I call this sleeping, but sleep it is not; for in this state I am more awake than at any other time." A few days later, on June 5, he notes that "Although my meals are made of unleavened bread and figs, and my drink is water, and I eat no more than supports my body, yet do I feel sinfully self-indulgent." He resolves, moreover, to trouble himself no more about the fact that he cannot continue his studies.

On this subject, and on the passivity to which he was now compelled, he had written as explicitly as he could to his friend Brownson, and on June 7 he received a response which had such an immediate result upon his future that we transcribe it entire: "Mt.

Bellingham, June 6, 1844 .-- My dear Isaac: I thank you for your letter, and the frankness with which you speak of your present interior state.

You ask for my advice, but I hardly know what advice to give.

There is much in your present state to approve, also much which is dangerous.