April 30th, 1867

Hartford.

Talked with Prof. Brocklesby, who asked me what I thought of coming here. I said there were some considerations in its favor – that it had seemed as if it would be pleasant to have the co-operations of old friends and pupils. He asked me if I had not had some trouble at Geneva. I replied, nothing that amounted to anything – that in the matter he referred to, the Trustees stood by me, and the thing was quite manageable. Called on Mrs. Brownell, who told me she had heard of the probability of my coming, and had cried over it for joy. She cried again over it while speaking of it to me. She has just entered her eighty-first year.

April 28th, 1867

I had considerable conversation with Bishop Williams last evening and to-day about the object of my visit- to look into the reasons for my taking the presidency of Trinity College.

April 28th, 1867

I had considerable conversation with Bishop Williams last evening and to-day about the object of my visit- to look into the reasons for my taking the presidency of Trinity College.

April 27th, 1867

New London.

Talked over very thoroughly the affairs of Trinity College with Huntington.

 

April 24th, 1867

Buffalo. Bishop Coxe talked with me earnestly about Trinity College. He said “We know not where to turn if you leave us”. “You are the College”. “Your influence in the Diocese is so great, you have won such a position”, and a great deal more. I said that nothing but the strongest conviction of duty would draw me away.

April 23rd, 1867

Busy about filling forms for reports of standing, directing envelopes, 7c. Preside at the junior exhibition in the evening. Halsey spoke the most effectively. The burlesque was rather scurrilous. They made Prex figure largely. One of the best speakers was suspended, and did not appear. At Evening Prayers I made a few remarks to the students in dismissing them, and commended them to God’s blessing.

April 22nd, 1867

Easter Monday. Read Ante- Communion for the day.

Got into Lockwood’s examination of Freshmen. Preside at Dr. Towler’s examination of sophomores in analytical geometry, Dr. Towler not having yet returned from New York. He sent me the examination papers.

April 21st, 1867

Easter.

Service at half past six in the Chapel. The order was that which Bishop Coxe used at St. John’s, Hartford, and which is indicated in his Notes on the Services. There were calla lilies on the Altar.

I made an address on, “Christ is risen,” and the power of the Resurrection, and Christ the Victor over Hades. At quarter to eleven we had full service, sermon and Holy Communion; text, “I am the Resurrection and the Life.” At 7:30 P.M. read and preached in the Chapel a third time, on, “Never man spake like this man,” I also read service for Dr. Bissell at the children’s service at four. I never did so great a day’s speaking and reading; yet I do not feel tired now – at ten o’clock. Went with —- to distribute the calla lilies from the Chapel.

Thus has been filled up a very busy day, with many joys and some drawbacks. The worst feeling is that Lent is over and that I have profited so little by its holy discipline and its extraordinary service. I look back over it with very sincere regret. May God in mercy forgive my shortcomings and strengthen me by His grace to live in future more in accordance with His holy will.

April 20th, 1867

Mrs. DeLancey spoke with deep feeling of the warm regard which Bishop DeLancey had for me; how he regarded me as a companion, and confided in me. She could not endure that I should even entertain the thought of leaving the College and Geneva. She even spoke with tears of the possibility of my removal. She seemed to think that Mr. Douglas was responsible in good part, for my being willing to think of a removal.

April 19th, 1867

Good Friday.

The day of Christ’s sacred death. I am present at service in the College Chapel, also Drs. Wilson and Metcalf. In the evening I preach a sermon on the preparation for the Holy Communion.

Write a letter to Dr. Hallam informing him that I shall come to New London on the 27th. inst.

April 18th, 1867

Junior examinations almost the whole morning in Logic and Psychology. In the evening I read service for Dr. Bissell, who preached concerning the institution of the Lord’s Supper.

April 17th, 1867

Wednesday. Ante-Communion, with sermon instead of morning prayers. I preach concerning the perfidy of Judas Iscariot.

I give the whole day to the senior examination in Moral Philosophy and Political Economy. Go into the junior examination in Greek. From two to three hear excuses for absences, and have the Register open.

I received a letter from the Bishop of Connecticut which informed me that all things pertaining to the office of president of Trinity College had advanced according to the decision; likewise asking that I would come there on my way to New London.

April 16th, 1867

After morning prayers seniors in Schlegal. My last recitation of this kind has terminated. At 11:30 I read service (Ante-Communion) and preach a sermon concerning the events and deeds of this day. Examine the seniors in Schlegal. I frequently think of the matter of Trinity College. May God direct me. May His will be done always in me.

College is most quiet since last Friday, — punishment being expected, and now imposed – six having been suspended.

April 15th, 1867

Monday in Holy Week. Sophomores in Natural Theology. At 11:30 I read the service, and preached a sermon on the figtree which Christ cursed.

I suspend those who were caught blowing the horn twenty-eight days, — Van Voast, Worden, Hutton, North, Mann and Hall. Write letters to the parents.

April 14th, 1867

Palm Sunday.

Read service and preached at Trinity Church. Text, I Cor. 15:22. I was alone in the very longest services of the whole Christian year. In the afternoon the rector read service and I preached concerning Jesus Christ always a Saviour, Heb. 13:8. In the evening in College Chapel I read the service and Dr. Bissell preached. It was a good sermon.

April 13th, 1867

Make inquiry about the blowing of the horns yesterday when I was absent in Rochester, as every other matter had been looked into. I questioned six students who admitted that they had blown horns.

April 10th, 1867

The Hartford matter is known to some besides those who have learned it from our home. D.S. Hall spoke to me to-day of this affair. Yesterday and to-day I have a calm mind. I am contented with my lot. I am less anxious concerning the future. May God direct and bless me.

I go to College and inquire concerning the bonfire two nights ago, and I give a punishment to those who were present looking on. I fine them a dollar each. The punishment was to be divided among all.

Mrs. — said that she had heard about Hartford. It was evident that she did not believe it.

April 9th, 1867

Letter from Prof. Huntington of Trinity College informing me of the true state of affairs. Prof. Pynchon says that he wishes for himself the office of president.  Hence his desire for delay. Prof. Brocklesby has performed this duty of president for $500 per annum. He urges me—persuades me to accept the office of president of Trinity College.

Students had bonfires in front of Trinity Hall, and kept them up till the middle of the night. I went out and forbade them, but in vain; for when I had gone away they renewed their fires. Horns were blown. The campus was restored to quiet several times.

April 8th, 1867

Somewhat weary in mind. May the greatest God grant me peace. A letter this morning from Bishop Williams, who will not give me up. He affirms that it is necessary for me to accept the office of president of Trinity College, Hartford. To all my questions concerning the affairs of that College he replies in a manner which pleases me. On account of this I was anxious the whole day. God direct me in the way of duty. I would do all things to the glory of God. Nine years to-day are finished from that day in which my office of president of Hobart College began. The greatest thanks to the best God for His tenderness towards me – His servant. Grant to me wisdom in this office in the future. I thrust in Him alone.

April 7th, 1867

Nine years are completed to-day from the day on which I came to live in Geneva, because April 7th, 1858 was Wednesday. The exact time seemed to me very long that day on which I traveled from Hartford to Geneva. The greatest thanks to God for His many kindnesses to me through all these years. He has directed my paths in the way of peace. May His name be blessed forever and ever.  May this be my sentiment in the future, “If Thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.” Ex. 33:15. The wisest rule that you may give for administering college affairs is: Grant that I may do all things to Thy glory, through Jesus Christ, Amen.

April 5th, 1867

Write on my sermon in the morning. It would be easier to write a book than a sermon on such a subject. Meeting of the DeLancey Society. I opened with prayers and, urged, I presided.

April 2nd, 1867

Geo. F. Lee came to see me repeatedly to ask whether we would receive his brother again in the number of students. He asked whether we would give him his standing when absent. I reply that he is not able to demand this as a right; but if his class does not refuse, I will not oppose it. By the unanimous consent f his class, they permitted him to return to his former standing. I write this to the brother as I had promised.