Cloudy morning and mild. I went to the Office. Occupied some time in making up my Accounts and writing Diary. I then went to the Athenaeum for the purpose of examining the Anti Masonic Review in regard to the character of Morgan but although I had seen the book there some time ago, I could not now find it either on the shelves or in the Catalogue.1 I seized the opportunity however to read the article in Mr. Walsh’s Review upon the subject.2 Found it to be miserably barren.

Took a walk and returned home. After dinner I began to rewrite my No. 5. Amplified and new moulded the reasoning so as to appear in a better form. The exercise of writing sharpens the reasoning faculties, while that of reading much, dulls them. I think I improve in my style. At any rate I make my afternoons fly. And I do not know that I could do more good in any other manner.

Evening, I read to my wife two Chapters in the Bible and we accomplished some pages in Malvina. Mr. and Mrs. Frothingham then came in and passed two hours. I conversed with the former upon the explanations of the Bible, and felt desirous of ascertaining whether I could obtain any brief Commentary that would answer the purpose. It does not seem that there is such a thing. We had a pleasant little Supper and broke up at a little before ten. I omitted my German again and continued writing.