A lovely day. I read some of the History of the United States this morning. A feeble book. Attended divine service and heard Mr. Frothingham preach from 1. Corinthians 15. 26. “The last enemy that shall be destroyed, is death.” It was an attempt to treat the subject of death in connexion with two or three losses that have happened in the Society lately, more especially that of young Joy. I thought it a little heavy. Discourses of that kind must distress a Clergyman greatly. There is no room for any particular eulogy, and common places are tiresome.

Mr. J. D. Green in the Afternoon from Romans 12. 2. “Be not conformed to this world.” Public opinion as a standard of moral conduct. Its fluctuating character and innate defectiveness. A common subject, simply treated. It is a prevailing vice among us. The judgment of the public is not the proper rule, but it is rigidly imposed as such in this Community. On my return home I read Massillon. Luke 2. 10–11. “I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” On the Nativity, considered as having produced 1. Glory to God, 2. peace to men. The sermon was a good one.

Evening quietly at home. Resumed my German and read the Connoisseur,1 being the next of the Essayists in order.