A clear and cold easterly gale. I read Loudon’s book which is not the thing I want, after all. Attended divine service and heard Mr. 384Frothingham from Psalm 146. 4. “In that very day, his thoughts perish.” Reflection upon the instability of human thought, passions and feelings, as an introduction to ideas of a more durable state, apparently caused by the death of a young man, Homer, a son of Mr. Homer who but a few weeks since lost a daughter, and is now left in old age much alone in the world. Who can think of such a fate without much of the sickening at the shadows of this world.

Afternoon, Dr. Harris. Hebrews. 6. 18. “We might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.” The Dr. is old and his voice feeble. It was difficult to follow the train of his thoughts under so laborious a delivery.1

Read a Sermon of Dr. Barrow upon the subject of Salvation in continuation of the two last. He examines more particularly the objections drawn from the limited spread of the gospel, and as I think does not answer them. The truth really is that no human intellect can comprehend the ways of the Deity, and it is idle to seek to do so. Evening, called at Mr. E. Brooks’s, with my Wife and her father. Mrs. Boott and one of her sons were there. Quiet, home early.

I spent an hour this morning with my two elder children playing upon the Common. This is just the season when I enjoy this kind of thing the most. They seem so much benefitted by the fine pure air, and I by seeing them enjoy it.

To the Office. Occupied in writing, called at the Advocate Office and gave my communication. Nothing new of any consequence. Congress appear to be indulging a state of repose. Met at Mr. Brooks’ his son Gorham who arrived this morning and purposes to spend the whole Summer here. Baltimore is not the most agreeable summer residence in the world.

Home, Livy, Hannibal and the battle of the Trebia—An extraordinary man. The secret of the Roman prosperity was perseverance under misfortune. How different from the present character of the inhabitants of that country. Afternoon, MSS, particularly the letters of La Fayette, one or two of which are very curious. Made up a volume. Ariosto. Rose1 is lively but he cannot give the whole spirit of the original. Evening somewhat wasted. I afterwards wrote.