Temperature colder, and Clouds, which dispersed in the course of the day. I read part of the Dictionary of Painting this morning in order to gain information upon the subject of Engraving, as strange to say, this book of Bryan’s answers much better to that.1

Attended Divine Service all day and heard Mr. Frothingham in the morning from Acts 17. 22. “Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.” This is the beginning of the famed and beautiful Address of Paul to the Athenians—One not excelled by any of the most distinguished Oratorical efforts of Antiquity. The subject chosen by the Preacher was not the general one but the mere question of superstition, and an argument for charity in the construction of what it is. He stated that the real translation of the Greek words is “over religious.” Words much better adapted to the general purpose of the Speech than the ones used, though the original will bear both meanings. Superstition however is the excess of religious feeling commonly, though the reverse may not be true. It is therefore a more pardonable extreme than the total want of it, which is it’s opposite.

The Afternoon Sermon was from 2. Timothy 3. 7. “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” He applied this Text to those among men who occupy their time not in the solid acquirements for a life of virtue and usefulness, but in the curious controversial topics of Sectarianism or the unimportant minutiae of mental occupations. Upon some points I did not assent to the Doctrine. He slighted the certainty of Historical knowledge when it seems to be i.e. me to bear considerably upon the moral character of man, that the lessons he reads from other experience should carry no doubt with them as to their truth.2

At home read a Sermon of Massillon upon the future State. He derives his argument from two heads. 1. The certainty of it as founded upon reason. 2. The necessity of it, as agreeable to the idea of a wise Deity, and to the private conviction of every man in the existence of such a being.

Evening reading to my Wife more of George 4th. Then the rest of the Lectures of Reynolds which are very sensible, and the Spectator.

Morning clear and cold. I went to the Office as usual. After devoting some time to the performance of my Diary, I sat down to write to my Father. My letter was for the most part upon business matters. The question now comes upon him how he is to meet the Notes made by him in the Spring for this flour business.1 He will probably do it by sacrificing productive property. I consider him as in a pretty poor way and am not perfectly clear as to how he will come out of it. Probably his perseverance in the business will accomplish his ruin. Took a walk.

Afternoon, reading Cicero de Finibus, Book fifth, in which he undertakes to explain his own ideas upon the Subject, and he does it in a clear and lucid manner. I did not quite finish it. One can immediately see the difference in the style when he writes with relish and a conviction of the truth of his position.

Evening finished the second Volume of the Life of George 4th which brings the history down to the occupation of Paris by the Allies the first time. I have on the whole gained something by it. Afterwards. Copied part of my father’s letter and read the Spectator.

Upon opening our eyes this morning, we found a most tremendous flurry blowing hail and rain and snow together, and lasting only a few minutes after a Clap of thunder. The atmosphere afterwards became decidedly more chilly. I went to the Office but my time was wasted even more than usual. This is a melancholy state of things from which something must come soon to relieve me or I shall become a drone. Several persons called to see me upon various matters of business and I went to the Athenaeum afterwards where I wasted the time when I should have walked. The neglect of exercise in my present condition 183is as bad as the neglect of study, for it makes the latter less likely to be performed when greater occasion may call for it.

Afternoon, finished the 5th book De Finibus, which is on the whole an interesting Dissertation though it settles nothing. I completed my Copy of the letter to my Father and sent it.

Evening. Read to my Wife a part of the Romance of the Italian which Mr. Alston’s Picture has brought up again.1 I am rather inclined to think the world has lost nothing by allowing these books to sleep on the shelves of Circulating Libraries in Peace. They consult2 Passions and terrors which are hardly beneficial to man. I continued a sketch for future use which I think I mentioned as begun a few nights since and read the Spectator.