Julii, Anno Domini millesimo septingentesimo sexageimo-quinto. In cujus rei testimonium singulorum manus et sigillum lo in hisce utimur apposuimnus; vicesimo tertio die Julii. Anno Domini millesimo septingentesimo sexagesimo-quinto.
| 'GuL. Clement. | Fran. Andrews. | R. Murray. |
| 'Tho. Wilson. | Præps. | Robtus Law. |
| 'Tho. Leland. | Mich. Kearney.' |
This unsolicited mark of distinction, conferred on so great a literary character, did much honour to the judgement and liberal spirit of that learned body. Johnson acknowledged the favour in a letter to Dr. Leland, one of their number; but I have not been able to obtain a copy of it[1].
He appears this year to have been seized with a temporary fit of ambition, for he had thoughts both of studying law and of engaging in politics. His 'Prayer before the Study of Law' is truly admirable:—
'Almighty God, the giver of wisdom, without whose help resolutions are vain, without whose blessing study is ineffectual; enable me, if it be thy will, to attain such knowledge as may qualify me to direct the doubtful, and instruct the ignorant; to prevent wrongs and terminate contentions; and grant that I may use that knowledge which I shall attain, to thy glory and my own salvation, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen[2].'
His prayer in the view of becoming a politician is entitled, 'Engaging in Politicks with Hn,' no doubt his friend, the Right Honourable William Gerard Hamilton[3]', for whom, during a long acquaintance, he had a great esteem, and to whose conversation he once paid this high compliment: 'I am very unwilling to be left alone. Sir, and therefore I go with my company down the first pair of stairs, in some hopes that they may, perhaps, return again. I go with you, Sir, as far as the street-door.' In what particular
- ↑ See Appendix D for this letter.
- ↑ Pr. and Med. p. 66. Boswell.
- ↑ Single-speech Hamilton, as he was commonly called, though in the House of Commons he had spoken more than once. For above thirty sessions together, however, he held his tongue. Prior's Burke, p. 67.
