hat
last sentence; but do not suppose I carry a gloomy countenance all
the time, far be it from that, yet oft I think seriously of home
and the endearing ties which bind us together. Father, we will look
at the sentiments, and not the Orthography and Grammar of thy
letters, in which I did discover some errors.

She frequently admits that her sister admonishes her, "Susan, thee
writes too much; thee should learn to be concise," but she delights in
letter-writing and says:

Most of the girls are taking a walk this First day afternoon, but I
did not feel like enjoying myself by accompanying them as well as
in holding sweet communion in writing with those inestimable
friends I so dearly love, and arranging those thoughts in a manner
congenial to our feelings.... The query naturally arises, at least
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 re