Cold and clear. Services as usual. Evening to Edward Brooks’.

I continued my attempt at composition this morning without success. One thing is certain, my dissipated way of life entirely kills connected thought or I am not as well charged with ideas upon the subject as I apprehend.

Divine service as usual. Dr. Frothingham from Psalms. 131. 2. “My soul is even as a weaned child.” I had heard of this sermon and text some time ago, but gained little from it I regret to say. Afternoon, S. K. Lothrop from Exodus 20. 3. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Upon idol worship of this age, more refined but equally marked with that of antiquity. The ancient mythology personified passions and gave them divine attributes and then worshipped them. We do so without personification. It was a good but not a new discourse in invention delivered with the peculiar artifice which deadens the effect of his performances.

Read a discourse in the English Preacher from a Mr. Bourn, Psalm 103. 2. “Bless the Lord, O my Soul; and forget not all his benefits.” Upon religious gratitude, a respectable discourse. Made a pleasant visit in the evening at Mr. Edward Brooks’.