Invisibles, realities, demonstrated in the holy life and triumphant death of Mr. John Janeway,…

IT cannot be expected that wounds should be healed till their cause is removed; that which moveth me to write to you at present, and puts me upon intentions of writing again, is, That I may do my utmost, by mouth and pen, for the removal of that which is the cause of the inward grief and trouble of my soul, and, I am persuaded, of others also as well as mine, viz. those divisions, that I could not but observe to be between your self and another Christian friend. I hope, after my asking counsel not only of my own heart, but of God also; he hath directed me to that which may be to his own glory, and the good of your soul; and not only for the removing of grief, but the rejoicing of the hearts of them upon whom former divisions had any effect. ⟨p. 75⟩I therefore desire you to entertain these following lines, as the issues of deep affection to your soul, and the honour of Religion: and I beseech you read them, not only as from me who desire your good with the strength of my soul, but as from God himself of whose love your good improvement will be a token. That that end which I propose to my self, I cannot but persuade my self, you your self design, commend and desire; which is, Christian charity & that sweet meek Gospel spirit, which is so highly and frequently commended by our Saviour to the practice of his Disciples. O that, where there hath been any breaches, there might be the nearer union; and that ye might be joined together in the same spirit, might keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. And for this end that you would remove all old hindrances: watch continually lest you give, and be careful not to take occasion of offence. The necessity, usefulness, sweetness of true spiritual love appears by the word of Gods frequent urging of it, by the sense of Christians, the uncomfortableness and deformity of the contrary. Now, that you may in an unintermitted constancy enjoy peace within and without and rejoice my soul; I desire you to join your own endeavours with the consideration of those things which I shall now and hereafter send to you. First, Consider that it is a Christians duty