Lord’s-day, August 28. I was much perplexed with some Dutchmen. All their discourse turned upon the things of the world. Oh, what a _hell_ it would be to spend an eternity with such men! Well might David say, “I beheld the transgressors and was grieved.”――But adored be God, _heaven_ is a place “into which no unclean thing enters.” O I long for the holiness of that world! Lord prepare me for it. Wednesday, August 31. Eternal things engrossed all my thoughts; and I longed to be in the world of spirits. O how happy is it, to have all our thoughts swallowed up in that world; to feel one’s self a stranger in this, diligently seeking a road through it, a sure road to the heavenly Jerusalem! Thursday, September 1. I always feel comfortably when God realizes death, and the things of another world to my mind: whenever my mind is taken off from the things of this world, and set on God, my soul is at _rest_. Tuesday, September 13. I rode to New-Haven. *I find, though my inward trials are great, and a life of solitude gives them greater advantages to penetrate the inmost recesses of the soul; yet it is better to be alone, than incumbered with noise and tumult. I find it very difficult maintaining a sense of divine things, while removing from place to place, diverted with new objects, and filled with care and business. A settled steady business is best adapted to a life of strict religion. Wednesday, September 14. This day I ought to have taken my _degree_;¹ but God sees fit to deny it me. And though I was afraid of being overwhelmed with confusion, when I should see my _class-mates_ take theirs; yet, in the very season of it, God enabled me with calmness to say, “The will of the Lord be done.” Indeed, I have scarcely felt my mind so sedate and comfortable for some time. I have long feared this season, and expected my humility, meekness, patience, and resignation would be tried: but found much more pleasure and divine comfort than I expected. ¹ This being commencement-day. Thursday, September 15. It is always a comfort to me, to hear spiritual discourse. O that ministers and people were more spiritual and devoted to God!――Towards night, I offered the following reflections in writing, to the rector ♦and trustees of the college, (the same that I had offered to the rector before, and intreated him to accept;) and this I did, that if possible I might cut off all occasion of offence, from those that seek occasion. ♦ duplicate word “and” removed