Morning clear but cool. I read German, finishing the extracts from Goethe in the reader and several of Hume’s Dialogues upon Natural Religion. There is a sort of playing with truth in his writings which is not a little provoking. He seems to consider every thing as a fair subject for the reasoning powers and rather takes delight in throwing dust than clearing it away.

Attended divine service all day and heard Mr. Stetson in the morning from Romans 2. 4. “Despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long suffering not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.” A sermon upon the necessity of repentance and amendment without which the goodness of God would not suffice to lead to immortal happiness. He seemed incidentally to express an opinion which was pretty decisive against the universalist doctrine. Afternoon 2. Timothy 1. 10. “But it is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.” Mr. Stetson’s Sermons are very good.

Read a short one of Atterbury. Philippians 6.1 “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” The fear of God a proper motive to holiness. Addressed to people who think too ill of themselves and depreciate this as their motive, when on the contrary they should regard it as a firm support and introduction to a higher feeling of love. Mr. Franklin Story, F. Gray and Mr. L. Angier were here in the course of the evening.