Irenicum, to the lovers of truth and peace heart-divisions opened in the causes and…

First, our misery is the greater, because it is still increasing; §1Divisions make way for divisions; we beat our brethren till they cry, and then we beat them because they cry, is not this hard dealing? We read in our Chronicles that those who were born in England the year after the great mortality 1349. wanted some of their cheek teeth;¹ if we should judge of mens teeth by their biting, one would think that now men had more teeth, or at least far sharper then they were wont to have; there was never such biting as now there is. Yet thanks be to God this increase is not in all places, not in our Armies; time was when we were much afraid of divisions there, but now we hear they are comfortably united, Dividing terms are not heard amongst them as formerly; though there be differing judgements, their hearts and arms are open one to another, they love one another, they are willing to live and dye one with another. ⟨p. 222⟩The blessing of the Almighty be upon you; go on and prosper, the Lord is with you; he hath done great things by you, and delights to use you in great services, for the honour of his Name and good of his people. You have had, and have the prayers of the Saints, they bless you, and bless God for you. Soldiers united in love, and hating that which is vile, are exceedingly strengthened in valour.

FIrst, our misery is the greater, because it is still increasing; §1Divisions make way for divisions; we beat our brethren till they cry, and then we beat them because they cry, is not this hard dealing? We read in our Chronicles that those who were born in England the yeare after the great mortality 1349. wanted some of their cheek teeth;¹ if we should judge of mens teeth by their biting, one would think that now men had more teeth, or at least farre sharper then they were wont to have; there was never such biting as now there is. Yet thanks be to God this increase is not in all places, not in our Armies; time was when we were much afraid of divisions there, but now we hear they are comfortably united, Dividing terms are not heard amongst them as formerly; though there be differing judgements, their hearts and armes are open one to another, they love one another, they are willing to live and dye one with another.