Morning clear but quite cool, the easterly winds prevailing very much. I spent some time in writing in continuation of my beginning of 299yesterday, and then attended divine service, and heard Dr. Francis Parkman of Boston preach from Ephesians 4. 28. “Let him that stole, steal no more, but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” The injunction not to steal is of course to be explained away in this text, inasmuch as few congregations would at this day feel flattered or even listen with patience to an application of it’s literal purport. But the preacher extends its force to all acts of injustice or oppression arising from a love of money. He then exhorts to industry as the second part of his subject which leads to charity as the third. A very good discourse.

Afternoon, from Psalms 37. 25. “I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread.” Some examination of the difference between a general and a special providence, denying the possibility of the latter consistently with the idea of the Deity, with a view of our present condition, occasioned by our own faults and follies, and yet so eminently prosperous in being free from all wars, diseases and other fearful convulsions. Dr. Parkman dined with us today.

Afternoon, read a sermon of Sterne upon the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. Luke 16. 31. “And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one should rise from the dead.” A charity sermon in the style of that author.

Evening, Mr. Degrand from Boston with two friends, Mr. Clapp and Mr. Pedrick, the former a conceited fellow who edits a paper very goodnaturedly, the latter an ignorant, harmless kind of man. Also, J. Quincy Jr. with E. C. Adams and Miss Miller, George Foster and Charles Miller. Nothing new.