Excessively cold, with a sharp wind which makes it intrude into houses through every crevice. The suffering of cold is much increased by wind.

I finished Alison on Taste, this morning. There is a good deal of ground for his principal position that objects are only the signs by which we express certain qualities or affections of the mind, but I cannot assent to it entirely. Because we must say that the beauty of the Created Universe is a mistake, there is no beauty in it any farther than the idea of fitness to arouse certain emotions of men. I must still believe that there is beauty in itself—That the Divinity created the Universe not for man’s faculties, any more than he created Man for the Universe. The whole was framed upon one great plan which could have been regulated on no plan but one that embraced sublimity and beauty. I mean if we admit a Deity at all.

Attended divine service and heard Mr. Frothingham from Romans. 6. 5. “If we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” A Sermon in some sort preparatory to Communion. In the afternoon, Mr. J. O. Sargent, a young man1 discoursed from 1. Kings 19. 12. “After the fire, a still small voice.” It was a young man’s production, upon a text he justly 42called sublime. It considered the account as representing the modesty of power, it’s unostentatiousness. True enough. But without the knowledge of the power that existed, the voice would strike one but little. The voice was accompanied by all the signs of the most exalted strength, and it is the contrast which makes the sublimity.

At home in the Afternoon. Read Massillon. Luke 3.4. “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” Subject, the disposition suitable for Communion, requiring faith, 1. of respect which distinguishes good from evil. 2. of prudence which submits to trial 3. of love which inspires ardor 4. of generosity which meets sacrifices. Evening passed quietly at home. Conversation, not of a very profitable kind. Afterwards, began Burke on the Sublime over again.

This is the day upon which General Jackson is inaugurated a second time. The People have made him President, and for once they have in their blindness done better than if they had tried to see. This Country seems to be under divine protection though I cannot say that I see it’s merits. We are a very sinful People in many respects.

At the Office. Read the Intelligencer and a copy of Mr. Arnold’s Speech sent to me by my father.1

Surprised exceedingly by the appearance at my Office of T. B. Adams. I thought him at Pittsburgh. He has a furlough for a couple of months and has come to see his mother.2 We conversed a great deal upon affairs at Washington where he was lately, and upon the condition of the various members of the family. His accounts are on the whole favourable. Read a little of Morris and took a walk.

If one should judge of the month by the weather, one might readily suppose that we had committed an error in calculation, and that February was just beginning. The Thermometer was at zero this morning.

I went to the Office and was engaged as usual in accounts, diary and a little of Gouverneur Morris. Mr. Sparks is again at his tricks about 43the negotiation of the French Treaty. He seems determined to exalt Franklin and Deane at the expense of my Grandfather. Such is history. Even posthumous fame depends upon the miserable conceits of this or that prejudiced brain.1 I reflected upon this during my walk, and upon the stormy life led by my father and grandfather. They sacrificed much for the benefit of the Country, and the Country has in return held them to a far more severe account for their private faults than it has felt gratitude for their public services. That such a man as Jefferson should be an idol and my Grandfather detested—That Jackson should be lauded to the skies and my father persecuted is perhaps a hard measure of justice between the merits of the men.

Afternoon, finished Anquetil without regret. Began the Memoirs of Cardinal de Retz.2 There is a vast deal of knowledge of the world and profound remark in his book. Evening quiet at home. Burke on the Sublime.