Excerpt from The Works of John Howe, Vol. 2
The matter here treated of is the very substance of religion, - the first and the last, the root and the flower, both the basis and foundation, and the top and perfection of practical godliness, and which runs through the whole of it Nor knew I, therefore, what to present you with, that could have in it a fitter mixture and temperament of what might be both useful and pleasant to you.
As there is therefore no need, so nor do I desire yon should receive the matter here discoursed of merely for my sake; there being so great reason it should be chiefly acceptable on higher accounts. I do very well understand your affection to me; and could easily be copious in the expression of mine to you, if I would open that sluice; but I do herein resolvedly and upon consideration restrain myself, apprehending that in some cases (and I may suppose it possible that in our case) a gradual mortification ought to be endeavoured of such affection as is often between those so related as you and I have been: which is no harder supposition, than that such affection may be excessive and swell beyond due bounds. So it would, if it should be accompanied with impatient resentments towards any providence or instrument whereby it finds itself crossed, or from whence it meets with what is ungrateful to it; if it prove turbulent and disquieting to them in whom it is, or any others; or if it occasion a looking back with distempered lingerings after such former things as could be but means to our great end, with the neglect of looking forward to that end itself still before us. Far be it from me to aim at the keeping anything alive that ought to die; that is, in that degree wherein it ought so to do.
But our mutual affection will be both innocent and useful, if it be suitable to mortal objects, and to persons not expecting the converse we have had together any more in this world; if also in the meantime it preserve to us a mutual interest in each other"s prayers; if it dispose us to such acts and apprehensions of kindness as our present circumstances can admit; and if, particularly, as it hath moved me to undertake, it may contribute anything to your acceptance of this small labour which is now designed for you.
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