Most sermons are untitled and lack dates.
Almost all are based upon Biblical passages, drawing most heavily from the New Testament, particularly the Book of Matthew. The writings focus primarily on matters relating to education but also discuss war and patriotism, the roles of women, morality, and religious subjects. Topics also include literary works, such as Shakespeare's Macbeth and Julius Caesar . Also included are several eulogies. Four of the notebooks concern religious topics, such as theology, Congregationalism, missions, apologetics, and exegesis.