Morning cool. I rode to town and was busy most of my morning in the various commissions which residence here seems to impose. A great deal of time was taken up in the various applications of Tenants for the house that is vacant, as well as directions for the alterations and repairs which I wish to be made. I was obliged to go to the House for sundry purposes, and I there obtained several books &c.

Dined at Mr. Frothingham’s. Conversation about Col. Perkins’ dona-81tion. I have subscribed very far beyond what it seems to me I ought to have done. But when others hold back, it seems to me not right to countenance their higgling.

After dinner I attended the meeting of the Stockholders of Boylston Market. A considerable number present. Much discussion upon the expediency of an appropriation. Some dissatisfaction expressed and opposition to any large sum. $3000 failed almost unanimously. $2500 failed by two to one. 2000 succeeded by a few votes. I believe the change of my votes produced it. Am I justified in my course. I think so or I would not do it. Yet I hope nothing will be done. The minority is too large. Returned home to tea. Quiet evening.

Morning cool with an Easterly wind. I was occupied part of the morning upon a labour which will probably take up most of my Summer, arranging and putting into the Catalogue all the books of the last arrival. Attended divine service and heard Mr. Gannett of Cambridge. He is a man of rather effeminate mind and not capable of struggling with the difficulties of the present day.1 His morning discourse was from 2 Peter 1. 16 and embraced the leading evidences of the truth of Christianity. He dined with us and seemed to be melancholy. I have forgotten the Afternoon text.

Read a Sermon of Massillon’s. Text 1. Corinthians 2. 12. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God.” He argues that the spirit of the world is totally inconsistent with and opposed to the spirit of God, because the latter requires 1. abstraction and seclusion, 2. penitence and amendment, 3. energy and courage. There is much worth meditating upon in that Sermon.

My father’s Coachman, Kirke arrived this afternoon with the Carriage and horses but without my Mother. She was not well and therefore delayed her Journey after having sent the Carriage forward. I am quite anxious about her. In the evening we sat quietly at home. Conversation with my father. Afterwards I read the Connoisseur.