Samuel Johnson

A man ought to read just as inclination leads him; for what he
reads as a task will do read more

A man ought to read just as inclination leads him; for what he
reads as a task will do him little good.

For patience, sov'reign o'er transmuted ill.

For patience, sov'reign o'er transmuted ill.

Commemoration of James Hannington, Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa, Martyr in Uganda, 1885 Continuing a short series on prayer: read more

Commemoration of James Hannington, Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa, Martyr in Uganda, 1885 Continuing a short series on prayer: Madness frequently discovers itself merely by unnecessary deviation from the usual modes of the world. My poor friend Christopher Smart showed the disturbance of his mind, by falling upon his knees, and saying his prayers in the street, or in any other unusual place. Now although, rationally speaking, it is greater madness not to pray at all, than to pray as Smart did, I am afraid there are so many who do not pray, that their understanding is not called in question... I did not think he ought to be shut up. His infirmities were not noxious to society. He insisted on people praying with him; and I'd as lief pray with Kit Smart as any.

If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone; read more

If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone; one should keep his friendships in constant repair. -Samuel Johnson.

But here more slow, where all are slaves to gold,
Where looks are merchandise, and smiles are sold.

But here more slow, where all are slaves to gold,
Where looks are merchandise, and smiles are sold.