THE limits of this publication cannot embrace the Theolo gical Works of the BRITISH PROSE WRITERS: but an exception may, with propriety, be made in favour of the Sermons of a Layman, and one so eminent as the AUTHOR of the RAMBLER. Other reasons may be alleged for their insertion among the present volumes: although numerous editions of DR. JOHNSON's works are in circulation, but few, comparatively, of his readers, are aware that these sermons have not hitherto been admitted into any of them: but above all, the subjects on which they treat, and the pen from which they flowed, indisputably rank them with the original writings of Bacon and Boyle, of Clarendon and Locke.

DR. JOHNSON'S SERMONS.

SERMON I.

THE SECOND CHAPTER OF GENESIS, AND THE FORMER PART OF THE 24TH VERSE.

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife.

THAT Society is necessary to the happiness of human nature, that the gloom of solitude, and the stillness of retirement, however they may flatter at a distance, with pleasing views of independence and serenity, neither extinguish the passions nor enlighten the understanding; that discontent will intrude upon privacy, and temptations follow us to the desert; every one may be easily convinced, either by his own experience, or that of others. That knowledge is advanced by an intercourse of sentiments and an exchange of observations, and that the bo

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som is disburdened by a communication of its cares, is too well known for proof or illustration. In solitude, perplexity swells into distraction, and grief settles into melancholy; even the satisfactions and pleasures, that may by chance be found, are but imperfectly enjoyed, when they are enjoyed without participation.

How high this disposition may extend, and how far society may contribute to the felicity of more exalted natures, it is not easy to determine, nor necessary to inquire; it seems, however, probable, that this inclination is allotted to all rational beings of limited excellence, and that it is the privi lege only of the infinite Creator to derive all his happiness from himself.

It is a proof of the regard of God for the happiness of mankind, that the means by which it must be attained are obvious and evident; that we are not left to discover them by difficult speculations, intricate disquisitions, or long experience; but are led to them, equally by our passions and our reason, in prosperity and distress. Every man perceives his own insufficiency to sup ply himself with what either necessity or convenience require, and applies to others for assistance. Every one feels his satisfac

tion impaired by the suppression of pleasing emotions, and consequently endeavours to find an opportunity of diffusing his satisfaction.

As a general relation to the rest of the species is not sufficient to procure gratifications for the private desires of particular persons; as closer ties of union are necessary to promote the separate interests of individuals, the great society of the world is divided into different communities, which are again subdivided into smaller bodies, and more contracted associations, which pursue, or ought to pursue, a particular interest, in subordination to the public good, and consistently with the general happiness of mankind.

Each of these subdivisions produces new dependences and relations, and every particular relation gives rise to a particular scheme of duties; duties which are of the utmost importance and of the most sacred obligation, as the neglect of them would defeat all the blessings of society, and cut off even the hope of happiness; as it would poison the fountain whence it must be drawn; and make those institutions, which have been formed as necessary to peace and satisfaction, the means of disquiet and misery.