to the thoughtful mind, How has our time since the last Annual
revolution of the Earth been employed? Have our minds become
improved from passing occurences, or do they remain in that
dormant-like state which so often degrades the human soul?
She comes down from her lofty heights far enough to add, "It would have
afforded us the greatest pleasure imaginable to have dined on that
Goose in company with you on New Year's day." It is Susan's diary,
however, which affords the most satisfactory glimpses of her true
character, serious, devotional, deeply conscientious and strong in
affection:
Five weeks have been spent in Hamilton and to what purpose? Has my
mind advanced either in Virtue or Literature? I fear that every
moment has not been profitably spent. O, may this careless mind be
more watchful in the future! O, may the many warnings which we
every day receive, tend to make me more attentive to what is right!
We were cautioned by our dear Teacher to-day to beware of
self-esteem and of all signs that would indicate an untruth. We
were referred to the condition of Ananias and Sapphira, who
intended to deceive the Apostle. Would that I were wholly free from
that same Evil Spirit which tempted those persons in ancient times.
The Spirit of Truth must have dominion in the mind in order to
attain a state of happiness.
* * * * *
Resolves and resolves fill up my time. I resolve at night to do
better on the morrow, and when the morrow comes and I mingle with
my companions all the resolutions are obliterated.... In the
afternoon of Seventh day Deborah accompanied the scholars to Town
and visited the Academy of Arts and Sciences; beautiful indeed was
the sight. Nature, how bounteous and varied are thy works! On
beholding the splendid scene I was ready to exclaim, "O, Miracle of
Miracles," with the celebrated Naturalist when speaking of the
metamorphoses of insects.
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