38 LIFE OF BENJAMIN SILLIMAN. 



noon upon the impossibility of forming an idea of the di- 

 vine character from the works of nature. He thought that 

 the bounty, power, and patience of the Deity might possibly 

 be proved from his works, but none of his Other attributes. 

 The afternoon sermon was a continuation of the same sub- 

 ject, wherein he demonstrated the assertions which he 

 made in. the forenoon, from the total disagreement of the 

 opinions of almost all the heathen philosophers, both 

 ancient and modern. There were in Greece alone two 

 hundred arid eighty-eight opinions concerning the Chief 

 Good, and three hundred concerning the Chief God. No 

 two philosophers of any distinction agreed in their senti- 

 ments concerning the Deity, and each philosopher had his 

 own peculiar standard of moral rectitude, and all indulged 

 themselves in views of the most flagitious nature. It began 

 to rain this afternoon about three o'clock, with a strong 

 wind from the east. I read Millot's Ancient History until 

 eight in the evening, entertained company until half-past 

 nine, and did not go to bed until after eleven. Some neces- 

 sary business kept me up to the late hour which I men- 

 tioned. I do not mean to make it a practice to sit up late, 

 because it always unhinges me for the next day. 



Nov. 30. .... I read Millot all the forenoon. In the 

 afternoon I did the same. Athens and Sparta, although 

 so much celebrated in later times, were nothing when 

 compared with modern States, although it must be con- 

 fessed that they were far advanced in civilization for the 

 age in which they flourished. The pervading character of 

 the Athenians appears to be fickleness, always repenting 

 of their errors, but never improving by their experience. 

 They were likewise extremely jealous 



Dec. 4. .... I have pursued my usual routine of 

 employment, although not with very great vigor, as I have 

 not been very well. I have read the news this evening. 

 Paris appears to be in a state of open rebellion, and the 

 Convention in danger. Unhappy country ! The President 



