The Hartlib Papers

Good Mr Hartlib,

I have received your advertisements, for which I thanke you: I am glad to see some hopes that Mr Dury is in a likely way to advance his busines in Sweden: if that state would cordially ingage themselves in the worke I should take it as a pledge, that god would prosper them in their other affaires and give a new life to things: I am sory but knowe not what to doe in way of redresse for the present, that the executors continue still to forget themselves and neglect you: and could wish I could helpe or ease Mr Rulice: but by reason of the Hand of God among us we are all so scattered out of the City, and can commerce with so little Confidence in the City, that I know not what can be done. I was glad to heare that Mr Comenius inclined this way, in regard[altered from g] of his worke he is about, but considering the state of things among us am absolutely of opinion that he resolved for the best: I had procured 10^l for Mr Hake beside what I paid to you, I sent the remaining 8^l to Mr White whither he went, but since I understand he is gone from thence oversea, and Mr White hath sent the money back to be returned to him by Mr La Motte, if you have occasion to write to him it will not be amisse to signify so much. Gods hand is stretched out against us still and still our hearts are closed: the Lord graciously awaken his servants throughout the whole Churche to take notice of the great wrath gone out against all, and search out the Cause <that hath provoked it> and growe from serious Humiliation to thorough reformation of what is amisse: it were no hard matter for a Wise Physician to discover the disease if we could meet with Patients that would be sensible and tractable. something I could communicate, but no more by letter. The Lord preserve and support you and all his with all necessary Grace and comfort. so I rest

                              Your assured frend

London Sept.27.1636.              Io. Stoughton

                   To my very loving frend

                    Mr Samuel Hartlib at

                     Reding in Barkshire.

                          these.

[upside down, another hand:] Stoughton