Another fine day. My last number of the Massachusetts Voter appeared today. I think with it I take leave of political affairs, at least for the present. My object is either gained or lost. The Majority has either sustained itself or it has not. If as the indications appear to be at present, it shall not have done so, I can flatter myself that the system which has been attempted to be introduced to break down my father has failed. Henceforth I act for myself. The thorny path of politics must be trodden by me with a cautious step. I will do nothing to disgrace myself, nothing to be hereafter ashamed of. There are symptoms of general anarchy among parties. During which time, it is madness for a well principled man to take any advanced lead. After the rage is over and it will probably last many years, the voice of reason may be heard.

Went to the Office. Occupied in writing and Accounts. Mr. Brigham called to see me about the lease of my house in Acorn Street and Mr. J. H. Foster upon the subject of the Guardianship of Mrs. Adams’ children. I referred the latter to Judge Leland.

Walk and home to read Juvenal, whose lines I find full of meaning. There is a singular and indefinable charm about the Classics. They do to me what Montesquieu said one hour’s reading of any book did to him, soothe the mind. Afternoon, Aristotle upon Education, which is no doubt the primary principle of all Government. With us, how super-260ficial! Evening at home. Working upon my Medals, and finished Catalogue of Pamphlets.

Morning cloudy with occasional rain. My father came to town this morning and brought with him the two little girls. He proposes to go on the Wednesday of next week, and therefore to take home my brother’s widow who has been staying here for some days. She has made herself exceedingly pleasant during her residence with us, and her absence with that of Elizabeth who has also been very agreeable, will make us feel the change in the house.

I was occupied at the Office most of my morning as usual. Wrote Diary and drew up Accounts. Called to see Mr. Brooks and went down to the Athenaeum. Nothing further. I returned home at my hour to read Juvenal, but my father was there so that I spent it in conversation. He seemed not to be in very lively mood. I fancy things look unpleasantly to him. I asked no questions. My political course is one thing and his is another. I will not sacrifice my independence at all hazards.

They all went directly after dinner. Afternoon reading Aristotle, and evening quietly at home. Read Moore’s Epicurean, a singular, sprightly little nothing.1

No frosts as yet. It would seem as if we were to have no Winter this year. This day was like September. I occupied myself reading until time for divine service which I attended all day. Mr. Motte in the morning. 97. Psalm 2. “Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.” A discourse upon the mysteries of the Christian Religion not considered as any drawback upon the natural belief in a wise and beneficent deity. Mr. Ripley in the Afternoon from Luke 3. 15 and 16. A parallel between the doctrines of John the Baptist and the Saviour.

Mr. R. is to me the most utterly uninteresting preacher I ever heard. All the other gentlemen who preach strike me as far above him in point of eloquence. But this may partly arise from the prejudice which I have entertained against him from the day of my first seeing him at 261College to this. He always looked that expressive though vulgar word, a sneak. Nor have I forgotten an incident which occurred at Cambridge in my Freshman year which stamped him in my mind of a cowardly nature. However let us pass to more agreeable topics.

I read a discourse of Dr. Barrow this afternoon in continuation of that last Sunday. He then discussed the text as a warning to put no stress upon the objects of this life. He now considered it as consolatory of its evils. The subject is a melancholy one, in either way that we regard it, but a very necessary one to reflect upon at all times and seasons. Evening Mr. and Mrs. Dewint with Miss H. Welsh called to return a visit paid by us this afternoon. They are here to put a son to school.