Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 6
1836-04-17
Cold and clear. I read Swift previous to attending divine service. Heard Mr. Frothingham preach from Acts 26. 27. “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.” Upon the principles of belief with an examination of three classes of men, who do not know what they believe, who think they know and do not, and who think they do not, and still do. Afternoon, Isaiah 21. 11. 12. “He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night. The Watchman said the morning cometh and also the night.” A very good discourse parts of which sounded familiarly to me. I took a long walk today but alone as Mr. Walsh was not out.
Read a Sermon of Barrow. Romans 2. 11. “For there is no respect of persons with God.” A difficult subject to explain and one upon which the author sheds no light. I am not one of those who repine at my fate, on the contrary my fear is that I am by no means deserving of so much as has been given me. I cannot understand my own merits and should regard it as somewhat presumptuous to claim for them so great a recompence. The sum total of the matter is that we should trust in God and that I do without seeking to examine what I cannot and ought not to understand. Evening went to Mrs. Edward Brooks’— 372Mrs. Boott there. Mr. Brooks went with us—A pleasant evening, then home.