Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 8

Saturday 22d.

Monday 24th.

Sunday 23d. CFA

1840-02-23

Sunday 23d. CFA
Sunday 23d.

Lovely day, but warm. Divine service and duties as usual. Evening to E. Brooks’.

A very uncommon day for this season of the year being very warm, so that I found a surtout oppressive. After my usual lesson with my 378children I attended divine service and heard Dr. Frothingham from Ezekiel 12. 27 “The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are far off.” Another sermon directed against the doctrines of the Millenium which are now pushed by Miller. The Dr. appeared anxious to press his points farther than he did on the preceding occasion and to discriminate between the sorts of prophecy which are to be found in the Bible, those relating to events then approaching and now long since passed, and those referring to a long distant period which are not likely to have any termination that it is in the power of man to define.

Afternoon a certain Mr. Bakewell from England who has come to this country with a view of settling. Sermon from John 19. 30.33. Too long to quote. But it related to miracles and went over the usual arguments upon the subject with clearness and force. His reading in the Scriptures and the Hymns was remarkably good. A rare excellence.

Walk with the children. Read another sermon in the English Preacher upon the example of Christ in continuation of last Sunday, and from the same text. Evening, my Wife and I went to Edward Brooks’ and spent the evening. Pleasant enough.