Douglas, now Bishop of
Salisbury.
In one of his little manuscript diaries, about this time, I find a
short notice, which marks his amiable disposition more certainly than
a thousand studied declarations.--'Afternoon spent cheerfully and
elegantly, I hope without offence to GOD or man; though in no holy duty,
yet in the general exercise and cultivation of benevolence.'
On Monday, May 17, I dined with him at Mr. Dilly's, where were Colonel
Vallancy, the Reverend Dr. Gibbons, and Mr. Capel Lofft, who, though a
most zealous Whig, has a mind so full of learning and knowledge, and so
much exercised in various departments, and withal so much liberality,
that the stupendous powers of the literary Goliath, though they did not
frighten this little David of popular spirit, could not but excite his
admiration. There was also Mr. Braithwaite of the Post-office, that
amiable and friendly man, who, with modest and unassuming manners, has
associated with many of the wits of the age. Johnson was very quiescent
to-day.
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