Morning cloudy and cold, with a drizzle from the Eastward. Went to town as usual. My first business was to go to my House to look at it’s condition and being there I made several alterations in my Library to meet the new acquisition of Buffon—My father having sent one of his Copies for my use.1 I feel always a great deal of pleasure in being in my study. It seems to be a literary atmosphere, in which I can indulge my favourite pursuits. But I could not stay at present. One fortnight will I hope see me back there.

One or two applications for the Tenements, a little of Hutchinson, and Accounts consumed the greater portion of the morning. Returned to Medford and found Mr. and Mrs. Everett with their children there to dine. Our dinner was pleasant as usual. My afternoon passed without any material occurrence excepting the doing nothing. A business of all others the most easy and least profitable.

Evening, Rollin upon the Eloquence of the Pulpit. He quotes much from the Fathers but on the whole his account is dry. The criticism of the Dictionnaire Historique appears in this case to be correct. His doctrine is superficial leaving no impression upon the mind. A mere 320series of passages from distinguished authors will hardly suffice, to get an understanding of style. They are various and confuse rather than teach.