Clouds, heavy rain and thunder and lightning morning and afternoon, which struck the steeple in Hollis Street and set it on fire. I went to the Office where I was occupied much of the morning in accounts. This is a season of the year in which they are very voluminous. Mr. Ayer called in about my message which I explained to him. He appeared to have been himself under a misconception, and promised correction and to go out himself on Monday. I advised it myself.

Received letters from Shepherd1 and my father.2 The former advises 220me to remit to the Barings on Mr. Johnson’s acct. which I shall do forthwith, and tells me he complains of me which I do not admire. My father wants money and must have it.

Home. Reviewing the first book of Homer. Afternoon, wrote to my father in reply,3 also a letter to Mr. Johnson,4 and reading Agathon. My wife went to Cambridge to the funeral of her relation, Miss Rebecca Parks, who died somewhat suddenly the other day,5 and did not return until late. Mr. Henry Chapman of Greenfield, a member of the Legislature now here, made a long visit for the first time. A rather superficial and pompous man but apparently goodhumoured.

The morning was cloudy with a chilly wind from the Westward. I passed an hour in reading Wraxall’s continuation of his biography. It is quite amusing though suffering appears to have checked his indulging so much as before in spicy anecdotes. Some of his insinuations respecting Pitt however take off somewhat from his reputation.

Attended divine service and heard Mr. Peabody of Springfield. Morning from 1 Corinthians 15. 45. “That was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.” A very sensible and beautiful discourse upon the formation of the religious character and the difference between the mere pliability of happy natural temperament and the firmness of a cultivated spiritual system. To me however, manner is so necessary that I must frankly confess I did not relish. I should as little relish the finest wine if it was thick with lees. Mr. Peabody has nearly as bad a style of delivery as I ever heard. Mr. Walsh and I walked and we dined. Afternoon, another discourse from the same gentleman. 1. Corinthians 13. 9. “For we know in part and we prophesy in part.” It was better delivered and equally polished although perhaps not quite so striking.

Read a Sermon of Sterne, upon Charity, 1. Kings 17. 16. “And the 221barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by the prophet Elijah.” The widow of Zarephah, an example of charity with an application of its value to the giver and to the receiver. It is somewhat laboured and evidently was considered a master piece, but it appears to me to have little beyond what may be found in a text or two of Scripture. Evening, brought up arrears of Diary again. I have now transferred it to my house. G. Gorham came in for an hour.