I went with Townsend in the forenoon to hear Parson Tucker; he gave us an excellent discourse from, Ecclesiastes VII. 17. Be not over much wicked. Neither be thou foolish. Why shouldest thou die before thy time? Without alluding to the late circumstance of Hooper's death, it appeared plainly that the sermon was dictated by that occasion; and it was very well adapted; he particularly exhorted his hearers to avoid scenes of debauchery, 360of lewdness and intemperance, and with his usual liberality and ability, recommended the opposite virtues. I did not attend meeting in the afternoon; but wrote a little, and read a great deal as very frequently happens with me.

Townsend past the evening and supp'd with me. I have done keeping late hours. I find they are wholly incompatible with my health. I have of late, several times, after setting up at writing till one or two o'clock in the morning, been utterly incapable of getting any sleep the whole night. My nerves have got into an unhappy tone, and I am obliged to desist from continued application. My spirits for sometime have been low, and I have felt an incapacity of enjoyment, but that is now wearing off, and I am in hopes, that before long I shall again be able to resume at least as much diligence as I have been used to.

We have had this day very little studying in the office. Mr. Parsons is so fond of telling of all the manoeuvres which they used in and out of convention, that he has given the same story to every body that came into the office through the course of the day. He mentions with great complaisance, the formidable opposition that was made, as it naturally enhances the merit of the victory. He speaks with pleasure of every little trifling intrigue, which served to baffle, the intentions of the antifederalists; though many of them to me exhibit a meanness which, I scarcely should expect a man would boast. Mr. Parsons makes of the science of politics the science of little, insignificant intrigue, and chicanery. These principles may possibly meet with success sometimes; but it is my opinion that fair, open and candid proceedings, add an influence, as well as a lustre to the most brilliant capacity.

I called just before dark to see Mr. Hutchinson, but he was not at his lodgings: I then went home, took my flute, and went to see Putnam: with whom I play'd a number of tunes: Frank Bradbury was there. Between 9 and 10 we both came away. I got home with some difficulty, as the walking in the streets is excessively slippery.

In the beginning of the evening I called upon Mr. Hutchinson, and look'd over his music: he plays on the flute, and has a good 361collection of musical books: I found Townsend and Amory there. Between 7 and 8 I went to Mr. Bradbury's where I found a number of the young gentlemen and Ladies dancing: I took a share in the diversion, which we continued till midnight, when I returned home. I danced with Miss Nancy Jenkins, a very pretty girl, about 17. Not entirely free from affectation.