Fine, clear and cool morning. I read in the intervals some of Theodore a German story of Lafontaine full of the touches of natural life which distinguish all that come from him. I admire this writer much.

Attended divine service and heard Mr. Greenwood of Boston from 202Psalm 139. 1. “O Lord, thou hast searched me and known me.” An argument in favour of a divine creator from his work, the plan itself implies a Creator therefore he is the superintending being to whom man is to be submissive. Psalm 4. 6. “There be many that say, Who will show us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.” The tendency to despondency, answered by trust in the Deity and shown even in the evils of life. I did not master the whole of these discourses but they were very good.

Read a discourse of Barrow. “I have learned in whatever state I am, therewith to be content.” Phil. 4. 11. On Contentment, this the first discourse upon the subject was upon the nature of the virtue, founded upon humility and submission, and was full of the deep strong sense which characterizes the Author. On the whole the day was pretty advantageously passed. Evening quietly at home.

Fine morning but cool. I went to town in consequence of my engagement, and the first thing I did was to apply at the State Bank. The answer was in the affirmative although the pressure for money was said to be great. This was a fortunate escape, although I should have thought it hard not to have enjoyed the privileges which make that Stock in my eye worth it’s cost. I completed the operation with Mr. Degrand and am now in possession of the representative of the money I owe.

The remainder of my morning was taken up in a visit to my house, to the Athenaeum, and work at office. I was putting together and correcting my Appeal when Mr. A. H. Everett called in. After much conversation I found that his mind was running upon a plan of taking up a miserable radical paper for the purpose of affecting the Autumn elections in this State. He said that there were differences of opinion to reconcile between the Jackson party proper and its Adjunct, the Working men. That the latter were at present used as an instrument by certain disappointed Office holders to make disturbance, that the paper could be had cheap and by raising its character and extending it’s influence might have effect in this part of the Country.

My hour for returning to Quincy having arrived, I was glad to cut off the conversation without giving any opinion. I could not do so without saying things that might hurt his feelings. To take up a radical paper with my feelings and principles, would be either self degradation or desperation. I must either be expected to bend to a tone which 203would please the reformers, a tone which I despise, or to raise them up to me which is a vain and absurd hope.

There is another thing in the subject. I am made to put on the collar of Jacksonism and work like a slave, when I have no design whatever to lose my perfectly independent position. Mr. Everett is under other circumstances. He is a professed politician dependent upon it for his living. He must be a Jackson man if he is not a Whig. He looks to a revolution in the State for his support, and it is therefore natural for him not to be scrupulous about the means to bring it about. To me who am evidently expected to furnish both capital and reputation, I see nothing to result but loss of both. I prefer buying U.S. Bank Stock.

Home to dinner taking with me my child Louisa who is not satisfied with her town residence. Afternoon assorting letters and papers. Evening, conversation with my father who confirmed me in my impressions respecting Mr. Everett’s propositions.