Slight snow in the morning which gave way to a Northwest wind and rapidly increasing cold. I attended divine service and heard Mr. Frothingham from Matthew 9. 13. “But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice.” A discourse upon the spirit of religion as distinct from the observance of it’s forms. Very good. Walk afterwards with Mr. Walsh who came to dine with me. Afternoon Mr. Ripley, but in consequence of missing my little Sunday siesta I could not prevent extreme drowsiness and so forgot text and subject alike.

Afternoon, read Dr. Barrow. Continuation of the last Sunday’s topic of self-love. This portion devoted to that part of it which includes self conceit, and embraces peculiar reliance upon one’s own merits whether of mind, or morals or worldly fortune. There is a great deal of good matter in this which I took pains to read twice over through its applicability to me. I have been favored much in all respects and am naturally of an overbearing disposition. It is therefore the more incumbent upon me to keep it fully in check.

Evening reading the Life of Lord Bolingbroke a late production by one named Cooke.1 There is no part of party history more worth studying than the Administrations of Anne and George. They are full of lessons for our own. Gardner Gorham spent an hour.