A STUDENT IN YALE COLLEGE. 37 



cerning any person, (if I cannot speak in his favor,) unless 

 it is absolutely necessary 



I ought likewise to be more careful of speaking concern- 

 ing myself. No person ought to speak of himself unless 

 when it is absolutely necessary, and even then with the ut- 

 most modesty. For if you speak well of yourself, it argues 

 vanity ; if ill, you will be called a hypocrite. I hope I shall 

 observe these particulars, and any others which may tend to 

 make one a Christian scholar and gentleman. 



Nov. 27. ... I am every day more and more convinced 

 of the importance of modesty in a young person ; it is his 

 letter of recommendation. A bold and loquacious air may 

 dazzle the thoughtless and ignorant, but modesty alone will 

 procure the good-will of persons of real worth. If you 

 wish to be noticed, say but very little of yourself, and that 

 with the utmost modesty. Speak well of others ; make 

 them pleased with themselves ; and there is no danger of 

 their being displeased with you. Never strive to hurt the 

 feelings of any person. Do not affect to despise others. 

 Finally, put on modesty, and it will procure you a recep- 

 tion in all good company. 



Nov. 28. Clear and pleasant. I rose to prayers this 

 morning by candle-light. I read ancient history, and Vin- 

 cent's exposition of the catechism, in the forenoon, which 

 we recited at eleven. Dr. Dwight disagreed with Mr. Vin- 

 cent in some points. He does not believe that any of the 

 attributes of Deity can be proved from the light of nature. 

 He supposes that heathen nations have derived all their 

 ideas of Deity from tradition, and that this tradition was 

 originally founded upon the revelation given to Adam, &c. 

 As he is a great man, I revere his opinions, but do not 

 think myself bound implicitly to believe the word of any 

 man, although I am rather inclined in favor of this doctrine. 



Nov. 29. Cloudy, and some small probability of snow. 

 I rose this morning at half-past eight, and consequently did 

 not attend prayers. The President preached in the fore- 



