The New Year opened with cold. I look upon it and upon myself and when I reflect upon the future, and what it may bring, I recoil as if it could not continue what has been hitherto so bountifully given me. This is not the right feeling for a Christian, but in truth there is 351danger of my being spoiled by prosperity. I strive to remember that life is a path of trouble, vicissitude and danger, and that the most cautious steps in the progress are the safest and yet in them there is no certainty without the guidance of a higher power. To this I trust far more than to myself or the world.

After a little time devoted to coins, I went out and was engaged pretty busily most of my morning in money affairs. I accomplished the payment of my Mortgage to the Mass. Life Ins. Co. although at a moment of all others, perhaps the most inconvenient to myself. In order to effect I was obliged to borrow of Mr. Brooks a portion of the sum he was kind enough to lend on my own terms. Indeed when I called for it today he offered to make me a gift of it, but I declined upon the ground that I might appear to beg it and asked him to treat me exactly upon the footing of an ordinary debtor. This he at last agreed to do. He is very generous to his children, and as I am not one excepting indirectly by marriage I feel myself much bound to take no advantage of my situation.

The morning thus passed off. I returned home and continued reading Oedipus tyrannus. After dinner Storch’s fifth volume, but I do not turn my time to best account. Evening at home very quietly. Nothing further.