Morning somewhat cooler and with a raw East wind. I read Montesquieu Grandeur et Decadence des Romains—A book crowded with thoughts.1 I like very much to meet with an exercise of the reflecting faculty which most books are not.

Attended divine Service and heard Mr. Frothingham from Numbers 20. 8. “Thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock.” I could not fix my attention at all to the discourse. The exciting events of the week, the extraordinary responsibility of such large money transactions, still retains its influence over my mind. Perhaps it is one of the best purposes of the Sunday services to sooth down and quiet such feelings. Afternoon Mr. Parkman. 1 Peter 4. 15. “Let none of you suffer as a busy body in other men’s matters.” Mr. Parkman discussed this topic of meddling with much sense and propriety. His final conclusions bore hard upon the affected philanthropists, the temperance reformers and abolitionists. Mr. Walsh dined and walked with me.

I read a Discourse of Dr. Barrow from Romans 12. 17. “Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” He in this the opening of the subject considers, first the meaning of the text, then the reasons for and finally those against observance. He goes over the reasons often assigned for appearing worse than one is—And deals with it well although not better than Mr. Frothingham did the other day. Evening quietly at home. I read to my Wife from Madame Junot. Afterwards, read part of Sheridan’s Life of Swift.2