204 Anecdotes by Hannah More.
which I had with the late Rev. Mr. Storry, of Colchester, re specting Dr. Johnson. I will now however proceed at once to record, to the best of my recollection, the substance of our discourse.
We were riding together near Colchester, when I asked Mr. Storry whether he had ever heard that Dr. Johnson ex pressed great dissatisfaction with himself on the approach of death, and that in reply to friends, who, in order to comfort him, spoke of his writings in defence of virtue and religion, he had said, ' admitting all you urge to be true, how can I tell when I have done enough *.'
Mr. S. assured me that what I had just mentioned was perfectly correct ; and then added the following interesting particulars.
Dr. Johnson, said he, did feel as you describe, and was not to be comforted by the ordinary topics of consolation which were addressed to him. In consequence he desired to see a clergyman, and particularly described the views and character of the person whom he wished to consult. After some consideration a Mr. Winstanley was named, and the Dr. requested Sir John Hawkins to write a note in his name, requesting Mr. W.'s attendance as a minister 2 .
Mr. W., who was in a very weak state of health, was quite overpowered on receiving the note, and felt appalled by the very thought of encountering the talents and learning of Dr. Johnson. In his embarrassment he went to his friend Colonel Pownall, and told him what had happened, asking, at the same time, for his advice how to act. The Colonel, who was a pious man, urged him immediately to follow what appeared to be a remarkable leading of providence, and for the time argued his friend out of his nervous apprehension : but after he had left Colonel Pownall, Mr. W.'s fears returned in so great a degree as to prevail upon him to abandon the thought of a personal interview with the Dr. He determined in consequence to write him a letter : that letter I think Mr. Storry said he had seen, at least a copy of it, and part of it he repeated to me as follows :
Sir I beg to acknowledge the honour of your note, and am
^ ii. 156. 2 Hawkins has no mention of this.
very
�� �
