During the year and more of my novitiate I have not had any temptation against my vocation, nor any desire on my part to return to the world.
"As you were not certain whether I would return after the novitiate or not, I suppose you left my name in connection with yours and brother George's in the firm.

But now that this (separation) is certain, would it not be best for you to destroy that agreement we made with each other some time ago, that no future difficulty can or may arise?
All this I leave to your judgments; and as for me, dear brothers John and George, in respect to the business, you may regard me as though I had never been connected with it, nor had any title or claim upon it whatever.

I am simply your dear brother Isaac, who loves you from the depth of his heart.

This love, be assured, will never be diminished by any event; whatever happens will only give me new motives to love you the more.

My conduct is under your inspection, yours especially, dear John, as being the eldest of us three, and I trust your sincere love for me will not let any word or action of mine pass unnoticed which may be the least unpleasant to you.
"My love, my gratitude, and my prayers to and for you all.