Baxters Narrative of His Life and Times, Appendix · Section 3 · Letter 7
SIR,
I Thank you for yours of the 13th currant, which I have: and I do confess that the several Tempers and Interests of Professors of different Perswasions considered, a wise Man can have no great hopes (whatever his desires be) of any General Accord. And to answer your desire in some account of the progress of the Meeting on foot for Agreement. Be pleased to understand, that however the Work went on merrily whilst Generals only were dwelt on, yet it's almost put to a stand when we come to some Particulars which were thought necessary to be descended to. That which hath troubled us most, hath been about sending forth, or furnishing the Nation with Preachers of the Gospel. Though we all agree, 1. That it's all our Duties to promote such a work: And 2. That the Persons imployed in it, must be godly, sound in the Faith, and apt to teach: And 3. that they ought to pass under some trial for Approbation; And 4. that a convenient Maintenance for them should by all meet means be procured; yet by whom and how they should be so approved, as to be made capable of holding the Parish places, we cannot hitherto agree. It was propounded at the Meeting this Afternoon, as an Expedient to issue this business, that considering that Patrons of Parish Livings claim a Right of Presentation, the People of Election, the Magistrate of approbation, and the Eldership of Churches, or Churches themselves by them, and Power of Mission and Ordination: And that since the Magistrate hath been still wont to betrust his Claim of Approbation in the Hands of Presbyters of one kind or other; and Presbyters of all Perswasions hold themselves obliged to further the propagation of the Gospel abroad, and claim a share in sending Preachers for that end; I say, these Things considered, and to satisfie all Claims, and yet to make a competent Provision for the spreading of the Gospel in all the Parishes, it was proposed, 1. That the Magistrate might be desired to betrust his Claim of Approbation in the Hands of a convenient Number of Presbyters of the three denominations indifferently, in several places of the Common-wealth, that none might be bound up by the Power being ingrossed by one or two Parties. 2. That no Person presented by a Patron, or chosen by the People, should officiate as a publick Preacher, in any Parish, without an Instrument of Approbation first obtained under the Hand and Seal of at least three or more of the Presbyters aforesaid. 3. That such an Instrument obtained should invest the Preacher with power to receive such Maintenance as is or shall be settled by the State, or raised by voluntary Contribution of the People. But alas, it was thought by some, that to interess the Magistrate in such a Claim, will not be found in the Scriptures; and to have a Hand in the investing of a Preacher with power to sue for Tithes (whether it were known, whether he would so use it or no) is a thing not to be indured. And I doubt the Party that propounded this Expedient, is like to be looked shie on by his Brethren the Anabaptists for his labour, as fit rather to be ranked among the Presbyterians, as hath been hinted to him.
The business of Maintenance was moved by the Presbyterians again and again to be laid aside, they would trust the Providence of God with that, and that something might be resolved on about the Magistrates Approbation, in which we might agree, without which it was not thought probable to procure so much as opportunity of a fixed abode to preach in most places, nor if there could, would the Churches be able to supply the want of the Magistrates Countenance or Power, in procuring Maintenance. I may not enlarge to acquaint you what was offered on the by for the Magistrates Power (the Dispute of it hath hitherto been declined) only something was hinted, That if Christ is King of Nations, as well as of Saints, then those that rule the Nations for him, are as such charged with the care of his Interest, and so with his Ministers as those in special, by whom it is to be promoted. There were some pretty large Concessions at last made by some of the Anabaptists, who I confess were not so steady in their Debate, as would have been wished, unless it were in too much shieness of granting too much. And the unhappiness is, that some not leastly crochical among the Anabaptists, nor most peaceable, do interess themselves most in the management of this Treaty. Indeed this Meeting was almost brought to a period this Night without any good Conclusion; but my Lord Goff (as some call him) and some others; did earnestly move that that wherein they had agreed, might be improved for common benefit; and (which was agreed to) that three or four of each Perswasion should meet privately, to see what could further be done, and that there should be no further Publick Meetings, till they were in a readiness to call them. I must acknowledge to you that I am many times sadly affected, to hear and see the strange Confusions that swarm in this City about things both Civil and Divine; and the height and confidence of many is wonderful, that I am ready to wish with him for the wings of a Dove to flee into the Wilderness to be at rest. And truly, by several hints which I have picked up, I cannot but expect the acting of some further force to some Alteration or other, and what will be the end of these things! It will become such as have any true sence of the Interest of Religion, to be incouraging and stirring up one another to stand together, and to bear up against the several Assaults which on every hand almost are made against it, that if it be possible to prevent that no Man take our Crown.
Sir, I was desired several Weeks since by Mr. Iackson, Author of The Serious Word, to send you a couple of his Books against the Quakers, that you might see (I think) how Orthodox he is, and far from Jesuitism. I have now performed his desire by the hand of Mr. Pearsall, by whom also I have sent you Mr. Rogers and Needham's piece; and a Copy of my Retraction, which I must thankfully acknowledge was helped on much by your hand, and therefore if any good redound by his Publication, you are like to have a large share in the reward. You will, Sir, I hope, excuse my prolixness; I shall now put you to no further trouble, but beg your Prayers for Wisdom how to carry it towards those, that at least at first will be somewhat provoked against me, for attempting the raising of the Wall of Separation, though I have done it with as much moderation and care to prevent offence, as I well knew how, and have very much Peace and Satisfaction in my own Spirit in what I have done.
SIR, I am entirely yours, Will. Allen. Sept. 30. 1659.
To the Reverend and his worthy good Friend, Mr. Richard Baxter, Minister of the Gospel in Kidderminster.