p. 29

He said something that made me feel almost sorry that
I had objected to seeing him, and I concluded that as "circum-
stances alter cases", it is better to rely afar our own
judgement sometimes, than to be entirely guided by
the opinion of others, even of those older and more
experienced than ourselves: for the wisest and the
best often make mistakes, and as no one can feel
exactly like another person, not be placed in exactly
the same circumstances, we must learn to form
our own judgement unassisted. This I feel more and
more every day of my life, and the more so as it
is natural for me to distrust myself, and look up
to others for advice and support in any emergency.
But I feel that I can never be all that I wish to
be till I have conquered this failing, and can walk
right and walk alone without leaning in those, who
at best are, like me, struggling upward to the light,
but too often stumbling in the darkness.
Oh how often I wish that I was perfect! Then I could not
err! When will the scales be taken from our eyes
that we may see clearly, the right and true in every
case. But I am wondering this brief dissertation was
[scabby?scally?] called forth by a trifle, but it is what I am daily
reminded of and while it was before me I thought
that I would write it and perhaps in later years, when
I hope to be very different from what I am now, it will be interesting
and pleasant to look back to the thoughts and feelings of the present.

[written vertically in the left margin the following:]
He said something to-night that I did not like, but I hope he spoke carelessly and [unmeaningly?]
I wish he would not talk so for it a careless observer it makes him appear as though
he cared nothing for the right when I know he does and that he is putting the
worst [?] out. He made an engagement to accompany us to
church to-morrow afternoon.