'
When Toplady was going to speak, Johnson uttered some sound, which led
Goldsmith to think that he was beginning again, and taking the words
from Toplady. Upon which, he seized this opportunity of venting his own
envy and spleen, under the pretext of supporting another person:
'Sir, (said he to Johnson,) the gentleman has heard you patiently for
an hour; pray allow us now to hear him.' JOHNSON. (sternly,) 'Sir, I
was not interrupting the gentleman. I was only giving him a signal of
my attention. Sir, you are impertinent.' Goldsmith made no reply, but
continued in the company for some time.
A gentleman present ventured to ask Dr. Johnson if there was not a
material difference as to toleration of opinions which lead to action,
and opinions merely speculative; for instance, would it be wrong in
the magistrate to tolerate those who preach against the doctrine of the
TRINITY? Johnson was highly offended, and said, 'I wonder, Sir, how a
gentleman of your piety can introduce this subject in a mixed company.
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