Colder morning. I read a good deal of Götz today, but I confess I lose much of the force of the piece. Attended Divine Service. Acts 3. 6. My Classmate, S. K. Lothrop. “Silver and Gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee.” Charity not confined to the rich and the gift of money, may be exercised by every one in his sphere, in acts of kindness, courtesy and good advice. When I remember Lothrop as he was at Cambridge and see the influence of circumstances in bringing him where he is, my mind immediately turns to the moral of this life and it’s wonderful vicissitudes. I thank God for being where I am. Lothrop I am told succeeds with his congregation. Yet his Sermon today was only tolerably well conceived and not so well executed.

Afternoon Mr. Robbins. Psalms 57. 6. “Behold thou desirest truth in the inward parts.” This is another young man who spins cobweb which looks well. I am sure the age is degenerating. These clergymen would not have passed the ordeal twenty years ago. The Boston Clergy were then men of more mental vigor.

Read a Discourse of Dr. Barrow in continuation of that last Sunday, and directed particularly to the necessity of frequent exercise of prayer and attendance upon public exercises of devotion. But I do not alter my mind upon the general character of Dr. Barrow. I took my usual Sunday walk. Evening at home. Read a work on Travelling in Germany and Switzerland, written pleasantly enough by some lady.1