Morning clear, but with a cold and cheerless wind. I had anticipated a pleasant ride to Medford, but was somewhat disappointed. The east predominated too much. Arrived, we attended divine service all day and heard Mr. Stetson. I was so cold in the morning having imprudently left my great coat behind me that I could hear little. The subject however was prayer. In the afternoon, his sermon was upon Sunday Schools and somewhat severe upon the practices of his neighbours of the orthodox creed. I am not over fond of militant Theology, and therefore pay little attention to denunciations from the pulpit of any kind. It is a little unfortunate for Communities that they have in them commonly smart spirits who in the desire for self distinction which animates man as a race, seek those ways calculated to breed evil passions and disagreeable feelings in the hearts of fellow men.

But I am not going to moralize on hackneyed topics. The world must always be taken by every generation as it is, and if it is the work of half a life to come to an understanding of this nature, it only shows, what shadows we are, and what shadows we pursue. My time was lost. Dr. Swan paid a short visit in the evening.