Morning clear but quite cool, the easterly winds prevailing very much. I spent some time in writing in continuation of my beginning of 299yesterday, and then attended divine service, and heard Dr. Francis Parkman of Boston preach from Ephesians 4. 28. “Let him that stole, steal no more, but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” The injunction not to steal is of course to be explained away in this text, inasmuch as few congregations would at this day feel flattered or even listen with patience to an application of it’s literal purport. But the preacher extends its force to all acts of injustice or oppression arising from a love of money. He then exhorts to industry as the second part of his subject which leads to charity as the third. A very good discourse.

Afternoon, from Psalms 37. 25. “I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread.” Some examination of the difference between a general and a special providence, denying the possibility of the latter consistently with the idea of the Deity, with a view of our present condition, occasioned by our own faults and follies, and yet so eminently prosperous in being free from all wars, diseases and other fearful convulsions. Dr. Parkman dined with us today.

Afternoon, read a sermon of Sterne upon the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. Luke 16. 31. “And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one should rise from the dead.” A charity sermon in the style of that author.

Evening, Mr. Degrand from Boston with two friends, Mr. Clapp and Mr. Pedrick, the former a conceited fellow who edits a paper very goodnaturedly, the latter an ignorant, harmless kind of man. Also, J. Quincy Jr. with E. C. Adams and Miss Miller, George Foster and Charles Miller. Nothing new.

I had designed to spend a very busy day of it in writing, but, such is the vanity of human resolutions, did little or nothing. This was owing to the fact that Deacon Spear was up here to make a clearance of the rubbish and stuff from the grounds, and I was obliged to be present and explain to him all my wishes and intentions. The cellar especially required clearing away and this was no trifling work. I in this manner gain experience not merely of what a house costs to build but also what it costs to get rid of the materials. My experience is dear bought, but it is still within my means and will I hope prove of some use. I can 300see where if I had not been very cautious I might have spent a great deal more money, and I can also see where I could have spent less. My main anxiety now is to finish, and there is yet much to be done. Mr. Dudley called and settled his account which has now been standing some time.

After dinner, I went with my Mother and the ladies in the Carriage to Roxbury to see Mrs. Boylston and take tea there. We had not been there since the death of the old gentleman. There was but little change in the appearance of things which made me feel the difference the more. The kindness we met with from him comes over me like a vision of past joy. It is the only warm hearted association I have in this climate, with my youth, and it is gone. The old lady treated us very civilly and we returned home in good season.1