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.

Day cloudy with occasionally heavy rain. I went to the Office as usual and was very much occupied in Accounts. Mr. Leighton called and I explained to him the whole difference between his partner and myself. I told him that if he was prepared to say I was wrong and his partner was right, that I would then pay the whole amount of the bill. He said he was not so prepared, that he knew nothing of the transaction, never having authorized his partner in the requesting a discount and not being prepared to allow it to him or to me. The fact is, Robbins was charging himself with the money to meet private engagements of his own. The man is cut out for a Rogue. Mr. Leighton left me saying he would talk with his partner. I transacted a good deal of business usual at the commencement of a Quarter. Home late.

Afternoon, at home, Burnet, and Plutarch. Nothing material. Evening at home reading Moore. Quite a pleasing specimen of biography, and one worth attending to. Afterwards, writing.

Uncommonly cool for the season but clear and pleasant. I started very early in the morning with Mr. Walsh in company to go to Quincy. We reached there shortly after nine and I went immediately up on the hill to observe what they were about. Two or three workmen were engaged in getting out the frame, but it looked cold and cheerless and wet about the place. They grumbled a little, but it may make them hasten their work. I then went to the Bank and drew the Dividend upon my Shares and my father’s, then to the House where I warmed myself and showed Mr. Walsh the remarkables. Then came time to return and I had an hour at the Office for business. But I lost my Homer.

Afternoon reading. Our family a little deranged by the dismission of my man which I was compelled to resort to on Sunday to my regret. Changes in a house are always so disagreeable. Burnet. He is a little 218tiresome however. Began Wieland’s Agathon which I brought from Quincy with me,1 and made an extract or two from Montbarey into my book of generals.2 Evening at home. Read Moore a little, but my cold is still such as to make reading a little unpleasant. Afterwards, amused myself with Wieland’s Agathon but rather fatigued.