A continuation of clouds and rain. Division as on this day. Evening at home.

I devoted some time as usual to my daughter’s morning exercises, 217and began to read Professor Tucker’s life of Mr. Jefferson. This work was written with a view to soften the effects of the publication of the papers by the grandson.1 I must follow up my study of American history for after all if providence should continue my life, the great object of it will be perhaps to write upon it.

Attended divine service and heard a man by the name of Holland settled in Brooklyn, New York. John 6. 12. “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” An economical, prudential discourse much in the Essay style of the day and in the worst possible taste for the pulpit. John 17. 21. “That they all may be one.” This was in a better spirit, and instead of viewing the text in a doctrinal way, he regarded it as promising unity of Christian feeling to the destruction of all sects. There is something just and for aught I know, original in this application.

Read a Sermon of Dr. Clarke. Revelations 3. 15.16. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.” A good Sermon upon zeal. Evening quietly at home.