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.

I remained at home all day. My time occupied partly in finishing a review of the 6th satire of Juvenal, partly in assorting MS papers and partly in commencing a new series of papers for the Advocate. As it is not the fashion for persons to read long articles, I have the idea of putting in short pieces some two or three times a week which will be spiced enough to gain a reading. I began with a comment upon an extract from Bolingbroke, which I was fortunate enough to find answer my purpose.

Thus went the morning. Afternoon, reading Theodor. My days vanish in this manner whether I am in or out of town and I do not know that they ever passed much more pleasantly. Perhaps I waste valuable hours but at any rate even if I do I am in the exercise of sharpening my faculties for future use. I hope to be able to do something of value to my generation. But I am not over ambitious.