Morning fine but cool. I went to Meeting after reading several Cantos and parts of Cantos of Spenser’s Faery Queen.1 I wish to observe the imagery in which he is so rich. Heard Mr. Frothingham from Mark 5. 18.19. “And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not.” I was unable to fix my attention at all although I had no doubt whatsoever of the beauty and merit of the discourse. Mr. Walsh walked and dined with me.

Afternoon a young beginner, Mr. Dwight.2 Philippians 3. 13.14. “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” His discourse was a sensible one but not possessed of much power. I read also a sermon of Sterne’s. 2 Samuel 2. 7. “And Nathan said unto David Thou art the man.” A sermon upon self knowledge, very neatly and delicately written which seems to 217be the characteristic of his style, but there is not much vigour, nor profoundness. Evening, to Mr. Brooks’. Nobody there, and P. C. B. Jr. rather gruff at first but softened away quite tolerable.