Fine day although the easterly wind made it rather cool, and we had a little rain towards night. I went into town accompanied by my man John who went in to inquire for some persons for my mother’s family. My time much taken up in commissions of various sorts, and in regu-81lating accounts. It was one of the days in which I did much of what I intended and yet left something. Home rather late. Afternoon reading Pliny, but interrupted by a visit from Mrs. Bigelow and Miss Scollay, who staid a short time. I also worked a little while upon the ground. Evening down at the Mansion notwithstanding the rain.

Morning clear and cool. I went to the Bank, taking the children with me to school. Also a visit to the House where I got so engaged with Mr. N. Curtis and with copying that I feared I should lose my morning, but nevertheless, I made some progress in my review which I begin to hope may turn out something. Nobody ever commenced with less expectation or continued more languidly. I devoted an hour also to correcting MS copy. After dinner, Pliny, interrupted however by a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Edward Brooks and their children as also one from my father after they had gone. Evening at the Mansion as usual. Nothing new.

An agreeable, cool day. I devoted some time to writing on my project which I fear I shall not satisfactorily execute. Then attended divine service and heard Dr. Parkman of Boston preach from, the extract too long to quote. And my attention was not well fixed so that I can not give much account of it. Afternoon. 1. Timothy 2. 2 “That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” A good practical discourse upon the duty of religion and good faith in the details of life, together with a direct application to economical habits which would have suited the meridian of Boston on Tuesday next at the dinner to Mr. Webster to a charm.

Afternoon, having finished the volume of Sermons of Mr. Buckminster I began in continuation of my practice, the first volume of a Collection called the English Preacher,1 with a Sermon by Bishop Tillotson. Philippians 3. 8. “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” The excellence of the Christian Religion as a law for the regulation of our lives to secure happiness both here and hereafter. A good sensible but as it appeared to me not a very powerful discourse. In the evening at the house where were assembled many of the society of the town.