A very heavy rain with Easterly wind. My cold oppressed me so much that at first I felt doubtful about going out, but finally concluded to do so but at the same time to decline dining with Governor Everett as by invitation. Office where I met A. H. Everett. Talk with him about sundries. Then Diary.

Mr. Ayer came in for some money to carry on his work and I made him a further payment. As we were talking a Mr. Robbins of the firm of Leighton and Robbins who had sold through Mr. Ayer some lumber to me upon which there was a balance in dispute, came in and we talked it over. He tricked me into advancing money without performing his part of the engagement which was a discount. He was very impertinent, and I had rather a trial of temper, but I subdued it and upon the whole felt some little cause for congratulation. This matter of temper is a study. Mr. Foster afterwards came in to receive some money on account of Mr. Angier and thus went the whole morning.

Home to read Homer. Afternoon, Burnet. But I was interrupted by Sayer, the Cabinet Maker with patterns, some of which I picked out and gave him orders. Evening quietly at home. Moore’s Life of Byron to my wife, after which read Thomson’s Castle of Indolence.1

Morning fine but cool. I went to Meeting after reading several Cantos and parts of Cantos of Spenser’s Faery Queen.1 I wish to observe the imagery in which he is so rich. Heard Mr. Frothingham from Mark 5. 18.19. “And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not.” I was unable to fix my attention at all although I had no doubt whatsoever of the beauty and merit of the discourse. Mr. Walsh walked and dined with me.

Afternoon a young beginner, Mr. Dwight.2 Philippians 3. 13.14. “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” His discourse was a sensible one but not possessed of much power. I read also a sermon of Sterne’s. 2 Samuel 2. 7. “And Nathan said unto David Thou art the man.” A sermon upon self knowledge, very neatly and delicately written which seems to 217be the characteristic of his style, but there is not much vigour, nor profoundness. Evening, to Mr. Brooks’. Nobody there, and P. C. B. Jr. rather gruff at first but softened away quite tolerable.