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Milo March 18th 1848.
Dear Brother
I send "Butler's Analogy" as you requested, also the "Chosen Home" and a few little bits of my own, as you desired, though there is nothing worth looking at. If I had not been laughed at and discouraged, but had persevered, I might perhaps have been able, sometime, to write. Perhaps it might have been well to let me alone - but I don't know as I regret bidding "farewell." Very possibly I have employed my time and thoughts as usefully to myself and others as if I had turned my attention to writing. Why don't you send me the rest of the Poetry which you spoke of? Do. I am much obliged for the book you sent me. Tis a very good story, from which I have rec'd some useful hints, - though I think "Anna" is represented as a little too perfect - don't you? Your advice also is kindly received, understood, and its value appreciated. I have thought much lately of the trials, and especially of the responsibilities of a wife, and I feel that I am insufficient for them - utterly incompetent, in my own strength, to much, and bear up under them. But I hope to be enabled to lean upon One whose arm is strong, and to look to Him for grace to assist me in the right discharge of all my duties, whatever they may be. Will you not pray for me that I may be enabled to do so? I have probably much to suffer in my feelings - owing, in part to differences in our "bringing up," which may lead to misunderstandings on both sides - though with no intention of unkindness. I know very little about the state of Samuel's finances, but he seems to speak as though there was no cause for fear in his business prospects. Mother says "they that know nothing, fear nothing"! We have seen and known that you had had tribulation in your business, and have been sorry for you, though perhaps we did not realize the extent of your troubles. I hope you will get out and feel at ease again before long. With regard