Thursday evening Dec. 14 [ 1815]

A new and unexpected scene but I feel not much elated  In evry [sic] Situation in life I think it not only my duty but I esteem it my highest privilege to implore the divine assistance and direction in all things  And in this I humbly hope that God will direct me in the path of wisdom for without his assistance I should in all probability not only destroy my own happiness for this life but make those around me wretched and miserable.