The morning was dark and opened with heavy rain. I was consequently detained pleasantly enough until eleven o’clock. But I could not help thinking this one of the evils attending the continuance of the engagement. My spirits were better however than they were a year ago, although still liable to slight returns of dullness, one of 316which I had today. There is room for hope though, and as I am so well now in comparison, I am sanguine that I shall again be myself. Returned to town with Horatio Brooks in company. At the Office, found a letter from my Mother, rather dull. Occupied all day as usual. Evening at home reading Percy’s reliques.

Morning at the Office. Wrote a letter to my Mother in answer to two which I have received from her in the course of the week. It was not long because I would not express my feelings fully and could not write much without doing so. The remainder of the day passed in reading Law and Books relating to History. In the evening, I went to a meeting of the Private Debating Society. Question on the duty of the Representative to obey instructions. There was a tolerable discussion. I am as yet exceedingly doubtful whether I shall ever be able to succeed as a Speaker. I feel as if I had the material, but one great obstacle is in my way, an excessive diffidence.

This day was passed without any remarkable occurrence excepting a constant attendance at Meeting on my part. I heard Mr. Gannett in the morning upon humility. Mr. Barrett in the afternoon upon progress in religion; and having called to see George and pass an hour with him, I took tea there, and we went to hear Dr. Channing at Mr. Ware’s Church in the evening. His sermon was on scepticism founded on disbelief of miracles. I was much pleased and instructed. He is a striking Preacher and now and then becomes eloquent. My day therefore was not badly spent and I cannot say that on the whole, I felt low-spirited at all, though it was my Medford day.