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Sep. 12 1848 Joseph, I do not know as it is just the thing for me to undertake to rebuke you, without at least first trying sundry beams? in my own eyes. Still we ought you know to "bear one another's burdens." and I do not know but I ought to try to reprove you somewhat. Some things dropped in your last letter, I think; and what Lucy & Eliab said of your "downspiritedness", anxiety & trouble about business, and looking on the dark side of things. Such are feelings that we ought not to give away to. If disposed to them we should strive manfully - prayerfully - against them, as a duty. What was that in one of your letters? You "almost wished it were not wrong to commit suicide"?! Can one have such feelings as that and be at the same time truly prepared for that trying event of Death. "Even to the best, the wise, and pure and pious", Death is a solemn, an awful thing. Brother, Brother, is it well with thee? Is it well with thy soul? Do not say now that it is easy for me, with my disposition, to preach on this subject. The disposition is only the habit in either of us. But the habit is a thing of mighty importance. The happiness of this world may depend upon it, and be connected we know not how closely with matters of higher importance still. Do you read Proverbial Philosophy?