Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 8
1839-11-24
Clouds and rain. To Quincy. Service as usual. Home with Miss Cutts, Mr. Thornton.
I started for Quincy immediately after breakfast and in order to reach there in time for morning service. My father wished a Note to be read according to the customary form of the Congregational service, and I therefore came here to attend the service.
There was present of the family only Miss Cutts and my father and Louisa. Mr. Lunts prayer was very brief and proper. His Sermon from Ezekiel 2. 9 and 3. 1 and 2. “And when I looked, behold, a hand was sent unto me; and lo, a roll of a book was therein. Moreover, he said unto me, Son of man eat that thou findest; eat this roll and go speak unto the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth and he caused me to eat that roll.” Mr. Whitney preached in the afternoon but what his text was I could not remember, and his sight and enunciation are so bad that it is painful to listen to him.
Immediately after the afternoon service I returned to town accompanied by Miss Cutts who wished to take leave of her friends. Found at home Mr. Thornton an acquaintance of her’s who spent the evening. Read a sermon by Dr. Squire, Matthew 6. 19.20. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt and where thieves break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt nor do thieves break in and steal.” A very ordinary production as it seems to me. Miss Cutts remained at my house tonight.