Mild weather. The snow is rapidly disappearing under the present atmosphere, but I did not feel competent to leaving town for Quincy this morning. My time at the Office was not very usefully spent. I have now got through the greater part of my work and must create some. Alpheus Spear from Quincy with his Rent the only interruption. Worried about Mr. Johnson, must do something with his money on all accounts. Tried to get some exchange today but could not.

Home to read Herodotus. Afternoon, looked over Gallatin’s Report1 and finished the notice of my Mother, so that now I propose to turn my whole attention to drawing up an essay upon the currency. I began upon it this very evening after reading from Mrs. Jamieson characteristics of women to my Wife, rather a superficial book.2

Morning cloudy with light showers but it afterwards cleared away. I was occupied for an hour arranging my cabinet of coins after which I went to Meeting at Mr. Frothingham’s and heard him preach from the last verse in Luke’s Gospel. “And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.” A very discriminating discourse upon the practice of piety as distinguished by external observances and private faith. Afternoon, a very fine Sermon from Revelations 3. 4. “And they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.” I did not fix my attention enough to the whole of this. My continual and perpetual regret.

H. G. Gorham dined with me and Mr. Walsh took tea. I went down to see Mr. Brooks in the evening. Mr. Tucker there and F. Gray. Nothing new.

Home where I read a discourse of Sterne. Matthew 11. 6. “Blessed is he that shall not be offended in me.” The obstacles to the early progress of Christianity from the mode of Christ’s appearance on earth, the same general effect existing now. Perhaps there is no single point which shakes one’s faith so much in the judgment of the world. Afterwards, writing.

A very mild pleasant day more like September than this month. I took the opportunity to go to Quincy and give my final directions for the winter. The Country did not look cheerless at all. I succeeded in accomplishing many things I came out for. Settled with my painter and at the Quincy Bank and gave my final directions to Mr. Adams who is still at work on the outbuildings. Took a look at my house which appears in excellent condition and then returned in my Gig as far as the Toll house at South Boston where I got out and left it to Kirk to drive my horse back and keep him for the winter.

Home. Quincy Newspaper where I observed a long article in com-348mendation of a Lecture at the Lyceum delivered subsequent to mine. That which noticed my two was less than nothing. How is this? Are people afraid to praise me or do I not deserve it? Is there a determination to blast my honest attempts at reputation by resolute silence or is it a trial of my temper for the purification of my overweening self conceit?

Afternoon, writing upon the Currency but I feel discouragement, and may not publish. Evening, reading to my Wife until nine when I went to a party at Mr. Inches’ house. Cold company and stupid evening. I felt as if I should have preferred being at home. I get nothing by these party goings but vanity and vexation of spirit.