Morning cloudy and rain. I remained at home and occupied myself with Juvenal a part of whose sixth Satire I read over carefully although without being much pleased with it. The coarseness overcomes with me every thing else.

I passed some time in looking over Bolingbroke’s Idea of a Patriot King and Burke’s Appeal from the new to the Old Whigs for the purpose of getting a motto.1 I found one but was not altogether satisfied with it. Assorted papers which is wearisome but necessary. Afternoon, reading Theodor.

My occupation is now very curious indeed. Yet I have never had a time of more unmingled happiness. My family all well, affairs prosperous, and I entertaining the consciousness that I have done something to earn a reputation. May time not take from these blessings and I will strive to enjoy them. Everything is in higher hands.

Evening at home. I now and then take up a little of Sir Egerton Brydges—A disappointed literary man. He set his tone too high and was too careless. Yet my success is not established.

Pleasant. I went into town. Time very much taken up. First to the Athenaeum, then to Office, engaged in Diary. Carried two more numbers of the Appeal making four. Corrected some more of them. My Wife and Mary came in in the Carriage. I went up to see Sharpe about my Cabinet which he is making. It is in course and will, I think answer. Called in also to see the Tenants, who were none of them able to pay. Also to see Mr. Brooks, so that the whole of my time was hurried, and I did not get away until quite late. This is a pleasant way of getting rid of the enemy but it involves a great deal taken up in transitu. Home. After dinner reading. Theodor. But the ladies had been delayed so long in town that we did not dine till past four so that the afternoon was short enough. Evening at home.

Just as I was dressing this morning to go to Meeting, my razor slipped and cutting, disfigured my Nose in such a manner that I desisted 206from going in the morning. The time was filled up by reading a Discourse of Dr. Barrow, being a continuation from last Sunday’s of the one upon Contentment, from the same text. The immediate subject the mode by which the virtue is acquired–exercise, discipline—and he lays down certain directions for improving in it. I was better for the Discourse although in reflecting upon the many faults and weaknesses of my character, I do not regard discontent as among them. Indeed I should be sinful in the extreme if with all the enjoyment which I have, the superabundant richness of my blessings I should dream of it for a moment. No I am both content and grateful. My prayers are for a continuance of the benefits I already enjoy so far beyond the proportion of my deserts.

Afternoon, attended service and heard Mr. Lunt from Proverbs 22. 1. “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” I lose my few minutes nap after dinner here at Quincy, and consequently am drowsy in the sermon. I never can keep awake. This is owing to a silly indulgence I have of a nap almost daily. In the afternoon repeated my reading of the sermon and went on with Theodor. Evening at home.