Fogs and mist. To Boston. Company at dinner. Evening at the Mansion.

I went to the City in the morning and was occupied most of my time in Accounts. Finished drawing up those belonging to my father and 260the rest of my time in trying to get my balance Right but failed, so I brought my books out with me to continue to work upon them.

Found upon my return, I. Hull Adams and Mr. Campbell with Elizabeth C. Adams and my father, who all dined with us. The Afternoon was therefore devoted to them and the Evening too. An hour of which was passed at the house below.

Fog and rain. At home, dine at the Mansion and evening.

I devoted my whole morning to the examination of my books without however succeeding in detecting the error that had taken place. The day was dull and rainy. I dined at my father’s by request as the two young men and E. C. Adams were to dine there too. Nothing new of any kind.

A little of the first book of the Annals of Tacitus. The text is as familiar to me as if I had never read any thing else. And yet when I was at College I certainly slighted the study of it much. Perhaps reading Crevier last winter which is in many parts a mere translation may explain it. An hour at the Mansion below.

Showery and warm. Exercises as usual. Evening at the Mansion.

Passed my morning hour in my usual avocations with my daughter and reading a chapter or two of Tucker’s Light of Nature. He is not of the class of writers who please me for he dilutes his thoughts too much.

Attended divine service and heard Mr. Kent preach from Matthew 28. 9.17. “And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.” Afternoon Genesis 28. 17. “the gate of heaven.” Mr. Kent is a very worthy man but he is exactly of that kind of person which I cannot follow. And yet I tried hard enough. My mind has been subdued to do wonders in comparison with what it once did but this as yet is beyond it.

Read a sermon in the English Preacher John 4. 9. “For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.” A sensible though not particularly striking discourse upon the injury committed by the indulgence of violent hatred in questions where mere differences of opinion are con-261cerned. The author is John Balguy whose name I have seen quoted in English magazines with more commendation than any work which I have read of his appears to merit. Evening at the Mansion. Nothing new or remarkable.