Windy with drizzle and rain. The streets so muddy that I decided not to go the city, but rather to attend at the Chapel in Portland Street. Mr Martineau officiated, but the numbers were not large. His sermon was upon the parables as a mode of teaching. The same characteristics of refined speculation rather dimming than sharpening the impression on the memory in listening that I have always observed. On the whole I have been so little satisfied with my experience, as well as with Mr Martineau’s apparent indifference in the great struggle we are waging with wrong in America that I gave notice today of the termination of my occupation of my pew at Christmas. It has been with some regret that since I have been here, I have not found any religious teaching with which I could sympathize. Mr Martineau is liable to the objection so often made to the Unitarians at home, of cold, abstract speculation. His talk is to the reason and the fancy; he never stir the heart or the conscience. Why are there not in the pulpit men who devote themselves to the study of their fellow creatures not less than to book? Since I have been in England, my worship, which has on the whole increased in fervor and earnestness, has been almost entirely conducted through some of the fine prayers of the Church and the hymns. The personal service of the Clergyman has been nothing. There was no arrival from America today. I had visits from young Mr Palmer, who called to see the family, and rather fell on me by mistake. He is however educated and intelligent, so that I was pleased to see him. After him came Henry T. Parker in quest of American news. When he left I went out to return a visit of the Minister of the Argentine government in South America, and to see Sir Henry Holland who has been suffering from a severe attack of illness. He said he was better, though he looks rather feeble. I also saw Lady Holland and the girls. Then home, to my solitary dinner and evening. Continued Dr Phillimore.