Morning cloudy and warm. I accompanied Mr. Brooks to town. Time passed at the Office. Mr. W. Spear called and paid some money, besides discussing matters relating to Quincy. He seems likely to prove a very good Man to examine things and suggest improvements I cannot observe. I have made up the sum I expected in readiness for the 26th, Isaac Hull’s birth day. But the point is lost and the money goes to pay other debts which are not calculated to relieve me from the payment of interest. Went to the House for one or two things. Return. Afternoon, Mandeville, and Ovid, Leander to Hero and the reply. Evening, Hume’s Essays. A thunder shower. It is impossible to describe any thing more quiet and methodical than my present way of life.

Morning cold and raw. The proportion has been very great of this weather during this month. The clouds seem to predominate. I read Italian before attending divine service. Heard Mr. Stetson, in the morning from Matthew 1. 21. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins.” The mission of the Saviour, his people originally signified the Jews, but rejected by them extended to all men, who made themselves fit by a belief and practice of his commandments and in no other manner.

Afternoon. Matthew II. 29 “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” The nature of the Communion, whether any difference is to be perceived in the injunction of Christian duty between those who partake of it and those who do not—the prevailing idea is erroneous. Notwithstanding this, I am of opinion that the Communion is a more solemn affair than all this would make it. A man is surely more criminal in violating an Oath than he is if he makes none. A man assumes a degree of virtue he is bound afterwards to sustain—the moral guilt of crime may not be greater, but the self degradation ought to be far more perceptible.

Read a Sermon of Atterbury. 2 Corinthians 13. 5. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith: prove your own selves.” Subject. Religious sincerity which he considers to be proved by 1. obedience, 2. good conduct, 3. a wish to improve, 4. private devotion, 5. absence 318of interested motive, 6. self distrust, 7. Enjoyment in the study of the Scriptures. The discourse is a good one. Evening quietly at home. P. C. Hall came in for an hour.1