John Quincy Adams Digital Diary

13. IV.55. Precisely at Sun rise.

Heard at Mr Little’s a young man, named Emerson, from 1. Thessalonians 5:17. “Pray without ceasing” good composition—dull and dronish delivery— Afternoon at Mr Baker’s. Heard Mr    of Alexandria from John 3.16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”— This person’s manner is pleasing to me, because there is great sincerity in its vehemence— He entangled himself in some doctrine of the peculiar mode of filiation of Jesus Christ— It seemed as if he was anxious to extricate the creed of the Trinity, from one of its most flagrant absurdities, as it shews itself to human reason— His argument was that Christ was God— That he was also the Son of God— But not as God— His filiation or Sonship was confined to his incarnate state— But the idea to be annexed to the terms father and Son, as applied to God, he attempted not, nor will any Trinitarian ever attempt to define— I thought the discourse was chiefly preached for my special benefit, but it was wheat sown by the way side. The divinity of Christ was mentioned as indispensable to sustain the atonement, and without the atonement there was no way of Salvation— I had already often heard this before; and lately in private conference with Mr Baker— I understand it however, none the better— In the Evening Johnson Hellen went with me to Mr Little’s—we heard him from John 4.14. “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him, shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” a discourse upon the excellency of the Christian morality— I answered a Letter yesterday received from my Son George— It is difficult to sustain my hopes of his prosperity— My own health is yet drooping— The inflammation with which I suffered so much last Summer returns with increased severity— If wishing could end it, my complaints would soon be relieved, but I must await my allotted time— My own Career is closed— My hopes such as are left me, are centered upon my children. George’s state is precarious; and his prospects are doubtful— My capacity to write, fails me from day to day— My duties are to prepare for the end, with a grateful heart, and unwavering mind—