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.

A fine day. I went to the Office, time occupied in Diary and Accounts. My duties at present are small and yet I see no great leisure time. Called to see Mr. Brooks and he gave me a Check on another payment of Mr. Johnson’s Interest. This reminds me I must send an account. But I could not make it today.

Walk with Mr. Walsh and home to read Livy. I still feel exceedingly uncomfortable from my cold. It is said to be a kind of influenza which has prevailed and I think I have suffered unusually from it. Finished Grahame’s History which on the whole is a good one but which is not by any means perfect. Also read Candide which is a witty story but which one does not remember with pleasure. There is too much of a blight upon human life in such a doctrine.

I went down to the Office early with the view of going to Quincy in the Plymouth Stage at 10 o’clock. But after waiting I found it full. I was so anxious about the bill for lumber of which I had heard nothing, and so doubtful whether the weather hereafter would permit me so easily to go that I concluded to take a chaise and horse and go alone. This I did.

Made a settlement with the man who was very reasonable and made all the deductions after which I got into the gig and came home before dinner, thus finishing this matter at once. I am glad to get that so well settled. But I was much chilled by my ride and felt severely my cold.

Afternoon, reading some French Newspapers published here they want me to subscribe to. I rather waste my time and must begin to go back to the MS. Evening at home. My Wife read to me from Lamartine whose book I rather like.