Snow but cleared off very cold. Exercises as usual. Evening at Edward Brooks’.

I spent half an hour this morning over my cabinet of Medals. Attended divine service and heard Dr. Frothingham preach from Luke 22. 8.9. “And he sent Peter and John saying Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.” A communion sermon. I noticed that the Dr. in his prayer alluded to the threatening political appearances of the day. What a nation of excitements are these United States! Two weeks ago and who would have earned any but a character of a madman in proclaiming the least possible chance of war. Now it is so familiar an idea as to call forth a prayer to Heaven to avert it. I cannot yet persuade myself there is danger, but I find myself very ill informed of the true merits of the question.

Afternoon, I Kings 17. 14. “For thus saith the Lord God of Israel 197The barrel of meal shall not waste neither shall the cruse of oil fail until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth.” Trust in the Lord as exemplified in the instance of the widow and Elijah. A trust which with me has been, I believe, perfectly uniform though I ought to take no credit for any trial.

Read a sermon of Tillotson. Psalm 119. 60. “I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” Immediate obedience inculcated with calmness and good sense. Evening to see Edward Brooks and his Wife. Found there Dr. Bigelow. Conversation, the frontier question and the fancy ball.