Rise as early as I can.
Send for books for history of war.
Put books in order.
Scheme of life.
The very human feature of these little notes is that the same good resolutions appear year after year. Thus, four years after the above, we find him writing:
Sept. 18, 1764.
This is my 56th birthday, the day on which I have concluded 55 years.
I have outlived many friends, I have felt many sorrows. I have made few improvements. Since my resolution formed last Easter, I have made no advancement in knowledge or in goodness; nor do I recollect that I have endeavored it. I am dejected, but not hopeless.
I resolve,
To study the Scriptures; I hope, in the original languages. Six hundred and forty verses every Sunday will nearly comprise the Scriptures in a year.