Morning clear but day windy. I attended Divine Service and heard Mr. Lamson of Dedham — A good writer though not an attractive Preacher. He seems to have a good deal of sound sense conveyed in a simple manner. The first Sermon was upon progressive improvement, the other upon procrastination. But I cannot follow them. Somehow or other, I do not easily account for my time upon a Sunday although I am not sensible that I waste any.

Read in the Afternoon a Sermon of Mayhew upon Sobriety, being the first of a series addressed to young men.1 I was a little disappointed in it’s character though it is highly likely it was and is well adapted to the purpose which the Preacher had in view. Rode a little more than halfway into Boston to carry James Field, the son of my Child’s Nurse on his way. Returned before Sunset. Weather quite cool. Evening, I read a little more of Dr. Granville.

Fine morning. I went to town having made an engagement with Mrs. Proctor to be ready to receive her rent.1 This business completed, there was nothing else done. I sat at the Office some time and from thence attended a Meeting of Proprietors of the Fire and Marine Insurance Company. It was the Annual election of Officers and I thought I would take the opportunity to look a little into the state of the Stock. My examination was a very satisfactory one to myself. It proved to me pretty conclusively that the Company would do well to wind up inasmuch as it would probably pay back more than the par value of the Shares besides certain old claims that would perhaps turn out for something. But as a working establishment it is not likely to produce much for the future. Yet I see little prospect of it’s being wound up. Most of the principal Stockholders have borrowed money upon their shares, which they would be obliged to repay, and the hardship of depriving the President, who is popular,2 of his place deters others from attempting such a thing. I would advise selling, but nobody will buy.

Nothing particular happened and I returned to Quincy to dine. Afternoon, read some of Seneca. Quiet evening at home. Copied a long letter of my father’s.3

Morning clear but windy. I accompanied my Mother to town in the Carriage this morning, and was busy during nearly all my time in commissions on her account. First, in buying provisions for her at Market 361and afterwards in obtaining fruit. I had therefore but little time to myself. We returned home pretty soon too.

Afternoon very much cut up. I was in the first place engaged in reading Seneca, then taken off in attending to Visitors, Gen. and Mrs. Sumner and her Son Mr. Perry,1 and after them Mr. and Mrs. Tarbell. Then I had some Strawberries to plant in anticipation of a heavy shower in the evening.

A Country life is certainly pleasant enough in the Summer months, but it is very wasteful of time. I have become exceedingly careless on this subject, much more so than is proper, but what can I do? Without immediate object to give my studies a direction and without conveniences to make the most of the day, it is hard to do right. Quiet evening. I read Dr. Granville to the Ladies.