Morning at the Office. Weather tolerably pleasant, though not quite so warm as it has been. My time passed quickly in settling Accounts and reading another Chapter of Gibbon upon the history of Julian. To show how much interest this author takes in his sketch it would only be necessary to look at the space it occupies in the general history. A mere period of sixteen months in which, though an attempt of some consequence was made, yet proved abortive and produced no permanent change, takes up half a volume. And the character of the man is brought forward rather as a slur upon the Christian faith, than as illustrating any portion of his period. Julian was undoubtedly remarkable in many points, but Constantine was more so. The latter brought about great things, the former very little.

Took a walk and in the Afternoon read part of the third and fourth books upon Rhetoric, the Commencement of the latter has some point to it. The Argument is a striking one, though the reasoning is scarcely conclusive.

Evening. My Wife and I went to Mr. Frothingham’s to hear his Choir sing. I was not much affected. Somehow these things got up for an occasion are laboured. The performers all seem to want to do too much. Retired and had time only to read the Guardian.