Rain and clouds. Exercises as usual. Evening at the Mansion.

There was very heavy rain early but it soon ceased and continued cloudy all day. I devoted an hour of the morning as usual to my daughter Louisa. My lessons are short and simple. Two Chapters of the Bible to read, and the portion of the common Prayer book to repeat which contains the commandments, and the analysis of duty. This with a hymn makes the exercise.

Dr. Frothingham came up from Boston and preached. We heard him from Ezekiel 47. 12 “And the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.” A discourse upon the Scriptures, considering them as a whole and replaying to the objections most commonly presented against them. These objections were stated strongly and answered satisfactorily. There was beauty in the composition, great unity and keeping in the figurative language drawn from the application of the text and unusual warmth in the delivery. I thought I never had heard the Dr. to more advantage.

Afternoon, Deuteronomy 34. 8. “So the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.” A singular selection on the subject of mourning drawn from the character of Moses and the regret of the 268Jews for his death. I dined at my father’s with the Dr. and his son Thomas, who took tea with us and returned to town in the evening. We had a pleasant visit from them.

After a short evening visit at the other house, returned home in time to read a sermon Luke 16. 13. “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon.” Bishop Hoadley does nothing but weaken the text in what he says and yet sensible enough.

Warm but showery. At home. Evening at the house below.

The day was so sultry that it brought on a heavy shower by night attended with a little thunder. I was at home with the exception of a short time passed at the bath, with my boys.

I revised my remarks upon Hamilton’s pamphlet and took them into a new draught. This is rather superfluous labour, I suppose. Texier and a little of Lessing.

After dinner, read the remainder of the third book of the Annals of Tacitus. The merit of this author is in his sketchiness if I may so say. A few words make a picture or qualify a description. Perhaps the best thing of his is the character of Tiberius. A little of Grimm, my progress with whom is very slow. Short visit at the Mansion.

Warm morning and showers. To town. Afternoon at home. Evening at the Mansion.

I went to town. Time taken up partly in a visit to the house in Acorn Street where there are a regiment of men doing repairs, and partly in accounts and commissions.

The arrival of news by the Great Western made some sensation inasmuch as it brought accounts of a continued want of money in England and a fall in cotton. The prospect is thick ahead. No chance of any more relief by loans, and exchange consequently rising.

Home to dine. Afternoon, Tacitus, 4 book, 20 sections. And a little of Grimm and Le Comte. Evening at my father’s. The sudden changes of the weather and getting my feet wet have given me the ague in my face.