The Hartlib Papers

Good Mr Hartlib,

I received letters from you iust now which I have not yet read, [be^...? MS edge torn] willing to take the Instant oportunity of writing by a neighbor [coming? MS edge torn] for Reading: I had returned an answer before to your desire that I [word missing, MS edge torn] write a Parænesis ad Pacem to be prefixed to the Conference of [Eeips^..? MS edge torn] beside that I conceive my selfe not fitte as not particularly versed in those Controversies, and weake in body, full of imployment (preaching thrice a week) and many distractions, had I been able otherwise I have not the Conference by me which is necessary nor any thing that way it being surprized with the rest of my papers and lying still in the high Commission officers hands. I long to see you, and hope it may be shortly to speake about many things: the sicknes blessed be God decreaseth apace, and we hope the next terme may be kept heer. Iust [now blot] I heare sad newes that our Noble [frend? MS edge torn] Sir Nathanael Rich is departed this life he was a worthy man and did as many good offices as any I know of his Condition and his death with other worthies to mee is no good presage. The Lord prepare us and preserve those that are faithfull. I am forced to end abruptly, but shall ever rest

                              Your assured frend

                                        Jo Stoughton

     To my very loving frend

       Mr Samuel Hartlib

          at Reading in Berks

               these