22 May 1825
adams-john10 Neal MillikanHealth and IllnessUnitarianism
161

22. IV:15. symbols 15 symbols 16 symbols Thick fog.

Mosher— Coll. J. jr. sometime private Secretary to President Monroe—called this morning to take leave— Going to Gibraltar; and thence if he can, to cruize with our Squadron in the Mediterranean for the restoration of his health— He says he is threatened with a pulmonary complaint; but his appearance is that of a man on the borders of the grave— He was however cheerful, and said he had once before, about ten years since been driven to Europe by the same complaint— I heard Little. from 2. Corinthians 5.17. “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new Creature: old things are passed away: behold all things are become new.” His object was to shew that the Unitarians, believed the application of this text to Christians of the present age, as earnestly as any other sect of Christians— I called to see Dr Thornton who is ill in bed. He has been for some months much out of health, but had apparently recovered, and was last Sunday Evening with Mrs Thornton at my house— He was very suddenly seized that same Night, and has not since left his bed— He is exceedingly reduced both by his disease and his remedies— He can scarcely speak, but retains his facetious humour, and his South-American ardour— He was very fearful that the British would cut a canal for Line of Battle and India Ships, and obtain an exclusive right of navigating for forty years. Met Dr Tucker the Treasurer at his house— Read Colman’s Sermons 10. upon human ability, and 11. upon divine influences—grace and works. Heard Baker 1. Thessalonians 5.19. “Quench not the Spirit.” He said there was a manifest awakening, among many of the members of that Church; and hoped for more. Read Johnson’s Sermon 5. On the “Miseries of Life.” Rather carelessly written; and feebly reasoned— Heard Little. 1. Peter 1.3. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”— It was on Resurrection and immortality a subject always of deep interest, and it was treated with that temperate eloquence, which the Unitarian doctrines cannot transcend— It was one of his best discourses.

A A