London, July 5, 1783.' Such was the general vigour of his constitution, that he recovered from this alarming and severe attack with wonderful quickness; so that in July he was able to make a visit to Mr. Langton at Rochester[720], where he passed about a fortnight, and made little excursions as easily as at any time of his life.

Pay my sincere respects to dear Miss Langton in Lincolnshire, let her know that I mean not to break our league of friendship, and that I have a set of Lives for her, when I have the means of sending it.' April 8.

I designed to go next week with Mr. Langton to Rochester, where I purpose to stay about ten days, and then try some other air.

Not long before his death, Johnson applied to Langton for spiritual advice.

"' Johnson's letter to Langton of March 20, 1782 (ante, p. 145), in which he says that he was 'musing in his chamber at Mrs. Thrale's,' shews that so early as that date he foresaw that a change was coming.

He however charged Mr. Langton with what he thought want of judgement upon an interesting occasion.