I begin upon a new volume of my Diary. An occasion which is fitting for a little reflection upon the past, the present and the future. Of the past I recollect much that is gratifying and much to be thankful for. Of the present I think with a more mingled sense of moments not suitably employed and to the future I look with hope and fear. My personal situation changes little, so little that a record ceases to possess any interest, and yet I grow older and feel more heavily the burden of the charge so neatly expressed by Glaucus in the passage which I have prefixed as an epigraph to this volume. Perhaps I may say that I appear less favorably placed than heretofore for acquiring the honest reputation which is my wish, but this does not dishearten me as I trust all things will with fair exertion come right at the proper time. My happiness can be consulted without going in search of extraneous objects for it and this is cause for the profoundest gratitude to the giver of all good.

I remained at home all day. My first business is to hear the girls read four chapters of the Bible, a practice established by my father and which since his departure I have continued. After this I make arrangements of the superfluity of books into the rooms newly opened for them, or read Homer. These occupations were interrupted today by a visit from Mrs. Frothingham and Horatio Brooks who has lately returned from a voyage. He has lived very fast and bears the marks of it.1 308They went home to dinner. Afternoon read Humboldt. Evening, play at Loto with the children, after which, engaged in writing.

Town today instead of yesterday. My Wife went with me as far as her friend’s Mrs. Seaver’s who lives a little out of the straight road and I called for her again upon my return.

Engaged in Accounts. Saw A. H. Everett and Mr. Walsh. Talk politics—the public interest in the approaching meeting of Congress increases. The Rhode Island election having resulted so favourably to the opposition, the question now to be tested goes the length of the actual majority in the House of Representatives. Then come the currency difficulties. I had not much time for talking as I had to go out upon various little commissions. Then home.

Afternoon assorting books. My first article upon Texas appeared in the Quincy Patriot of today. I propose to follow these up more industriously than I did those upon the Currency. Indeed my vision upon that subject appears to have evaporated. I write now and then but the thread has been so often broken that I have lost the spirit and then comes the question where can I publish?

I visit my house twice a day, where there is however not much of interest at present. My man Kirk and a few painters being the only people now there. Plenty of work however for the former. Evening after Loto, I sat down and wrote upon Texas. Mr. DeWint who has been with us this week left on his return home this day.

Day clear. I occupied myself this morning in writing a second number upon Texas in comment upon the resolutions of the Legislature of Mississippi. Attended divine service all day and heard Mr. Whitney preach from James I. 22. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves,” upon the spirit of attendance upon Christian worship. Mr. Whitney’s enunciation is now so imperfect that I could not catch the afternoon text and I lost my attention to the subject.

Afternoon a discourse of Sterne. Matthew 11. 29. “Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Humility, a security against disappointments. Pride, the cause of half 309the sufferings of life. A conclusion “against spiritual pride, particularly that resting upon inspirations, or the doctrine of the methodists and quakers.”

Evening quiet at home. I remembered the day. It is now eight years since I was married, and I have never felt any cause of regret for that step or uneasiness excepting on account of the very indifferent health of my wife. This I hope will mend.