.MTI3Nw.MTAyMDgz

And the preaching is almost as bad. Parson Adams is an extremely dull, prosaic & monotonous speaker with a constantly similar concatenation of ideas, and a continual lullaby tone. I dont know but I am too severe, but I really think they ought to have a better man in such a place, if for nothing else, even on account of the Students; it must be important to exercise a good influence on those who will so soon have so much influence themselves, either for good or evil Students will appreciate good preaching as quick as any class, but none will sooner take disgust at poor. I could but think as I looked round the gallery, to day, The Freshmen looked about as unhappy a set as could be, they have'nt got broken into it yet; the Sophomores & Juniors, mostly, part come in and compose themselves to sleep on the hard seats as comfortably as possible, and the rest open their book under their cloaks, and read as unconcerned as you please; while the Seniors, who have the best seats, and whose 'dignity' would be sullied by either of the other modes of killing time, 'grin & bear it', as by long experience taught.'

  Sabbath evening is by almost every one spent in getting the Monday morning's lessons, while I who always do that Sat., take the occasion, it seems, to write a letter home.

The State of Religion is very low indeed. There are but few comparatively professors of religion, and many of them no one would suppose to be. There is a Society called The 'Circle' which I expect an invitation to join soon, it meets for prayer etc. every Sab. Morn, every Sat. Eve, & every other Wed. but the attendance is from 1/2 to dozen, & not more than 15 or 20 if one of the Profs. lectures before Them. The Circle has borne the imputation of being a Peucinian foil & many of the best in College, Athenaeians would not join. Of the last graduating class 3 or 4 now studying for the Ministry never attended it. Its President now however is an Athenaean.