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 desireth not our death, accept your repentance, for the sake of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
In requital of those well intended offices[1] which you are pleased so emphatically to acknowledge, let me beg that you make in your devotions one petition for my eternal welfare.
I am, dear Sir,
Your most affectionate servant,
January 26th, 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
- ↑ Dr. Johnson had written the petitions for a reprieve and, in part, Dr. Dodd's last sermon to his fellow-prisoners.
