Our Weather hitherto since our stay at Quincy has been exceedingly cool, and often unpleasant. Today it was clear and very warm—The Thermometer rising to over 80° of Fahrenheit. I attended divine Service with my Father all day. We heard Mr. Flint of Cohasset, the very dullest Preacher that ever existed. It passes my comprehension to understand how a man could so totally deprave1 what might be supposed implanted by nature, the power of delivering a man’s own words and ideas to advantage.2 This gentleman dined with us. He seems to be a Man of naturally good strong sense but rough as a block of granite unhewn.

I took the leisure time to finish the Oration against Piso. It is worth studying for those who feel disposed to deal in invective, but for my own part, I prefer the more moderate, and argumentative discussions. And I cannot get over the strong inconsistency of his subsequent conduct. For Piso and Gabinius both afterwards were defended by him. I also read Grimm. Mr. Degrand and Mr. Dodge, a reformed Consul at Marseilles, paid a visit here and took tea,3 otherwise evening quiet and warm. Read the Spectator as usual.