Day clear and cool. Passed as usual. Attendance upon divine service and reading. Evening spent at the Mansion.

Read today my father’s speech upon the question of Texas. It displays great acuteness and comprehensiveness of mind with less of declamation than has been usual with him. The tone is also more goodnatured and adapted to the temper of the house. It’s defect is that of Repetition consequent upon the fragmentary mode of it’s delivery and of a rather too desultory and immethodical manner. On the whole, it will form one of the most important of all the acts of his life, and will have a great influence upon the future condition of the country, either fortunate or otherwise.1

Heard Mr. Robbins of Boston preach from 2. Peter. 3. 11.12. and 13. The text too long to insert but the substance is the promise of a future state. He discussed this with spirit and explained his own views which leaned to a resurrection of the body. But this is too great a mystery for mortal brain. Afternoon Luke 8. 17. “For nothing is secret that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.”

Read a discourse by Dr. Batty in the English Preacher. Proverbs 1. 9. “They shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.” The effect of Religion upon human nature through its action upon honour, good nature and civility. The views very sensible but common. Read also Grimm. Mr. and Mrs. T. Greenleaf called in the evening for a short time and we went down as usual to the Mansion.