Fine cold day. I read d’Israeli in the morning and Don Carlos. Attended divine service and heard Mr. Frothingham all day upon the same text. Luke 2. 40 “And the child grew.” The long preparation of the Saviour from infancy and from thence into the more general provision of nature for the rearing of man. The growth of the affections, the inculcation of wisdom, the lesson of experience. I thought the morning discourse good, but the other one superfluous. Mr. Frothingham preaches well but never since I have known him does he address himself directly to the feelings of his auditory. He seems to throw this out of his line yet I think it forms the leading recommendation in Whateley’s rhetorical precepts, to my mind at least, very justly.

I read a discourse of Dr. Barrow. 1. Samuel 2. 30. “For them that honour me, I will honour.” He considers first the nature of the reward, honour, and next the duty, to honor the Deity. Upon these points he expatiates with great fluency yet I find in this Sermon nothing extraordinary. Evening quiet at home. Read d’Israeli and Don Carlos.