strahan's publication of Dr. Johnfon's prayers, where he fays, "At Afhbourn, I hope to talk seriously with".

To the Rev. Dr. Taylor, on his Letter to Dr. Johnson, ftating the proofs of the Chriftian Religion.

WHEN doubts difturb'd the dying JOHNSON's breaft,

From thee, his long tried Friend, he fought for reft;
Thy clearer reafon chas'd the clouds away,

And on the fenfes pour'd the living ray.

Hence taught, the path of faith he firmly trod,

And died in full reliance on his God.

But oh! not here the bleft effect should end,

No; let thy purpose to the world extend:
Flash bright conviction on a doubting age,
And leave to latest times thy well-wrought page;
'Teach weaker minds the mighty truths to scan,
Not more the Friend of JOHNSON, than of man.

BROOKE BOOTHBY, Jun.

A

LETTER

то

SAMUEL JOHNSON, L.L. D.

MY DEAR SIR,

ACCORDING to my promise, I here send you my thoughts upon the fubject of a future ftate, and the best arguments, I could think of, to prove the immortality of the foul, and the refurrection of the body. If the fare I have provided for you, be not fo delicate, or fo highly feafoned, as you may have ex