The day was mild and pleasant. I spent the time before service in reading the first volume of Chateaubriand’s Itineraire a Jerusalem, a book with which I am much pleased. The spirit seems to be good. Then to Church. Mr. Frothingham, Deuteronomy 33. 27. “The eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms.” A discourse upon the feebleness of all earthly dependence like wealth, learning, fame &ca. and the necessity of relying upon the Deity alone. I was much struck with it as I know how unsatisfactory all worldly prosperity is to satisfy the heart of man. I have hardly any thing left to wish and the very circumstance perhaps is the reason why I wish for something more. And this may be without any repining too, for after all the heart of man is not made to stand still and stultify his head.

Afternoon Revelations 20. “And I saw the dead, small and great stand before God; and the books were opened.” The idea of a record of all actions, the remembrances of early life and a slight touch in the Wordsworth fashion after the unnaturally simple. Read a discourse of Dr. Barrow upon the resurrection and the judgment of God Mark 16. 19. “He was received up into Heaven and sat on the right hand of God.” One idea was new to me that the resurrection of Christ is supposed to have opened the gates of heaven until that time entirely closed. This appears to me at first sight strange. Evening paid a visit to Mr. Frothingham. Found Mr. Wales and family and others. Home early.