Page:The Works of Samuel Johnson ... A journey to the Hebrides. The vision of Theodore, the hermit of Teneriffe. The fountains. Prayers and meditations. Sermons.v. 10-11. Parliamentary debates.pdf/474

 Let every one then whom God shall visit with affliction, humble himself before him, with steady confidence in his mercy, and unfeigned submission to his justice! Let him remember that his sins are the cause of his miseries, that his troubles are sent to awaken him to reflection, and that the evils of this life may be improved to his eternal advantage, if, instead of adding sin to sin, and charging God foolishly, he applies himself seriously to the great work of self-examination and repentance.

For surely the frailty of this life, and the uncertainty of all human happiness, is proved by every view of the world about us, and every reflection upon ourselves. Let not death arrest us in a state of mind unfit to stand the trial of eternal justice, or to obtain the privileges of infinite mercy! Let it not surprise us engaged in schemes of vanity, or wishes of empty pleasure! Let death, which may seize us now, which will seize us at some time, equally terrible, find us, whenever it shall come, animated with the love of God, submissive to his eternal will, and diffused in universal charity and benevolence to our brethren.

Let this instant begin a new life! and every future minute improve it! Then, in exchange for riches, honours, or sensual delights, we may obtain the tranquillity of a good conscience, and that "peace of God which passeth all understanding."

SERMON XVII.

"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." xx. 16.

Nothing is more common than for men to make partial and absurd distinctions between vices of equal enormity,