The days are clear but exceedingly cold for the Season. The quantity of ice made at the North chills us through whenever the wind is from that Quarter. I went to the Office and was occupied all my time 275in making Leases, drawing Accounts and a Writ against the Graves’s. This to be effectual ought to have been done at first. Now I expect very little from it. Finished my bargain for my Horse and Chaise which I think on the whole a pretty fair one for the other party. Took a walk with Mr. Peabody.

Afternoon Rode to Quincy. Called at the House and arranged with Carr, the Tenant, then went to Mrs. Adams’. Transacted the little business I had up there. Conversed with her upon various matters relating to herself. And returned to town in time for rather a late Tea. Then went with my Wife and I. Hull, who came back today, to Mrs. Frothingham’s to hear the Church Choir perform some of their Music. They did a great deal better today. And some two or three pieces I was charmed with. But the voices are not good. Returned home early, but being fatigued omitted all but the Spectator.

Fine morning. Engaged at my Office in writing my Diary which has fallen behind hand and finishing the Draughts of Leases which I had made for Quincy. At Noon I attended a Stock Sale but purchased nothing. I afterwards made a Contract however with Mr. Brooks who had more than he wanted, for some Shares in the Union Bank for T. B. Adams. This purchase strips me of every thing I have in every capacity. But it is an object to get through with the business of discharging those children1 at all events. I took a walk as usual.

In the afternoon I read my usual quantities of Spanish and Italian. But wasted the Evening excepting that I resumed the reading of the Bible to my Wife which had been some time interrupted. Received this morning a short but kind letter from my father.2 Nothing else material.

The cold keeps on and renders us all very uncomfortable. I read this morning the numbers of the Society of Useful Knowledge on Planting.1 They are valuable Treatises although they want an elementary fare to be extensively beneficial. I had some idea of writing upon the subject. Attended divine Service and heard Mr. Newell of Cambridge preach. His Text in the morning was I think, Deuteronomy 4. 9, but I am not sure, so will not quote it. The afternoon’s was stated to be from 2 Chronicles 20. 11 but I could not find it there. His 276productions were both of them pretty ambitious ones upon self review. But I think I have stated before that he is not a favourite in my mind, and I find no reason now to alter my opinion. The duty of the Clergy is an arduous one and they should not be harshly criticized, but the duty of the listener is also arduous, sometimes, and he must sometimes be excused.

For the first time for a month my head was not in order from indigestion and it as usual discomposed me. I read twice over however a Sermon of Massillon’s upon Slander. His text from John 2. 24. “But Jesus did not commit himself to them because he knew all men.” He divided the Apologies for Slander into three heads. 1. That they are about trifles. 2. That the reports are general. 3. Drawn from the Zeal for the faith. This was another valuable Sermon because it is drawn from an insight into human nature and calculated for good practical benefit. Quiet Evening. Went to bed early on account of my head.