Mr. Strahan has given me the agreeable assurance, that, after being in
much agitation, Johnson became quite composed, and continued so till his
death.
Dr. Brocklesby, who will not be suspected of fanaticism, obliged me with
the following account:--
'For some time before his death, all his fears were calmed and absorbed
by the prevalence of his faith, and his trust in the merits and
propitiation of JESUS CHRIST.'
Johnson having thus in his mind the true Christian scheme, at once
rational and consolatory, uniting justice and mercy in the Divinity,
with the improvement of human nature, previous to his receiving the
Holy Sacrament in his apartment, composed and fervently uttered this
prayer:--
'Almighty and most merciful Father, I am now as to human eyes, it seems,
about to commemorate, for the last time, the death of thy Son JESUS
CHRIST, our Saviour and Redeemer. Grant, O LORD, that my whole hope and
confidence may be in his merits, and thy mercy; enforce and accept
my imperfect repentance; make this commemoration available to the
confirmation of my faith, the establishment of my hope, and the
enlargement of my charity; and make the death of thy Son JESUS CHRIST
effectual to my redemption.
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