The rain prevented my going to town as I had intended. I improved the time in writing until it cleared away, when I went out notwithstanding the cold North wind which followed to superintend the placing of the trees and some other little improvements which I am making. Feeling as I do the necessity of paying attention as far as I can to economy, I do not employ so many hands as I otherwise should and leave the work to be very much done by one. This makes it rather tedious. However it is useful upon many Accounts. I pointed out some trees which were taken up just before sunset. There was an eclipse of the moon this evening total although I did not see it at that time. Evening, continued the labour which I am very rapidly bringing to a close. Mrs. Adams and Miss Smith were here.

I went to town this morning and occupied myself very much in superintending the work doing at my house, that at 55 Hancock Street and also some Accounts at my Office. Mr. Ayer today brought me his demand and I had not yet had a moment of leisure to look it over. I paid on account and referred it to next week for a final settlement. I thus exhausted the morning and even returned home quite late.

Afternoon, engaged in finishing the planting of trees on one side of the house, which was accomplished and even in their naked winter state, they add to the appearance of comfort. My work on the Lecture was continued in the evening steadily.

Morning clear. I attended divine service and heard Mr. Lunt preach from Ephesians 4. 24. “That ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” The discourse did not fix my attention which has wandered a good deal since I set upon my present work. Afternoon, I believe, John 15. 17. “These things I command you, that ye love one another,” of which I can give not a much better account than of the morning.

Read a Sermon of Sterne’s from Acts 3. 12. “And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?” The character of Peter, a very good Sermon. Evening, I went on in continuation of my Lecture.