Morning very pleasant for the season of the year. I read some of Voltaire’s Letters until it was time to go and hear Mr. Frothingham. He preached this morning a Discourse from the ninetieth Psalm 5 verse. “Thou carriest them away as with a flood.” The beautiful reflections of that Pslam upon the passage of time are among the finest in the Scriptures. The Preacher followed out the topic suggested by discussing the various feelings that agitate us at different ages; and dwelt much upon emotions which but the other day I was endeavoring to analyze. He gave us the mournful picture of human life and yet encouraged us by views of a future which presented an aim to all. I was much edified and pleased with the Sermon. It touched me just where I felt need of an application, it reminded me of my benefits and of my obligations.

In the afternoon Mr. Lothrop on the same general subject—Isaiah, but I lost the verse. It was however introducing time as “the voice from behind us” spoken of in the text. Whenever I hear him I a little wonder at his Sermons. He delivers them much too fast for effect, but notwithstanding, there is an exceeding fluency of language, a command of imagery, and a vein of moral reflection which assuredly did not distinguish him formerly.

At home I read a discourse of Dr. Barrow upon the unsearchableness of God’s Judgments. Romans 11. 33. “How unsearchable are his judgments and his ways past finding out.” He gives a variety of reasons for this which are sound and ought to be satisfactory. But the perpetual struggling of man with the subject shows how difficult it is to listen to reason in the case at all. Perhaps the very best argument he urges is that a perfect and visible arrangement of cause and effect would lead men to utter indifference to God and a future world. I have often reflected upon this matter and hope to go back to this discourse hereafter. Evening, quietly at home. I read Goethe’s Wanderjahre.

Cloudy day with sleet, snow and finally heavy rain. I went to the Office. Political affairs look very much unsettled. The rumor respecting Mr. Webster is again revived. The article signed Massachusetts has not found favor with the Whigs and another signed New York has appeared distinctly declaring the party preference to be for Har-303rison. I called at Mr. Hallett’s office to see if he had any private information. He read me letters from Mr. Pierce and Mr. Borden which however are not in my mind perfectly satisfactory. He told me that he should proceed to publish my letters in answer to Mr. Slade directly, and requested me to continue them.1

Home to read Livy. Afternoon devoted to Mr. Slade. Writing is laborious but I find my facility increases by constant practice. Attended a meeting of the Proprietors of the Athenaeum for the purpose of voting upon a proposition to lay out money for building a new edifice for Pictures. By way of commentary, the Treasurers Report states that the annual expenditure of the Institution exceeds its receipt about four hundred dollars. Of course I voted against the scheme and returned home for the purpose of going to hear the Somnambula again. The House very crowded and fashionable. I was again delighted, but most particularly with the chorus “When day light’s going,” with Brough’s song, “As I view these scenes,” and the duett “Take now this ring.” Perhaps there is in the whole range of refined enjoyments none more perfect in all respects than that of listening to the good singing of a good Opera.2 Home before ten.