As to an INDIVIDUAL, therefore, he is
not infinitely good; and as I cannot be SURE that I have fulfilled the
conditions on which salvation is granted, I am afraid I may be one of
those who shall be damned.' (looking dismally). DR. ADAMS. 'What do you
mean by damned?' JOHNSON. (passionately and loudly,) 'Sent to Hell, Sir,
and punished everlastingly!' DR. ADAMS. 'I don't believe that doctrine.'
JOHNSON. 'Hold, Sir, do you believe that some will be punished at all?'
DR. ADAMS. 'Being excluded from Heaven will be a punishment; yet there
may be no great positive suffering.' JOHNSON. Well, Sir; but, if you
admit any degree of punishment, there is an end of your argument for
infinite goodness simply considered; for, infinite goodness would
inflict no punishment whatever. There is not infinite goodness
physically considered; morally there is.' BOSWELL. 'But may not a man
attain to such a degree of hope as not to be uneasy from the fear of
death?' JOHNSON. 'A man may have such a degree of hope as to keep him
quiet.
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