When passed at home, my days have so much uniformity that I think it hardly of use to sit down and record them. Indeed to a man not engaged in great affairs, it is rather absurd to keep a Journal. He has nothing to write about but the reflections of a solitary whose influence on the world is next to nothing. The principal advantage resulting from the habit is derived in early life when habits are forming. We learn method and facility in composition. In these respects I am very sensible that I have been greatly benefitted. But the time has gone by. And I now do from the force of habit which has been formed. Such is man always, and hence the origin of a thousand customs which long survive the causes that created them.

I read Horace, Neal’s Second Volume, and finished Hutchinson’s book. On the whole I feel for the Author. His career was that which many men pursue. Begun with brilliant prospects and ardent hope, continued in the belief that views of personal interest and public convenience could be combined and when the moment of being undeceived came, choosing conscientiously perhaps but not fortunately, he passed the remnant of his life in melancholy exile from the scene of his early promise. He has left a book as little tinged with bitterness as could be expected, but yet disclosing in every page the rankling of the arrow in the wound.

Afternoon, read one or two miscellaneous papers of d’Alembert.1 One upon Rhetoric and Oratory describing what so many learn and teach, yet so few practise with success. Another upon Christine of Sweden, a singular character. I was thinking why it was that she and Charles 5th. never received much applause for their resignation of their Crowns, while Washington’s retirement has been so much lauded. The world will look into motive. In the former they assign as cause, 112caprice, in the latter, patriotism. Prehaps this might be further examined. Evening quiet at home.

The day was clear but quite cool. I attended divine service and heard Mr. E. Q. Sewall preach two sensible, tolerably well written Sermons. One from 6. Matthew 6. the other text I did not catch, but the discourse was far the best. It was upon the exercise of religion producing joy.1 I can understand this better than the melancholy, discouraging tones which Massillon is so fond of indulging. To be innocent is surely to be happy, the more a man makes himself innocent by the conscientious discharge of all his duties, the more happy he ought to be. Sin is misery, whereas Massillon’s doctrine reverses the whole process and makes man miserable in proportion as he becomes more religious, and happy as he brings his mind to indifference. What views of the Creator!

Massillon’s Sermon for today was in honor of St. Benedict the ascetic. Hebrews 11.7. “By faith, Noah being named of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house, by the which he condemned the world.” Benedict by the light of faith discovered the vanity of the hopes and security of the world. 2. He condemned the vacillation and despair of man by his activity in securing the means of eternal safety. And all this how, because he went into the forest and lived like a brute, because he deprived himself of God’s best gifts for fear he might abuse them, because he set an example which deprived the world of thousands of useful beings. I do not comprehend such religion. The Apostles did not do so. The Saviour set no such example. Evening quietly at home.

The day was wet and foggy with wind from the Eastward so that I did not stir from home. Indeed while the town is making a holiday of General Jackson’s visit, it is waste of time for me to attempt to do 113any thing there. Read Horace and Neale. The latter gives an Account of the first settlement of Plymouth Colony and the admirable address by Robinson which is interesting. I ought to have read this history before I wrote upon the subject.

Engaged also upon the controversial papers between Hutchinson and the General Court. They are exceedingly well done and strong on both sides although I think the reasoning leans against the Governor. Indeed, had it not been for the consent to the authority of the Long Parliament, I should be clear. To this it can only be answered that times of civil commotion are not the best from which to draw precedents to settle great principles.

My afternoons require more easy reading, and I think I earn the privilege when my mornings are so well spent. Read the Letters of St. John the Pennsylvania Farmer, which are very pretty.1 Evening quietly at home. Mr. Beale called in and spent an hour.