This being the great Anniversary of the Nation I should have preferred to have remained quietly at Medford, but as Mr. Brooks and my Wife proposed to make a trip to Andover, I thought I would not stay alone and therefore would drive over to Quincy. Passed through town and noticed the diversified gaieties of the town. Came across the Trade’s Union Procession which had a great ship upon rollers. Then a troop of truckmen in white on horseback. Then a boy’s engine company. I got through all these things and finally reached Quincy. Found Kirk gone to town. This was bad but I sat down and read the Ghost Seer all day so that I made it up. Returned home. Quite fatigued. Although a novice in German, I read sixty pages of this book today. 338Others were probably engaged in the noisy festivities of the day. I have no such fancies. Perhaps I am wrong. There may be public spirit in public eating and drinking and walking but I never could understand it.

Morning pleasant but warm. I went to the Office and from thence after doing some business with William Spear who came in from Quincy I went upon several small commissions and accidentally dropped into an Auction where I purchased a shawl for my Wife taking it to be Indian Cashmere but what was my surprise on taking it out to find that it was French and that I had been imposed upon. I hardly know of any thing that could have happened in a small way, which was more mortifying. I had intended an agreeable surprise to my Wife and instead of it enjoyed a vastly disagreeable one myself. Afternoon read the Ghost Seer, and Ovid. Nothing remarkable of any sort.

Morning at home. The weather exceedingly warm. I spent much time in reading the Ghost Seer, quite an interesting pursuit. I think in this way I shall make up my knowledge of the Language in a much more rapid manner than by a variety of short extracts in which I take no interest.

Attended divine Service and heard Mr. Stetson all day. John 11. 35. “Jesus wept.” A Communion sermon upon the causes of the act described in the Text. Acts 20. 35. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Upon the present tendencies to excessive charitable foundations where more beggars are made than are found. The discrimination of useful charities with a direct aim at the peculiar value of a Minister’s fund, and the contribution to be levied for it after the Service. This was done, and with the liberality turned out tolerably.

Sermon of Atterbury. Galatians 6. 14. “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, whereby the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world.” Glory in the cross of Christ not in external advantages nor without purpose, but to sustain it against enemies. This is the whole substance of the Sermon.

There was company during the whole afternoon and evening. Mr. 339Jon. Brooks, Dr. Swan, Mr. D. Hall, Mr. Bartlett, Col. Brooks,1 Mr. L. Angier. Quite a number of Medford persons. The evening was warm.