My cold appears to be coming on very gradually but decidedly. I thought I would nevertheless go to the Office and follow my work as usual. I wrote my Diary, balanced my books for the month and looked over the account for lumber sent me by Mr. Spear of Quincy, from the Company. On examination I found more to complain of than I had expected.

In all matters of dealing in the Country, it is important to stick to the terms, but they are apt to refuse it. I dislike these differences about them more than any thing else. Mr. Ayer came in and I showed him the account, after comparing which, I inquired about the agreement with Mr. Robbins and found there was none. Such is the honesty of 141people. Mr. Ayer is a clever man but he will not advance much in the world. I took a walk with Mr. Walsh and then home. Livy.

Afternoon, reading Grahame. I think there must have been intention on his part in leaving out so entirely all notice of my grandfather. Perhaps as he comes down he partakes the democratic prejudices. I know not how else to explain it.

In the evening after my Wife had retired I read Voltaire’s Zadig. An extremely amusing tale, perhaps the best of that Author who for the most part disfigures his wit with coarseness and impiety.

I felt very poorly all day today. Something seems yet to go wrong. To Market thence to the Office where I was occupied as usual, in accounts and so forth.

The political returns come in with exceeding slowness but they now look better for Mr. Van Buren than they did. He will probably have a few spare votes over and above what will suffice to elect him. Well, what is it to me? Is my position any better? I do not see how. Politics present but a very poor field at present for any body’s gleaning. No questions of principle.

Received a letter from T. B. Adams at Tampa’s Bay informing me of the transmission of money which if it comes will be very opportune.1 Home after walk with Mr. Walsh. My little girl had received a hurt in her eye and was suffering under it, and I was myself in a state of suffering. Read Grahame. And in the evening resumed Lamartine to my Wife. After which, Micromégas,2 and one or two smaller tales.

My cold today changed it’s mode of attack and I was a severe sufferer in my head. The inconvenience of this is not trifling particularly in intercourse with others.

Morning read Candide and a little of Livy. Attended divine service and heard Mr. Frothingham from Hebrews 12. 3. “Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners.” A very good sermon upon that most necessary of all virtues at this day, patience under contradiction. I listened as well as I could with my cold. Mr. Walsh walked and dined with me. Afternoon, Mr. Lothrop from Acts 8. 30. “Understandest 142thou what thou readest.” Upon reading, its abuses and it’s uses, a light, superficial discourse better delivered than usual with him.1

Read a sermon of Dr. Barrow John 1. 14. “And we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father.” The godhead of the Saviour, why he was called the son of God. I have some doubt about the profit of discussions of this kind. They relate to titles of which we can know little and in no manner touch substances. No mystery is greater than the birth of the Saviour and none which can bring less fruit to investigation. The Trinity or the Unity are questions involving so much of unintelligible matter that I think it is better to trust without discussing the goodness of God. Evening at home. Gardner Gorham2 came in for an hour.