A clear day but cold, the wind from the north and cutting. I continued reading Brumoy’s Preface giving his view of the origin of the drama of which I think not much.

Attended divine service. Mr. Frothingham from 12 Hebrews. 17. “He found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears,” the subject of repentance, it’s nature, its effect and its uses, very good. Afternoon from John 19. 10.11. “Knowst thou not that I have power to crucify thee and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above.” The conception of power contrasted in the worldly view given of it by Pilate by his question, and the more exalted and correct one of the Saviour.

Walk with John. Afternoon reading the second of Buckminster’s Sermons upon the character of Christ. John 7. 46. “Never man spake like this man.” An exceedingly ingenious discourse in support of the evidences of Christs mission, from his situation in life, the unexpec-393tedness, the originality, the sublimity and the consistency of his character. All these points are reasoned out with great simplicity and force. I was so much pleased with the sermon as to be led to read the Memoir of the Author at the head of the book and an Oration delivered by him at Cambridge. He certainly was a gifted man and had he lived would have probably made a useful one. At twenty eight he had made himself a reputation other men hardly reach at fifty.

Evening at home. A visit from H. Chapman of Greenfield who chatters a mixture of sense and nonsense. Reading Miss Baillie.