Morning mild and beginning to melt—Indications of the breaking up of the Winter. I passed all my leisure time in writing a letter to my father giving the details of what has passed in the political way 337during the last two weeks.1 His position is a painful one and so is mine. We have no friends. I pursue politics as a duty and not by any means as a pleasure.

Attended divine service and heard an excellent discourse by Mr. Frothingham upon the prevailing tendency in the Community to excessive lenity towards criminal offenders. Acts 3. 14. “Ye desired a murderer to be granted unto you.” This was immediately occasioned by a question now before the Governor and Council respecting the condemnation of a couple of incendiaries. Upon leaving Church however, Mr. Bradlee told me they were condemned.

A Walk notwithstanding the weather. Mr. Walsh dined with me and attended service afterwards. Mr. Gannet. 1. Timothy 5. 5. “Trusting in God and continuing in supplications and prayers night and day.” Upon prayer, the necessity of it. There is something overdone in this man that prevents the effect of what he says. Afterwards a discourse of Dr. Barrow in continuation of the subject of self, and divided into the four heads of self confidence, self complacence, self will and self interest. Very good. Evening quiet at home.