THE WORKS OF SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D. WITH MURPHY'S ESSAY. EDITED BY THE REV. ROBERT LYNÁM, A.M. ASSISTANT CHAPLAIN TO THE MAGDALEN HOSPITAL. IN SIX VOLUMES. VOL. I. LONDON: PRINTED FOR GEORGE COWIE AND CO. IN THE POULTRY. ADVERTISEMENT TO THE PRESENT EDITION. THE Works of DR. JOHNSON are so established in the public opinion, that they need no recommendation to introduce them to notice, and no long encomium to explain their merits, and procure for them a due share of admiration. In an ample variety of subjects, in criticism and philology, in biography and ethics, he has written with a vigour of thought and majesty of style, which have gained him admirers among all, who are able to value either the sentiments or the language of an author. His depth of reflection satisfies the most acute and penetrating reader; and at the same time the pomp and harmony of his language give pleasure to the most critical ear, and the most refined taste. The panegyric which Pliny bestowed upon one of his contemporaries, conveys no exaggerated flattery when applied to DR. JOHNSON. Nihil est illo gravius, sanctius, doctius; ut mihi non unus homo, sed literæ ipsæ omnesque bonæ artes in uno homine summum. periculum adire videantur-Quantum rerum, quantum exemplorum tenet? Nihil est quod discere velis, quod ille docere non possit.* Lib. I. Epist. Catilio Severo. The present impression is comprised in Six Volumes but though thus conveniently reduced in bulk, it contains all the productions of the Author that have been ever inserted in the largest and most complete editions: and even a greater specimen of his Sermons, than it has been hitherto customary to present to the public. The Latin and Greek quotations have been carefully revised: the notes also of the best editors and commentators preserved, and some few original ones added. The edition, therefore, is as complete as the exactest care can make it, nothing being omitted that can gratify the admirers of the great and incomparable JOHNSON. CONTENTS 1. DIFFICULTY of the first address. Practice of the epick poets. Convenience of periodical performances 2. The necessity and danger of looking into futurity. Writers 6 .... 10 15 7. Retirement natural to a great mind. Its religious use.... 8. The thoughts to be brought under regulation; as they respect 10. Four billets, with their answers. Remarks on masquerades 43 11. The folly of anger.. The misery of a peevish old age..... 16. The dangers and miseries of a literary eminence••• 17. The frequent contemplation of death necessary to moderate 91 |