Warm, cloudy day. I passed my morning very quietly, occupied as usual in papers. I take great interest in this new business of the journals because I feel as if it may lead me to something useful. And they are in themselves so interesting that they ought to be published, for safety’s sake if for nothing else.

Attended divine Service and heard Mr. Young preach from Proverbs 20. 27. “The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord.” An ingenious view of the operation of the principle of religious faith in the human mind developing itself in moral results beneficial to the world. Afternoon Luke 10. 27. “And he answering said, Thou shalt love they neighbour as thyself.” An essay upon the spirit of the Christian Religion influencing man’s relations to his fellows. The term neighbour implying all men with whom we may through the force of circumstances be drawn into intercourse.

Afterwards Mr. Buckminster upon Religious education. Ephesians 6. 4. “Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Very excellent instruction respecting the moral education of children which I feel much and hope to profit by. I will resume my lessons with my daughter which circumstances had broken off. Wrote a letter to my Mother1 and in the evening after a conversation with my Wife read Graham, &c.

A sea fog from the Eastward covered every thing up and prevented my being able to go to town as I intended. The greater part of my morning was therefore devoted to the comparisons of the copy of the old journals with the original which I pursued steadily and executed a great deal of. This is necessary as a first step. I find much that is interesting and much that is only amusing in the examinations. But it cannot be done with much rapidity.

Afternoon, a succession of thunder showers with at times very heavy rain, and sharp lightning. This is a position from which there is a great opportunity of witnessing all these results, and they are at times fearfully sublime. Mrs. Adams who was riding came home in the shower, bringing with her E. C. Adams who remained to drink tea and I returned with her in the evening. Read Pliny and Grahame. Quiet evening at home.