The season continues cold beyond all example. I read a little of Swift this morning but had not much time owing to late rising. Attended divine service and heard Mr. Frothingham, from strange texts 376both morning and afternoon. The first from Zechariah 5. 2. “And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll.” Applied to the spread of the Scripture truth. The other from 1. Corinthians 9. 9. “Doth God take care for oxen” which however ingenious appeared better calculated for agricultural tastes than for mine.

Mr. Walsh walked and dined with me. I like his visits very well. Afternoon a discourse of Barrow’s from 1. Tim. 4. 10. “The living God; who is the Saviour of all men especially of those that believe.” The first of a series of Sermons designed to show that God’s intention of salvation applies to all men—A sort of counter doctrine to the calvinistic tenet of election which is to be sure bigotted enough.

Evening out to Edward Brooks’ where my Wife and Mr. Brooks also were. Conversation, nothing particular, home. My boy John was ailing today which is always very unpleasant to as his general health is so sound. I feel anxious. Swift, and Rose’s Ariosto.

Very cold morning for the season. I went to the Office. My time taken up in a great variety of little ways. Mr. Walsh came in. I called upon Mr. Brooks respecting Mr. Johnson’s Investments, and I was occupied in Accounts and Diary. Wrote to Mr. Woodbury acknowledging his pamphlet,1 and walked a little way, then home where I read Livy. Afternoon, occupied in writing an answer to my mother’s letter2— She wishes me to interfere with my father which is impossible. What can I do or what ought I to do in a case entirely within the judgment of another. I gave her my reasons. Afterwards, Fouqué, third volume.

After tea, I went with my Wife and a large party of people of all size and age to the Lion Theatre, a new establishment which has a large Company and collection of Horses.3 The equestrian performances were very good and many of them to me somewhat new. I was also very much pleased with the propriety of the performers, especially the clown who is usually an extremely coarse character. But the performance which was William Tell threatened to be so long that we left and got home by ten o’clock.