Morning tolerably clear. I was occupied an hour in my weekly visit to Market, after which I passed my time at the Office very quietly. Did not think of calling for my Letters until noon, when I found one from my father inclosing another to Mr. Hallet.1 I called upon him to deliver it, and found him in no amiable mood. He seemed disposed to make alterations in the Address. I felt somewhat provoked with him for this, and it was with some effort I kept my temper. He had been the means of bringing my father out by a very unusual series of resolutions, and once out, he seemed to imagine he was tied forever. I told him at once, that his resolutions and not my father were to blame for this state of things, and that if as he threatened, he became Jacksonian, the only result would be that the penetration of my father would be justified. I imagine these views had some effect. We parted goodnaturedly, but neither of us pleased.

I took a short walk. Mr. Brooks and Edward dined with me—But little or no interesting conversation. Short afternoon, Lord Bacon. Evening, Miss Edgeworth’s Ormond.

At eight o’clock, Mr. Hallett was announced, and he sat with me in my study until nearly eleven. His tone was entirely changed. Instead of Jacksonism, he professed to consider my father’s suspicion as very unjust and more than hinted that as I had raised it, I ought to put it down. He read me my father’s letter to him and then opened his business. He had read the Address to Messrs. Bailey and Whitmarsh, who had liked it much better. Their remarks however had been directed to certain passages, and he would proceed to submit them for my consideration. They were disposed to say nothing against the main points. I thought but did not say, that he had usurped authority in showing it to them, and that it was not a little imprudent in him to come to me for alterations under the cover of their names which 242he had already been refused under his own. However it would not do to slight them. I listened to them all, assented to some, doubted of others, and refused the rest. The condition was to be the restoration of harmony, and as the changes were not material, I thought them worth the object.

Morning snowy and quite cold. I attended divine Service all day. Heard in the morning Mr. Frothingham. Psalms 55. 14. “We took sweet counsel together and walked into the House of God in company.” A review of Parish history for the year—Baptisms, Communicants and Deaths: 13, 2, and 24. Some remarks of a very excellent practical character upon the custom of private Baptism. As this list includes these cases, it is very apparent, that the number of those never baptised at all must be considerable. He added some observations upon the Communion which I took for consideration. My opinions upon that subject are not slightly formed, and the experience of the last year has strengthened them. My passions are too strong yet, to risk the double damnation of violated vows.

Afternoon. Mr. Gilman again. Psalms 57. 7. “My heart is fixed, O, God, my heart is fixed.” Upon steadiness of purpose fixed upon firmness of principle. He is not a very attractive preacher. His manner is effeminate.

Atterbury, at home. 1. Corinthians 15. 19. “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men, most miserable.” This was a discourse preached at the Funeral of Mr. Bennett a rich bookseller in London. It seems to have given rise to some critical hostility at the time and not without reason. He endeavours to justify it in a Preface longer than the Sermon. The points are these—That without the belief of a future state, men are in a worse condition than brutes, and Christians the most miserable of men. Now the first is a doubtful point as it impeaches the economy of the divine government. The second as it gives a gloomy look to Christianity. He justifies himself pretty well from the charge of novelty in his doctrine in the Church but no farther.

Evening, my wife and I went to Mr. Frothingham’s. His choir were practicing there—Miss Woodward his only female singer, but she was not in voice tonight. Some others there, Miss Wallach, a sister of Richard Wallach of Washington, and Mr. J. E. Thayer, a Jacksonian broker. We returned early.