Morning cloudy and cold, with a slight snow. I read the second volume of the reminiscences of the Rhine the first of which I went through some time since.1 It is a pretty little thing by some lady who has amused herself creditably in describing as she has seen.

Attended divine service all day at Mr. Frothingham’s Church and heard Mr. Walker from Psalms 40. 7–8. “Then said I, Lo I come; in the volume of the book it is written of me I delight to do thy will O my God: yea thy law is within my heart.” How far this may be said of Christians, and of what it consists was the substance of the discourse. Amos 4. 12 “Prepare to meet thy God.” Not by sudden repentance but by a life of piety, not by patching in a piece as in an old garment but by making it complete. Mr. Walker delivers his Sermons well and his writing is clear and impressive. But it wants grace, nor does it contain much of novelty in the thought.

I took my usual walk and read a Sermon of Dr. Barrow from Psalms 64. 9–10. “And all men shall fear and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing. The righteous shall be glad in the Lord and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.” Six points. 1. That men should consider wisely. 2. fear God. 3. declare his work 4.5 be glad and trust 6. glory. The whole applicable to the famous historical incident of the Gunpowder plot. There is more substance in this discourse than I have yet perceived in the Author. The first head embracing the discussion of God’s special Providence agrees so nearly with my peculiar opinions upon the subject that I could not help admiring it. To argue that God does not direct the world seems to me to destroy religion. And although for the best of purposes we cannot see it, it seems to me perfectly clear that if we wish to do well, we ought constantly to believe in it. Evening 78quiet. Mr. Walker dined here. Read the life of Schiller which is very interesting.