Clear. I continued reading Swift’s Journal to Stella—Queen Anne’s Tory Ministry. He acted a very leading part behind the scenes in their transactions. A man sustained only by his talent, which was very extraordinary. It is a sure test of this qualification if a person acquires reputation over and over with the public in anonymous and unacknowledged publications. Swift understood and wrote for the British people.

Attended divine service and heard Mr. Frothingham. Revelations 19. 11.13. “And I saw heaven opened and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True and in righteousness he doth judge and make war and his name is called the word of God.” An Easter Sermon with a general consideration of the principles of the Church Militant, more especially the orthodox system of aggressive faith.

Afternoon, Mr. Greenwood from Proverbs 25. 25. “As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” A specimen of his peculiarly diffusive languor. He rung the changes upon each part of the illustration, discussing the force of each word and then went on to the good news, which he regarded as in a Christian sense good when it is news of peace or of progress in the human race. Mr. Greenwood’s style is flowing and probably leads him occasionally to overlook the absence of any positive thought.

Mr. Walsh walked and dined with me. Joseph H. Adams arrived today after four years absence at sea in the Mediterranean squadron. He has altered but not so much as I had expected. Read a discourse of Barrow from Psalm 145. 9. “The Lord is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works.” That inexhaustible subject the goodness of God as displayed in the various tendencies of the creation. This is the commencing one upon the subject. Evening at Mr. Brooks, he was just going out. P.C.B. Jr. and his wife at home. Returned at ten.