Baxters Narrative of His Life and Times, Preface
THE PREFACE TO THE READER.
§ I.
I Am very sensible that this Memorial of Mr. Baxter, and his Historical Accounts of the Times which went over him, have been long expected and much desired by the World. And the greater the impatience, the more severely the delay is like to be resented. But he that well considers, 1. How confusedly a great quantity of loose Papers relating thereunto, came into my hands; all which were to be sorted and reduced to their proper places. 2. How much other work was then incumbent on me. 3. How little my indisposed and weak hand can write; (not an Octavo page in a competently great character in an hour). 4. How many uncomfortable Providences have since diverted me; and could not but do so. 5. How much time the orderly disposal of his bequeathed Library to young poor Students, according to his Injunctions on me, took up. 6. How much time my Ministerial Work required; together with the unavoidable removal of my Habitation and Meeting Place, and the Setling of my Congregation thereupon. He that (I say) well considers these things (and more that I could say, were it expedient so long to detain the Reader from the more profitable and delightful Entertainment of the Book it self) will at least abate his Censures, if not quite lay them by. However, I must and shall submit my self unto what Constructions the Reader shall think fit to make of my Apology for its delay so long.
§ II.
As to the Authour of the ensuing Treatise, he appears Par negotio, as being very Sagacious, Observant, Impartial, and Faithful. The Things here treated on were Things transacted in his day, quaeque ipse vidit; Et quorum pars magna fuit. Much he knew and felt, and was himself actively and passively concerned in, and the rest he was inquisitive after, observant of, and acquainted with. And being himself an hater of false History, he gave the greater heed and diligence to enter into the depths and springs of what was in his day upon the Theatre of Action. Much he must be inform'd of by others necessarily: and yet he was greatly averse from the reception of things as true, upon too loose reports. He fanned Intelligence, and was not easily imposed upon, in things of moment. Credulity, Rashness, Partialicy, and Persidiousness, Ignorance and Injudiciousness do ill become Historians. Quis nescit, primam historiae Legem esse, me quid falsi dicere audeat? deinde ne quid veri non audeat? Nequa suspicio gratiae sit in scribendo? nequa simultatis? Cic. de Orat. lib. II. and he had reason for this thought in that (as the Lord Bacon well observes) the Examples of our Ancestors, the Vicissitudes of Affairs, the Grounds of Civil Prudence, and Mens Names and Reputations do depend upon the Knowledge, the Judiciousness and Faithfulness of Historians. Diligent Searches, deep and wise Thoughts, faithful Representations and Reports, with honest Intentions, and generous Designs and Aims at Publick Good, render Mens Histories of Things and Persons (as influential upon others) pleasant and advantageous. Every one is not fit to tell the World the History of his own Life and Times: Who liv'd therein: what Post and Station, Trust and Business, was their assigned Province: what Characters they bore through their deportment therein: what were the regent Principles, the genuine Spirit, and main End and Scope, of what they did: what they pretendedly or really design'd: what was the Conduct, Tendency and Result of their Consults and Actions: wherein they truly failed, and how, and why? Such things as these call for the greatest Clearness, Freedom and Sincerity, Pains and Judgment; and I may add, a great Concern for Publick Good, which is the loveliest Property, and clearest Symptom of a large and noble Soul. History should inform, admonish, instruct, and reclaim, reform, encourage Men that read it. And therefore they that write it should foreign, i. e. discern things Excellent, and those things in their difference each from other, and in their importance to the Reader; and so take care that nothing doubtful, false, impertinent, mean, injurious, cloudy, or needlesly provoking or reflecting be exposed to Publick View by them; nor any thing excessive or defective, as relating to the just and worthy Ends of History. The Author of the subsequent History (now with God) had an Eagle's Eye, an honest Heart, a thoughtful Soul, a searching and considerate Spirit, and a concerned frame of Mind to let the present and succeeding Generations duly know the real and true state and issues of the Occurrences and Transactions of his Age and Day; and how much Judgement, Truth, and Candour appear in his following Accounts of Things, the Candid and Impartial Reader will easily and quickly be resolved about. Scandals, arising from Ignorance and misreports of what related to our Church and State greatly affected his very tender Spirit; and the removal and prevention of them, and of what Guilt, Calamities and Judgments might or did attend those Scandals, was what induced Mr. Baxter to leave Posterity this History of his Life and Times.
§ III.
Memorable Persons, Consultations, Actions, and Events (with their respective Epochs, Successions and Periods) are the Subject Matter of History: Propriety, clearness and vigour of Expression is what duly and gratefully represents the Matter to the Reader. Accurate Method gives advantage to the Memory, as well as satisfaction to the Judgment. The faithfulness, fulness, and freedom of relation conciliates a good Reputation to the Writer by its convincing Influences upon the Reader's mind; and thus it powerfully claims and extorts his Submission to the evident credibility of what he peruses: and the weight and usefulness of the Things related makes the Reader serious, and concerned to observe what he reads: for finding the Matter great, the Expression proper and lively, the Current of the History orderly and exact, and the Purposes and Ends various and important which the History subserves, he accordingly values and uses it as a Treasure. And from thence he extracts such Maxims and Principles as may greatly bestead him in every Exigence, and in every Station and Article of Trust and Concern, and Negotiation. History tells us who have been upon the Stage, how they came into Business and Trust, what was the Compass and Import of their Province, what they themselves therein signified to others; and what, others to them; and what all availed to Posterity, and how they went off, and so what Figure they most deserv'd to make in the Records of Time.
§ IV.
He that well considers the Nature of Man, his Relation to God, God's governing of Man, and the Conduct of Providence pursuant to God's concerns with Men, and their concerns with him, as also the Discipline and Interests of the Holy War with Satan, will read History with a finer Eye and to better purpose than others can. To covet, endeavour, and obtain ability and furniture from History, Philology, Divinity, &c. to minister to discursive Entertainment, or Self-conceitedness, Ambition, Preferment, or Reputation with Men, is a design (when ultimate) so mean in God's Eye, so odious and noysom to others, when by them discerned, and so uncomfortable and fatal to our selves when at last accoun…ed for, as that no wise Man would terminate and center himself, or his Studies there. I have seen all sorts of Learning differently placed, used, and issued. I can stay patiently to see the last Results of all. I have seen Learning excellently implanted in a gracious heart: (So it was in Mr. Baxter, and in several Prelates, and Conformists and Non-conformists, and others: it is so at this day). I have seen it without Grace; or not so evidently under the influences and conduct of Grace, as I have greatly desired it might have been: and here what Partiality, Malignity, Faction, Domination, Superciliousness and Invectives hath his History and other Learning ministred unto! Indeed sanctified Learning hath a lovely show: And the Learning of graceless Persons hath in many Instances and Evidences greatly befriended God's Interest in the Christian World. And the Knowledge which could not keep some from doing Mischief in the World, and from their being fitted for Hell, and from drawing others after them thither; hath yet helped others to heavenliness and Heaven. But he that well considers what Man is to God, and God to Man; what an Enemy degenerate Man is to God and himself; what a state and frame and posture of War sin hath put Men into, both against God, themselves, and each other; what an Enemy Satan is to all, and what advantages Sin gives him against us; and how Christ is engaged against Satan for us, as the Captain of our Salvation; and how he manages this War by his Spirit, Oracles, Ordinances, Officers, and under-Agents in Church and State, and by the Conduct of Providence over crowned Heads, Thrones, Senates, Armies, Navies, greater and less Communities, and single Persons; in all things done by them, for them, or upon them, or against them: how he uses, and influences the Faculties, Actions, Projects, Confederacies, and Interests of Men, by poizing them, changing them, and turning them to his own purposes and praise: He, I say, that well attends to these things in his Historical Readings and Studies, will (to his profit and delight) discern God's Providence in and over the Affairs of Men to be expressive of God's Name, ministring to his avouched purposes, and a great Testimony to his Word and Son, and to his Covenant and Servants.
§ V.
And such a Person was the Reverend Author (and in part the Subject Matter) of the subsequent Treatise. He was an early Votary to his God: so early as that he knew not when God engaged him first unto himself. And hence he in great measures escaped those Evil Habits and Calamities which old Age ordinarily pays so dear for, though he laments the carelesness and intemperance of his first childish and youthful days. And if the Reader think it strange and mean, that these, and some other passages inferioris subsellij should be inserted amongst so many things far more considerable, written by himself, and published by me, I crave leave to reply, 1. That Conscience is a tender thing, and when awaken'd, it accounts no sin small, nor any Calamity below most serious Thoughts and sensible and smart Resentments, that evidently springs from the least Miscarriage, which might (and ought to) have been prevented. 2. That the apprehension of approaching Death made him severer in his Scrutinies and Reflections. 3. That he thence thought himself concerned and bound in duty to warn others against all which he thought or found so very prejudicial to his own Soul and Body. 4. That as mean passages as these are to be found in Ancient and Modern Lives and Histories, which pass not under rigid Censures. 5. That the Author wrote this his History, sparsim & raptim, and it was rather a Rhapsody than one continued Work. So that I hope that the obvious inequalities of Style and Matter, (or the Defects in accuracy of Method (much more the Errours of the Press) will be no scandal to the ingenuous and candid Readers. 6. And as to my suffering such things to be exposed to publick view; can any Man take it ill, that I give him what Mr. Baxter left with me to this end? and had I thought to have expunged some things, and to have altered others, I could not have said as he himself did (in his Preface to the Lord Chief Justice Hale's Judgment of the Nature of true Religion) 'I take it as an intolerable Piaculum to put any altering hand of mine to the Writings of such a Man—But to pass by this— His seriousness in and about the greatest things, and his solicitous care to save his own and others Souls, and his great zeal for Holiness, Truth, Concord and Peace amongst all Christians abroad, and in these Kingdoms, made him (when capable thereof) to mind how Matters stood betwixt God and us; and to enter into the Springs of Publick Affairs and Actions in Church and State: and to take notice of the Originals, Instruments, Principles, Progress, Tracts, Traverses, and Results of Things. How Men were placed, spirited, influenced and engaged: and how herein they ministred to the woes or welfare of the Publick, of themselves, and of Posterity. And very loth he was that all should be imposed upon and injured by partial or false History; and so become Deceivers or Deceived, and Scandalizers or Scandalized. He well considered what a faithful History of his Times might import to all. And hence, having had such perfect understanding of all the Things here treated on, from the first, he thought it not amiss to write the chiefest of them in order; that others might know the certainty of things, to the better institution of after Conduct and Deportment: and (if it may yet be) to call the Guilty of all Parties yet alive, to due Repentance, and Returns to God.
§ VI.
The following History takes a considerable compass (from A. D. 1615. to 1684.) and it will entertain the Reader with no small variety of useful and delightful Matter… You have here the History of God's early, kind, and powerful Dealings with himself, so as to enprinciple and train him up as a Christian: and how God touch'd and fix'd his Soul for himself in Christian Bonds. God cast that Mantle on him which made his heart to turn and stand towards him; and be most ambitious of, and solicitous about his pardon from, fellowship with, devotedness to, and living with God in the heavenly glory. Then God acquainted him with his natural, degenerate and lost self, till Christ by Grace befriended and relieved him. When making towards, and brought to Christ, he is presently and sensibly engaged in secret and open War with Satan and his own self. And here his Conflicts and Temptations are gradually and wisely ordered him, and let loose upon him; but every way suited to his strength and benefit. His Exercises were and must be such as shall put him to deep Thoughts, close Studies, strict Guards and Watchings, servent Prayer, and a quick sense of the Necessity of daily help from Heaven. And Satan is permitted to attack him in all the Articles of his Christian Faith, and in the Foundation of his Heavenly Hopes. He was so severely urged by Satan to Atheism, Scepticism, Infidelity, and followed with such perplexing Difficulties and amazing Intricacies about both Natural and Revealed Religion, as that he had concerned and earnest breathings after, value of, and resolution for full Satisfaction about both the Foundations and Superstructure of Religion. Slight Studies, p…ecarious though confident Assertions, the Publick Vogue and Suffrages of Men, Worldly Interests, Popular Applauses, and Fleshly Ease, could set no stints and limits to his inquisitive Mind and painful Searches. His Soul ever lay open to Evidence: His Eye was first upon the Matter to find out that: he then considered Words as the fit Portraictures of Things, and Representations of Humane Apprehensions to mutual Information about Things and Words. And when he observed Words to be so equivocal, and of such lax, uncertain sence, he was ever careful to give Expressions their strict and just Interpretations, and to be clear about the fixed sense of doubtful Terms. And from the accuracy of his Judgment, and sineness of his Thought, and from the impetuousness of his Desires and endeavours to know Things clearly, orderly and distinctly, arose that multitude and variety of Distinctions, (many whereof were thought unusual, though I never thought yet any of them useless and impertinent as improved by him) which usually accompanied his Discourse and Writings. But (to conclude this Head) clear knowledge of the Name and Kingdom of God in Christ, well grounded Faith, lively Hopes, rational Satisfaction about the Safety of his State and Soul, the Soundness and due Furniture of his Inner Man in order to his fulfilling after God and Christ, and an Exemplary Holy Life, an happy Death, a joyful Resurrection, these were the Pleasure, Ambition and Employment of his Life; as also to be found in Christ, and every way faithful and fruitful to him. And by what Instruments, Steps and Methods, God brought him hitherto, this following Account of his, from his own Pen will tell you. As also to what he ever had recourse for his own Personal Satisfaction and Redress, and how God exercised and used his Parts and Thoughts herein.
You have here the History of his Ministerial Self. God set upon his Soul, as one resolv'd to qualifie and anoint it in no ordinary manner, for that Sacred Function, whereunto (after many Temptations and Attempts to fix him in some other Station and Employment, both from others and himself) by the Call and Conduct of his heavenly Master, he applied and kept himself at last. God throughly made him first to know the Soul which he had breathed into him, as to its Faculties, Capacities, Worth and Usefulness. God made him feel and mind that Body wherein this Soul of his was lodged; and wherein and how far his better Part might be helped or hinder'd thereby: and the two Worlds whereto both Soul and Body were related: and wherewith they were variously concerned. And in this World God fix'd him in such a Prospect of another, as made him intimately and sharply feel both what, and where, amidst what Circumstances, and to what purposes he here a bode in painful, exercised and declining Flesh. And all this gave him great Advantages and Inducements to deal more closely, skilfully, diligently, and constantly, and importunately with Souls, about their great Concerns. And what a Transcript God made him of what the Apostle speaks as to himself and Timothy, in Col. 1. 25—29. the following History of his Kidderminster (and other) Labours and Successes in the Gospel, will convince you to great Satisfaction: as also of what Oppositions and De…iverances and Preservations he met with there.
And you have here some Ta…s and Informations of his Thoughts and Studies; and of his Books and Letters to divers Persons, of different Stations and Quality, and also of what Pens and Spirits wrote against him. He was of such Repute and Figure in his day, as that many coveted to see his Face, to hear his Voice, and to receive his Resolution of weighty Cases of Conscience proposed to him. And in all this you will find that verified of him, which the Lord Bacon hath deliver'd from his Pen, viz. Much Reading makes Men full: Much Writing makes them judicious and acute: and much Conversation makes them ready. I have been amazed to see how hastily he turned over Volumes, how intimately he understood them, how strangely he retained his Reading, and how pertinently he could use it to every proposed Case. Men stayed not long for what they wrote to him about: and what he wrote was to great satisfaction and to the purpose. He wrote his Books with quick dispatch; and never, but when he thought them needful, and his duty then to write them. And when as the Reader well considers his Apology for his Books hereafter mentioned, let him but seriously weigh what is alledged, and accordingly form his Censures. His mentioned and recited Casuistical Letters and Books, savour at least of Thought and Pains; and perhaps the Reader's patient and attentive minding of both his mention'd Books and Letters will not be loss of time and pains. And though through too much haste and heedlesness, some few Escapes (perhaps Inaccuracies) in the beginning may distaste his curious eye; yet a very few Pages following will yield him better Entertainment.
§ VII.
But the great things which are as the Spirit of this History, are the Accounts he gives of the Original Springs and Sources of all these Revolutions, Distractions and Disasters which happen'd from the Civil Wars betwixt King Charles the First, to the Restoration of Charles the Second, and wha… was Consequent after thereupon to Church and State. And here we shall find various and great Occurrences springing from different Principles, Tempers and Interests; directed to different Ends, and resolved into different Events and Issues. The Historian endeavours to be faithful, candid, and severe. Nothing of real serviceable Truth would he conceal. Nothing but what was influential on, and might, or did affect the Publick Interest would he expose to Publick View. Nothing that might be capable of candid Interpretation or Allay, would he severely censure. Nothing notoriously criminal, and fatal to the Common Good would he pass by without his just Resentments of it, and severe Reflections on it. As to his immediate Personal acquaintance with, or knowledge of the things reported by him, I know no further of that, than as he himself relates. As to what he received from others by Report, how far his Information was true or false, I know not. Indeed I wrote (with tender and affectionate respect and reverence to the Doctors Name and Memory) to Madam Owen to desire her to send me what she could, well attested, in favour of the Doctor, that I might insert it in the Margent, where he is mentioned as having an hand in that Affair at Wallingford House; or that I might expunge that passage. But this offer being rejected with more contemptuousness and smartness than my Civility deserved, I had no more to do than to let that pass upon Record; and to rely upon Mr. Baxter's report, and the concurrent Testimonies of such as knew the Intreagues of those Times. Yet that I might deal uprightly and upon the square, I have mention'd this (though obiter) to testifie my Respects to him with whom I never was but once: but I was treated by him then with very great Civility indeed.
§ VIII.
I cannot deny but it would have been of great advantage to the acceptableness and usefulness of this Book, had it's Reverend Author himself revised, compleated, and corrected it, and published it himself. I am sure it had ministred more abundantly to my satisfaction: for I neither craved nor expected such a Trust and Legacy as his Manuscripts. Nor knew I any thing of this his kind purpose and will, till two or three days before he dyed. My Heart akes exceedingly at every remembrance of my incumbent Trust: and at the thoughts of my Account for all at last. I am deeply sensible of my inability for such Work; even to discouragement, and no small Consternation of Spirit. I want not apprehensions of the Pardon which I shall need from God, and Candour from Men, both which I humbly beg for as upon the knee. I know the heart and kindness and clemency of my God through Jesus Christ: But I know not yet what Men will think, speak, write concerning me. God speak to Men for me, or give me Grace and Wisdom to bear and to improve their Censures and Reflections, if such things must be my Discipline and Lot.
Quo quisque est major magis est placabilis ira
Et faciles motus mens Generosa capit.
Corpora Magnanimo satis est prostrasse Leont
Pugna suum sinem cum jacet hostis, habet.
At lupus & turpes instant Morientibus ursi
Et quaecunque minor nobilitate fera est.
Ovid. Trist. Eleg. iv.
However let the Reader bear with me if I attempt to obviate what I apprehend most likely for Men to reply and urge upon me, by offering these things to serious and impartial Thoughts, relating to 1. The Author, 2. The Treatise, 3. The Publication, And 4. My self.
First the Author.
1. He was one who lov'd to see and set things in their clearest, and most genuine Light; he well considered what sort and size of Evidence and Proof all things were capable of. Matters of Sense are evident by their due Appulses on the Senses. Matters of Doctrinal Truth by Demonstration; Matters of History by credible report: and he could consider well how Certainty and Probability differed. Nor was he willing to he imposed upon, or deceived through Prejudice, Laziness, Interest, or a factious Spirit. To say he never was mistaken (for undoubtedly he had his Errours and Mistakes, some of them retracted, and publickly acknowledg'd by him when discern'd) is to attribute more to him, than any meer Man can say: and more than any impartial and severe Student will arrogate to himself. I shall never call the Retractation of a discovered Errour or Mistake, a Fault; but rather a commendable Excellence: and I judge it better to argue closely, than bitterly to recriminate or traduce. Truth needs neither Scoff nor Satyr to defend it.
2. This made him so solicitous to leave behind him such an Impartial Account of the History of his Times, and of his own Endeavours in his place and day to promote Holiness, Truth and Peace.
3. He hence observ'd how these great Concerns were either promoted or obstructed; and by whom. What was amiss, or right, either in himself or others, &c.
4. He was concerned to prevent Misapprehensions, Prejudice, Censures and Scandals for time to come; to call the Guilty to Repentance; to clear the Innocent, and warn the present and succeeding Generations against their being split upon the like Rocks; to lay all Miscarriages at their right Doors; and to undeceive Forreign Churches and Kingdoms, and to deliver them from being imposed on, by false Representations of our Affairs at home.
5. He had an acrimonious pungent S…le indeed, contracted by his plain dealing with obstinate Sinners; which he told me was much severer than his Spirit was. He lov'd to give Sins and Sinners what Names might make themselves and all Men most sensible of their aggravated Crimes. And yet he was averse from blackning them more than there was reason for in his judgment: and from concluding Men graceless or hopeless from any particular Misdemeanours or Defects.
6. He was publick spirited, and valued not (nor would he be swayed by) Parties, Names or Interest…. His Soul was drawn out to a greater length, and wrought into a siner temper, than to over-look any thing truly Excellent and Worthy in any one, though of a different Character and Perswasion from himself, as to things of a lower Nature, and consistent with the Spirit and great Designs of Christianity. I have heard him great and copious in his Commendations of several Prelates and Conformists. And let the Reader pardon me if I tell him the Right Reverend the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Tenison, the Reverend present Bishops of Worcester and Ely, were expresly mention'd by him to me as Persons greatly admired, and highly valued by him; and of their readiness to serve the Publick Interest, both Civil and Religious, he told me he doubted not. And for several of their excellent and useful Labours, I think my self (amongst many others) obliged to bless God, and thank them; though I be unknown to them, and indeed deservedly below their Notice.) His great Concern and vehement Desire was for a Comprehension fit to include all peaceable, useful, sober Persons. And he thought it not impossible nor incongruous to fix upon Foundations large and strong enough, so as to take in all that might fitly contribute to Publick Welfare, into one good Constitution and Establishment. And to my knowledge many are animated with the same Desires. May not the Church of England be more evidently beautiful, large and safe hereby? And though Authority has not yet wrought us up to this, I humbly judge that amicable Conversation amongst those that attend our respective Ministry, and among us Ministers our selves, would shew to all that we are propense to Peace and Love, and to mutual Usefulness and Endearments. It seems to me most strange and hateful, that different Sentiments about disputable Matters, should alienate Affections, banish Civilities of Conversation, and scarce be enquired into, and debated about, without scurrilous Reflections and enflamed Passions. Rage and force may produce Hypocrites or Adversaries, but scarce ever hearty, serious Converts: But for Men to be hired, cheated, frighted into a Change of Sentiment, is very odd indeed. Truth and Faithfulness are very valuable things; and to me as worthy of a Commendation in a Conformist, as in a Non-conformist, & vice versa. Nor shall I count things better or worse for the sake of Persons in whom I meet with them. Truth and Goodness make Men worthy, but what can they derive from Men? God hath shewed them to us in their proper Evidence, fit for Discovery by impartial Search, and at our peril is it to reject them: Neither can any Man's Confidence or Passion, change their Nature or justifie our Refusal or Mistakes thereof. No wonder then if this Reverend Author be so impartially free in both his Narratives and Characters, whilst the Publick Interest was so much in his Eye, and lay so pressingly on his heart.
7. Whilst so devoted to the publick good of Church and State, he observed Persons, enquired into Things, studied Expedients, consulted God and Man, to know, what was the likeliest way, to heal the Wounds, and settle the Peace and Welfare of Church and State: and how to do this regularly and successfully, was the solicitous Inquest and Endeavour of his Soul: and if he did mistake his way, it was not wilfully, but through infirmity.
8. But his defeated Expectations and Endeavours amidst those many Revolutions in his time, from which resulted hindrances, neither few nor mean, made him more strictly to take the Minutes of Proceedings and Events, as they occurred; and so to make some fit Remarks thereon. And having thus furnished himself with apt Materials and Memoirs, he at last digested all into this following History; which you have faithfully from his own Original; abating some corrigenda, Some little words supply'd here and there which currente calamo were left out. Some small Chasms to be fill'd up, whereto the current Sence directed us. And in some Letters here inserted, not being by himself transcribed, the words being something less legible than others, they must be almost guessed at. Though these were few and no way affecting the Sence considerably. And some Repetitions, through the Author's own forgetfulness, left out. But the History is entirely his, transcribed and published as such from his own Copy, which I keep by me for my own Vindication carefully; and as a Memorial of himself with me.
Secondly, As to the History.
I. Of what Concern and Consequence the Matter of it is, the patient and diligent and judicious Reader may soon discern. Weighty things, when fully, credibly, and impartially related, do readily commend themselves to the Reader's Acceptation, and they do as readily meet therewith, where Ingenuity and Candour do prevail. What these things are which the Historian mainly insists upon, may be discover'd quickly by reading over the Contents thereof; whereto I would refer the Reader. First, Lest the first sheet or two, through their Graphical inaccuracy, should be offensive to him, and so discourage his progressive Reading: The History takes it's rise indeed à leviusculis, from meaner things; which (seeing the Author seem'd desirous and resolv'd to insert upon Reasons best known to himself) indeed I durst not blot out. Readers (and Friends to the deceased) may be of various Appetites and Humours; and different Things may have their different Relishes from variously disposed Palates. Why may not Histories take their start from smaller Matters, and so proceed to greater; as well as the material Origination of the Universe from its Chaos, and of Humane Bodies from their first Dust or Seed? I do indeed profess my grief and shame that they escaped me so inadvertently, but I was then bereav'd of that Composure in my Thoughts (through the tremendous Hand of God upon me otherwise, which I will not now relate) for otherwise my Caution had been greater, and so, those Sheets and other Passages more correct. I had neither time nor strength to attend the Press, so as to inspect the Impression sheet by sheet; and thereupon I trusted to the promised Care of the Booksellers: but I found upon review the Errata to be more numerous and gross by far than ever I expected. But if the Candid Reader will correct the Errata, as they are render'd corrigible to his view, I shall think my self greatly obliged to him. But if the Reader's first Historical Salute displease him, as being much beneath his expected Entertainment, one hours reading I hope he will find to be the utmost Exercise of his Patience, from the meanness of the Matter at his Entrance into the Book.
II. As to the Author's ordering and digesting of his own Memoirs, a Rhapsody it now appears; and as to method and equality of Stile, somewhat below what curious Readers might expect; yea, and from what it had been, had it but passed the Author's stricter Thoughts and View. Yet we shall find the History greatly useful, though not exactly uniform; nor is it so confused, as to be incapable of easie References and Reductions to such proper Order as may best please the Reader: if the Design be clear and worthy, viz. to set in open Light the degenerate Age he lived in: the magnalia of Grace and Providence as to himself: his Self-censurings on all occasions: Caution and Conduct unto others: and tracing all Events to their genuine Sources and Originals, the judicious Reader will improve such things. There were several Papers loosely laid, which could not easily be found, when needed. And the defectiveness of my very much declining Memory, made me forget (and the more because of haste and business) where I had laid them after I had found them. And some few Papers mention'd, and important here, are not yet found, though search'd after; which yet hereafter may be brought to light amongst some others, intended for the Publick View, if God permit. The Reverend Author wrote them at several times, as his other Work and Studies, and frequent Infirmities would admit of. And he was more intent upon the Matter than the Method: and finding his Evening Shadows growing long, as the Presage of his own approaching and expected Change, he was willing (through the importunity of his Friends) to hasten the compleating of his Works before he died. And he had rather that the Work was done somewhat imperfectly, than not at all. It is true indeed, that he hath left us nothing of the last Seven years of his Life, save his Apology for his accused Paraphrase and Notes on the New Testament, for which he was so fiercely prosecuted, imprisoned, traduced and fined. And though some pressed me to draw up the Supplemental History of his Life, yet the wisest that I could consult advised me to the contrary: and I did take their counsel to be right and good; for I well knew my self very unable to do that uniformly with the rest; and I was not inclined to obtrude upon the World what was not Mr. Baxters. Precarious Reputation I affect not. That Fame cannot be rightfully my own which is not deserved by me. And if this Preface and my subjoyned Sermon be but candidly received, or moderately censured, and any way tributary to the Reader's benefit, I shall rejoyce therein, and not expect his undeserved Commendation.
III. I am well aware (and think it worth my while to take notice) of several Things which may awaken Prejudice, Censure, or Displeasure, and occasion (if not cause) Objections and Offence, as to the Treatise and my self; which I would obviate and prevent (at least allay) if possible. I neither love to kindle Flames, nor to enrage them, nor to contribute the least breath or fewel to them. I am for Faithfulness and Truth in the softest stile and way consistent with the Ends and Interest thereof. Flattering Titles and needless Pungencies I distast. What was the Author's, is not mine. To publish is not always to assent. And if Modesty and Self-diffidence do make me refrain from Censures and Corrections and Expunctions, can that be esteemed culpable? Especially when it is vel sole Meridiano clarius, to both my self and every Man, how much my Knowledge, Parts, Judgment, Holiness and Advantages to know what he Reports and Censures, come short of what his were. Most of the Persons (if not well nigh all) censured by him, were altogether unknown to me: Nor do I find them all, or many, mentioned by him as utterly ungodly or undone. But as far as Miscarriages or Neglects upon the Publick Stage did minister to Suspicion, and (to the prejudice thereof) affect the Publick Interest; so far they are remarked by him with resentment. If justly, the Equity will justifie the Censure; and evidently shew how much the Interest of Church and State lay nearer to, and more upon his Heart than private Friendship or Concerns. But if unjustly, it is the undoubted right and duty of those that can, to clear the Censured from all their undue Imputations and Aspersions; and could I do it for them, my Obligations to, and value for this quondam excellent Historian and Divine, should not prevent my utmost cordial Engagements in that matter, namely, to wipe of all Aspersions from the Innocent, or to abate and lessen them, as far as they are capable duly of Allays. But let me meet the Reader with these cautionary offers.
I. Perhaps it may be thought unmeet by some that a Divine should turn Historian. Answ. 1. Why not as well as Grotius, Du Plessis, Lassitius, &c. yea, and King Iames the First meddle with writing about Sacred Things. (2.) Mr. Baxter was neither ignorant of, nor unconcerned in, nor unfit for such a Work as this; who knew him better than he knew himself? or did more intirely search into Affairs? or lay under greater Advantages for pious and just Informations? (3.) He had no Advantages, nor heart for Gain or Honour by this his Undertaking. It is known he hath refused Preferment, even by King Charles the Second, but sought for none. (4.) Writing of Histories rather refer to Abilities than to Office. Men may not govern Kingdoms, Cities, nor Societies, till called thereto by solemn Designation, be they never so throughly qualified; nor can they administer in Publick Worship till called thereto by Solemn Ordination, or as Probationers in order to that Office. But Men may write for God and Common Good if they be able so to do. For their Abilities, Opportunities, and Capacity for Publick Service, are a Call sufficiently and safely to be depended on. (5.) The Author's Modesty, Humility, and well known Self-denial, and evident Remoteness from all Pragmaticalness and Affectation, may well prevent Suspicion of his Exorbitancy in this his Enterprize. And (6.) his great Ability and Concern to serve the Publick Interest, when as all possible help was needful, requisite and grateful, may well implead such bold Retorts upon his Undertaking. Who stays for a particular Commission to extinguish Flames, or to give needful Informations of instant Dangers, or of necessary Conduct, when great Calamities or Miscarriages cannot otherwise be prevented?
2. It is not impossible that some will judge him too impudent and unworthy in branding Persons with such ungrateful Characters, as do so evidently expose the Memory of the Dead and Living, or their Posterity, and intimate to disgrace. But (1.) Matters of Fact notoriously known are speaking things themselves: and their Approbation or Dislike from others should be as Publick as the Things themselves. Matters of Publick Evidence and Influence are as the Test of Publick Sentiments, and of the prevailing temper of those Communities wherein such things were done. And can Civilities of Conversation, or Interest, or Personal Respects and Tenderness, be an Equivalent with God, to what is expected by him from Bodies Politick, or from his faithful Servants in them. (2.) The Author blames himself as freely, and as publickly confesseth, and blames his own Miscarriages, as he doth any other. (3.) He spares no Man nor Party, which he saw culpable, and verily thought reproveable on just grounds. Nor is he sparing of fit Commendations, nor of moderating his Reprehensions, where he saw the Case would bear it. (4.) He was far from Partiality, and addictedness to any Party. Good and Evil, Truth and Falshood, Faithfulness and Persidiousness, Wisdom and Folly, Considerateness and Temerity, &c. they were respectively commended or dispraised wherever they were found. (5.) Though Oliver Cromwell, once Protector, Dr. Owen, and others, seem to be sharply censur'd by him, in the thoughts of those that valued them; yet let the assigned Reasons be considered by the Reader, and let him fairly try his own strength in either disproving the Matters of Fact, and so impeach the Truth of the History: or in justifying what was done, and so implead the Criminal Charge; or in allaying the Censure by weighing well how much of their reported or arraigned Miscarriages may and ought to be ascribed to meer Infirmity or Mistake; or by preponderating their censured Crimes, with other worthy Deeds and Characters, justly challenging Commendations. For as to Oliver Cromwell, what Apprehensions and Inducements governed him, and what hold they took upon his Conscience, and how far he acted in faithfulness thereto, as in designed reference to God's Glory, to the Advancement of Religion, to the Reformation of a debauched Age, and to the Preservation of these Kingdoms from Popery, Slavery, and Arbitrariness (the general Fear and Plea of these Kingdoms at that time,) whether without or with good ground, let others judge) is not for me here to determine. I have heard much of his Personal and Family Strictness and Devotion: Of his Appeals to God for the Sincerity of his Designs and Heart, from some who have heard him make them as they have credibly told me: Of his Encouragement of …ious Godliness, and of the great Discouragement which Irreligion and Proph…neness and Debauchery ever met with from him. These Things were good and great. But from what Principles they came, and by what right from God and Man they were his Rectoral Province, and to what ultimate End he really did direct them; these Things require deeper Thoughts than mine, in order to a sober Judgment on them. It is more than I can do to vindicate his Right to Govern, and to behead our King, and to keep out another—but I am alway glad of any thing which may allay the Guilt of Men: though I had rather find no Guilt (nor any appearance or suspicion of it) that shall need Charity or Industry to extenuate or allay it. God grant these Kingdoms greater Care and Wisdom for time to come: and cause us to sit peaceably, orderly, obediently, submissively and thankfully under the gracious Government of King William our present rightful and lawful Soveraign, in so great Mercy to these Kingdoms, whom may the most high God long preserve, conduct, and greatly prosper. (6.) As to the Relatives and under Agents of Oliver Cromwell, I offer these things: 1. The Author would not charge them with what they never did. 2. Their Disadvantages through the Exigencies, Influences, and Temptations of their Day ought to be well considered, lest otherwise Men be intemperate and excessive in their censorious Reflections on them. Things now appear (perhaps) in a far clearer Light than heretofore. 3. Instant Necessities may admit of greater Pleas: and Men at a greater distance may not so sitly judge of present Duty or Expediency. And 4. there is undoubtedly such a thing as interpretative Faithfulness and Sincerity, which so far cheers Mens hearts, and spirits resolution and appeals to God, although the Principles which bear Men up herein may be, and frequently are erroneous, and but meer Mistakes. 5. We know not all that men can say, when calmly heard and fairly dealt with, for their own censured Actions, by way of Apology or Defence. 6. We must consider our own selves as in this World and Body; and as liable to equivalent (if not the same) Dangers and Temptations. The sence and provident reach of that Divine Advice, Gal. 6. 1. is vastly great, and greatly useful, and would prevent rigid Constructions if well attended to. 7. Oliver Cromwell's Progeny (those that are yet alive) are chargeable no further with his Crimes than they are approved by them: and this I never heard them charged with since 60. I know them not: but I have been told that they are serious, peaceable, useful, commendable Persons, and make a lovely Figure in their respective, though more private Stations. 8. As to Dr. Owen, 1. It is too well known (to need my proof) how great his Worth and Learning was. How soft and peaceable his Spirit, for many of his last years, if credible Fame bely him not. And perrar'o in melius mendax fama. He was indeed both a burning and a shining Light. 2. As to the Wallingford-House Affair, and the Doctor's Hand therein; our Reverend Author considered him and others as to what he thought culpable, and of pernicious Consequence and scandalous Report and Influence, as to both the present and succeeding Ages. He had no Personal Prejudice against him or others. But as both Church and State were so disorderly endangered and affected by what was there consulted and done; so Mr. Baxter did so much resent the thing, as to think it fit to be recorded, and accented with fit aggravations; as a Remonstrance to the Crime, and as a Warning to the Christian World. And he is not the only Person who hath believed, noticed and blamed that Matter. But that the Doctor is in his great Master's joys, is what our Author hath reported, his very firm perswasion of, in print. 9. As to our Brethren the Independants, 'tis true that no mean Ferment appears to have been upon the Author's Spirit. But (1.) is he sharper upon them, then on the Presbyterians, Anabaptists, Prelates, where he thought or found them culpable? (2.) What Party did our Author wholly side with? (3) What bosom Friend did he ever spare wherein he sound him reprehensible? (4.) He was so intent upon Orthodox Doctrines, Catholick Union, Christian Concord and Behaviour, and Peaceable Usefulness and Conversation amongst all Protestants, and upon avoiding Divisions amongst Christ's Followers, as that whatever obstructed these Concerns, he was impatient of, and warm against. Truth, Peace, and Love, was he a Votary to, and Martyr for: and hereunto did he devote most of his Life and Labours. Dicam quod res est. It is scandalous that there should be Divisions, Distances, Animosities and Contentions, amongst Christians, Protestants, Dissenters, against each other, and in the Bowels of each Party. But much hereof arises from unhappy Tempers, Self-ignorance, Confidence and Inobservance, want of frequent, patient, and calm Conference and impartial Debates about things controverted, addictedness to Self-Interest and Reputation with our respective Parties, impatience of severe Thoughts and Studies, and of impartial Consideration before we fix and pass our Judgment, taking things too much upon Trust, Prejudice against those whose Sentiments are different from our own, laying too great a weight upon eccentrical and meaner things, prying too boldly into, and talking too confidently… about things unrevealed, or but darkly hinted to us in the Sacred Text, and representing the Doctrine of our Christianity in our own Artificial Terms and Schemes, and so confining the Interest, Grace, and Heart of God and Christ to our respective Parties: as if we had forgot, or had never read Rom. 14. 17—19. Acts 10, 34, 35. Gal. 6. 14—16. and Eph. 4. 1— … That Person whose Thoughts, Heart and Life shall meet me in the Spirit and Reach of 2 Pet. I. I—II. shall have my hearty Love and Service, although he determine never to hear me Preach, or to Communicate with me all his days, through the Impression of his Education or Acquaintance; though at the same time I should be loth that such a narrow Thought should be the Principle, Poise and Conduct of my Church Fellowship, Spirit, or Behaviour. God hath, I doubt not, his eminent and valuable Servants in…all Parties and Perswasions amongst Christians. An heavenly mind and Life is all in all with me. I doubt not but that God hath many precious faithful Ones amongst the Men called Independants, Presbyterians, …nabap…ists, Prelatical—And I humbly judge it reasonable that (1.) The Miscarriages of former Parties be not imputed to succeeding Parties who own not, nor abet their Principles as productive of such practical Enormities. (2.) That the Miscarriages of some particular Persons be not charged on the rest, until they profess or manifest their Approbation of them. (3.) That what is repented of and pardoned, be not so received as to foment Divisions and Recriminations. (4.) That my trust from Mr. Baxter, and faithfulness to him, and to Posterity, be not constr… ed as the Result of any Spleen in me against any Person or Party mentioned in this following History. (5.) And that we all value that in one another, which God thinks lovely where he forms and finds it. And 6. O Utinam! that we form no other Test and Canon of Christian Orthodoxy and Saving Soundness, and Christian Fellowship, than what the Sacred Scriptures give us as Explicatory of the Christian Baptismal Creed and Covenant, as influencing us into an holy Life, and heavenly Hopes and Joys. I thought once to have given the World a faithful Abstract of Mr Baxter's Doctrines or Judgment, containing the Sence of what he held about Justification, Faith, Works, &c. and yet laying aside his Terms of Art: that hereby the Reader might discern the Consonancy of it to the Sacred Text, and to the Doctrinal Confessions of the Reformed Churches; his Consistence with himself, and his nearer approach in Judgment to those from whom he seems to differ much, than the prejudiced Adversaries are aware of. But this must be a Work of Time, if not an Enterprize too great for me, as I justly fear it is. But I will do by him as I would do by others, and have them do by me, viz. give him his owned Explication of the Baptismal Creed and Covenant, as a fit Test to try his Judgment by; and if his Doctrines in his other Treatises consist herewith, others perhaps will see more Cause to think him Orthodox in the most weighty Articles, and less to be suspected, notwithstanding his different Modes of Speech.
The Things professedly believed by him (as may be seen in his Christian Concord) were,
THat there is one only God: The Father, Infinite in Being, Wisdom, Goodness, and Power: the Maker, Preserver, and Disposer of all things; and the most just and merciful Lord of All.
That Mankind being fallen by Sin from God and Happiness, under the Wrath of God, the Curse of his Law, and the Power of the Devil, God so loved the World, that he gave his only Son to be their Redeemer: who, being God, and one with the Father, did take to him our Nature, and became Man, being conceived of the Holy Ghost in the Virgin Mary, and born of her, and named JESUS CHRIST: and having liv'd on Earth without Sin, and wrought many Miracles, for a witness of his Truth, he gave up himself a Sacrifice for our Sins, and a Ransom for …, in suffering Death on the Cross: and being buried, he is Lord of all in Glory with the Father. And having ordained that all that truly repent, and believe in him, and love him above all things, and sincerely obey him, and that to the Death shall be saved, and they that will not shall be damned, and commended his Ministers to preach the Gospel to the World: He will come again and raise the Bodies of all Men from Death, and will set all the World before him to be judged, according to what they have done in the Body: and he will adjudge the Righteous to Life Everlasting, and the rest to Everlasting Punishment; which shall be Executed accordingly.
That God the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of the Father and the Son, was …nt from the Father by the Son, to inspire and guide the Prophets and Apostles, that they might fully reveal the Doctrine of Christ; And by multitudes of Evident Miracles, and wonderful Gifts to be the great Witness of Christ and of the Truth of his Holy Word: And also to dwell and work in all that are drawn to believe, that, being first joyned to Christ their Head, and into one Church which is his Body, and so pardoned and made the Sons of God, they may be a peculiar People sanctified to Christ; and may mortifie the Fesh, and overcome the World and the Devil: and being zealous of good Works, may serve God in Holiness and Righteousness, and may live in the special Love and Communion of the Saints; and in hope of Christ's Coming, and of Everlasting Life.
In the belief hereof the Things consented to were as followeth:
THat he heartily took this one GOD, for his only GGD, and his chief Good: and this IESUS CHRIST for his only Lord, Redeemer, and Saviour, and this HOLY GHOST for his Sanctifier: and the Doctrine by him revealed, and sealed by his Miracles, and now contained in the Holy Scriptures, he took for the Law of God; and the Rule of his Faith and Life: And repenting unfeignedly of his Sins, he did resolve, through the Grace of God, sincerely to obey him, both in Holiness to God, and Righteousness to Men, and in special Love to the Saints, and in Communion with them; against all the Temptations of the Devil, the World, and his own Flesh; and this to the Death.
If therefore these things were Believed and Consented to by him; and if these things do essentiate our Saving Christianity, and so be sufficient to make us all one in Christ, why should some different Modes and Forms of Speech, wherewith these great Substantials may and do consist, obtain of Men to think him Heterodox, because he uses not their Terms? And why should such Distances and Discords be kept up amongst us, whilst we all of us own all the forementioned Articles, and are always ready (on all sides) to renounce whatever Opinions shall appear to overthrow or shake such Articles of Faith, and Covenanting Terms with God and Christ? And I cannot but believe that all Christians seriously bound for Heaven, and that are fixed upon these Truths, are nearer each to other in their Judgments than different Modes of Speech seem to represent them. Of such great Consequence is true Charity and Candour amongst Christians.
3. The Reverend Prelates, and the Ministers and Members of the Church of England, may possibly distaste his plainness with them, and think him too severe upon them: But 1. they are no Strangers to his professed and exemplified Moderation. Who valued their Worth and Learning more than he did? Who more endeavoured to keep up Church Communion with them, by Pen, Discourse and Practise, though not exclusively? Who more sharply handled, and more throughly wrote against, and reprehended total Separation from them than himself? And what Dissenter from them ever made fairer and more noble Overtures, or more judicious Proposals for a large and lasting Comprehension with them, than they knew he did? And who more fairly warned them of the dismal Consequences and calamitous Effects of so narrowing the Church of England by the strict Acts procured and executed against so many peaceable Ministers, who thereby were silenced, imprisoned, discouraged and undone? And how many Souls and Families were ruin'd and scandaliz'd by their imposed Terms, another (and that a solemn and great) Day will shew e're long. 2. Our Author never yet endeavoured to unChurch them, nor to eclipse their Worthies: nor did he ever charge their great Severities on them all. He ever would acknowledge (and he might truly do it) that they had great and excellent Men, and many such amongst them, both of their Lai…y and Clergy. 3. He thought (what I am satisfied is true) that many of them little knew who and what was behind the Curtain, nor what designed nor great Services were doing to France and Rome hereby. 4. And his great Sufferings from them may well (even as other things) abate their Censuring (if not prevent too keen Relentments) of these Historical Accounts of them. 5. And to leave these things out was more than Mr. Baxter would allow me, or admit of. Pardon one who acts by Order, not of Choice.
4. That such copious and prolix Discourses should be here inserted about Things fitter for oblivion, than to be remembred, may seem liable to Exceptions and Distast from some; viz. such Discourses as respect the Solemn League and Covenant, the Oxford Act, &c. Things now abandon'd and repealed by Act of Parliament for Liberty of Conscience. But 1. those pressing Acts are yet upon Record, and so, exposed to the view of Men, from Age to Age. 2. They represent Dissenters as an intolerable Seed of Men. 3. All Readers will not readily discern what here is said by way of Apology for those of whom such Acts took hold. 4. Hereby Dissenters will appear to all succeeding Generations, as a People worthy of nothing but National Severities and Restraints. Whence 5. their Enemies will be confirmed in their groundless Thoughts and Censures of them. 6. This will not lead to that Love and Concord amongst all Protestants which God's Laws, and the Publick Interest and Welfare of Church and State require. 7. Those things abode so long in force, and to such fatal dreadful purpose, as that the Effects thereof are felt by many Families and Persons to this day. 8. And all this was but to discharge some, of no small Figure in their Day, from all Obligations to perform what had been solemnly vowed to God. Surely such as never took that Covenant could only disclaim all Obligations on themselves to keep it, by virtue of any such Vow upon themselves: but to discharge those that had taken it, from what therein they had vowed to God to do (till God himself discharge them, or that it be evident from the intrinsick unalterable Ev… of the Matter vowed, that no such Vow shall stand) is more than I dare undertake to prove at present, or to vindicate in the great Day. However, a Man's own Latitude of Perswasion cannot, as such, absolve another, nor eo nomine, be another's Rule or Law. But 9. if these long Discourses be needful, pertinent, clear, and strong, as to the state of that A…air, their length may be born with. 10. The Author thought it needful to have this set in the clear open Light, to disabule all that had been imposed on, by false, or partial and defective History in this Matter: and to remove, or prevent, or allay Scandal and Censure for time to come. 11. And if such things be also published to make our selves and others, still more sensible of what we owe to God, and to our most gracious King (and his late Soveraign Consort, and our then most gracious Queen Mary, not to be parallel'd in any History that I know of, by any of her Sex, for All truly Royal Excellencies) and to his Parliaments, who have so much obliged us with freeing us from those so uncomfortable Bonds; what Fault can be imputed to the Publisher herein? Shall Gratitude be thought a Crime, though more copious in the Materials of it, than may every way consist with the stricter Bounds of Accuracy? 12. I am apt to think (and not without cogent ground) that very many Readers (now and hereafter) would (with the Author) have thought me unfaithful to themselves and him, had I not transmitted to Posterity what he left, and as he left it for their use. And I hope therefore that the Reader will not interpret this Publication as the Product of a Recriminating Spirit. God himself knows it to be no such Birth.
Thirdly, The Publication.
1. The Author wrote it for this End. 2. He left it with me to be published after his Death. 3. He left it to the Iudgment of another and my self only, by a Writing ordered to be given me after his Death, as my Directory about the Publication of his other Manuscripts, which are many, and of moment. And if th… rest entrusted with me about their being printed (one or two of which he ordered me to choose ad libitum, as fitly supposing all might not be at leis…re) shall think fit (of whose consent I nothing doubt) you may expect a considerable Volume of Letters by way of Epistolary Intercourse betwixt him and Mr. Lawson, Mr. Burgess, Mr. Vines, Mr. Gataker, Mr. W. the Lord Chief Justice Hales, Mr. Samuel Iacomb, Mr. Dodwell, his dear Flock and Friends at Kidderminster, with several others. These Letters are Polemical, Casuistical, and Practical. Some are Monitory and Reproving: but their Names forbidden to be mentioned. Which Order shall faithfully be by me observed… Non enim me min…s obseq… quam … con…ilij p…niter. If we may find Encour…gement, I doubt not of the Reader's considerable Satisfaction and Advantage. But (to return to where I left) 4. He had neither Time nor Strength to finish it; nor to correct it with his own Hand. Such therefore as it is, you have it. 5. He brought it down (not long before he died) to publish it, but upon second Thoughts he changed that purpose, as his Bookseller since his Death assured me. 6. I have reason to think that the Author had some thoughts to have made further Progress in this History, but that other things diverted him therefrom, till his Death at last made that impossible.
Singula quid referam, nil non mortale tenemus;
Pectoris, Exceptis ingeniique, bonis.
Ovid. de Trist. Eleg. vii.
Fourthly, As to my self.
When I came up to London, Anno Dom. 1671. I was brought into Acquaintance with Mr. Baxter, by my dear and intimate Friend Mr. Ioseph Trueman (foreign) who it seems, unknown to me, had told Mr. Baxter concerning me, more than I ever expected or deserved. And so great was Mr. Trueman's Reputation with Mr. Baxter, as to conciliate that regard to his Character of me, which greatly promoted my Intimacy, and my more free and frequent Conversation with him ever after. Hereupon Mr. Baxter wrote to a worthy Person to seek me out, and to bring me (a perfect Stranger in the City) into Acquaintance and Employment: which accordingly was done. And some short time after Mr. Baxter and my …elf met together upon Ministerial Employment somewhat frequently, to mutual Satisfaction and reciprocal Endearments; God speaking to his Heart for me. The Lord impute not to me my so small improvement of that so great Advantage. I never was deny'd admission to him, when desired by me: And many Secrets he committed to me relating to his Soul and Secular Affairs, which have been, are, and shall be such God willing, whilst I live: for I take it to be sinful to betray a Secret, unless Concealment be injurious to the Publick, or to another Person. And in that case I will never (as I think I never have done to the best of my remembrance) promise Secrecy: for I think it base, and no way capable of Vindication, to serve one Friend so as unjustly and unworthily to disserve another. At last it pleased God to cast my Lot upon Copartnership with him in Ministerial Work in Charterhouse-yard, in my own Dwelling-house there; which he the rather complyed with because of the vicinity of our Respective Habitations. He would not meddle with the Pastoral Work; but would stile himself (when somewhat pleasant) my Curate; but he would take no Money of me for his pains: but oft and freely profest his Satisfaction in his Conjunction with me, and in the serious and moderate temper of my Flock. And I know none beyond them for Peace and Love and Candour. He was greatly solicitous about my Subsistence and Encouragemement after his Death. And not long before his Exit he drew up a Paper to have been read to the Congregation, to have procured me some generous Subscriptions from them for one year, besides what they usually allowed me Annually; and to excite others thereunto, he Subscribed Ten pounds for himself. He designed it to have been proposed and effected when I was in the Country; but coming to the knowledge of it, I put it by, which he distasted not a little. However, I am for making the Gospel and my Ministry as little chargeable as I can: for I seek not theirs, but them: and having Food and Raiment, I can be therewith Content. My Congregation is but small: but they are worthy of a far better Pastor than my self. And they are kinde to me, rather beyond, than at the rate of their Ability. And I have found God's Blessing on what they have allow'd me. And I find my Labour not in vain amongst them.
§ IX.
No Man can justly wonder that he escaped not the Scourges of Tongues and Pens, and the bold Strokes of Calumny, who well considers Humane Degeneracy, Satan's Malignity, the Dulness of some, the Rashness of others, the Credulity of others, the Narrowness of others, the Imperfections of himself, and of all, the Entertainments of God's choicest Favourites and Servants upon Record from Age to Age: and the vast Reaches and Designs of Providence in all. Could I but perswade the Reader to read and pause upon some Instances upon Record in Sacred Writ, as being least liable to Exception (though many might be produced from Ancient and Modern Histories) he might there by at least prevent considerably his being Scandalized by the many Obloquies that come from inconsiderate and malignant Men. What Man of Worth could or did ever yet absolutely escape being traduced by some or other? See Ier. 15. 10. and 20. 10. Neh. 2. 19. and 6. 6, 7. Gen. 39. 14. 1 Sam. 22. 9—15. 2 Sam. 16. 3. Amos 7. 10, 11. Matth. 26. 61. Acts 24. 5—9. and 18. 13. Rom. 3. 8. If greater Persons (such as Ioseph, Nehemiah, Ieremiah, Daniel, Christ, and his Apostles, and David himself, Christ's Royal Antitype) were traduced by the Sons of Belial, as guilty of what their Souls abhorr'd so intimately; what wonder is it to find this Reverend Person Mr. Baxter, misrepresented by the malignity and obloquy of some; and by the weakness, credulity, and mistakes of others; and those perhaps excellent Persons otherwise, in manifold respects?
Mr. Baxter is charged by some as being against King Charles the First in the first War, and too much a Fomenter of it. To this you have his Replys in the History it self; and thither I refer the Reader.
He has been also traduced by some, as having kill'd a Man in cold Blood with his own hands. From which Scandalous Report he has also vindicated himself in the following History. But for the Reader's further Satisfaction, I will here subjoyn a Letter from Dr. Allestree, which is not there inserted (that I remember). When a credible Person (Mr. I. H.) told Mr. Baxter that the Doctor had formerly said the like to him; saying, That he could not think well of one that had kill'd a Man in cold Blood with his own hands; Mr. Baxter suspecting that the Doctor's Chair and Reputation might give credit to this slanderous Report, he wrote to the Doctor, des…ing to know of him whether he reported this or no; assuring him in the same Letter, that he never struck any Man in anger, in all his Life, to his remembrance —This Letter to the Doctor was dated London, Decemb. 8. 1679. Hereupon the Doctor returned him the following Answer:
SIR,
I Must profess sincerely that I cannot recollect that ever I said such words of you to Mr. H. as it seems be doth affirm I did. But yet I cannot but acknowledge it is very possible that I related (and it may be to him) that I had heard you kill'd a Man in cold blood; since I very well remember that above Thirty years since, at the end of the War, I heard that publickly spoke before Company, and with this further Circumstance, that it was a Soldier who had been a Prisoner some hours before. Now this Report relating to the Wars, in which I fear such things were no great Rarities; and from my very tender youth, I having not had the least Concern with you, nor likelyhood of any for the future, did not therefore apprehend at present any concern or occasion of enquiring whether it were true; of which, upon that confident Asseveration I did make no doubt. And I took so little thought of laying up the Relation, that I protest to you, as in the presence of Almighty God, it is impossible for me, to recover who made up that Company in which I heard it, or from whom I heard it. And I wonder how it came into my mind to say that I had heard it so long after. But however, though it be some ease to me to believe that the late Discourses of it, do not come from my relating it so long since that I have heard it, neither are likely to receive any confirmation from it, unless it be made more publick than I have made it; yet I do profess it is a great affliction to me to have spoken that, though but as a Report, which it seems was a slander (for so I believe it upon your Asseveration) and not having endeavoured to know whether it were true. And as I have begg'd God's forgiveness, so I heartily desire you will forgive me. And if I could direct my self to any other way of Satisfaction, I would give it. This is the whole Account I can give of this Matter; To which I shall only add that I am,
SIR, Your very affectionate Servant, Richard Allestree. Eaton-Colledge, Dec. 13. 1679.
Such was the Exemplary Ingenuity and true Equity and Candour of this worthy Person.
But the boldest Stroke that ever I met with at the Reputation of this worthy Person Mr. Baxter, occurs in a Letter that I have lately received from a Person very credible (out of Worcestershire, Dated March the first, 1695/6.) The Sum whereof is this:
—HEre is a Report in some Persons mouths that Mr. Baxter, before he dyed, and so till his Death, was in a great doubt and trouble about a Future State. It is suggested that he continued in such Doubt, or rather was inclining to think there was no Future State at all, and that he ended his Days under such a Perswasion; which occasioned no small trouble to him, he having written so many things to perswade persons to believe there was.—
This Report is related to me as brought down from London by no mean Man; by one of great Repute in his Faculty, and well known through the Nation, frequently an Hearer of Mr. Baxter, and an honourable Person. And I am further informed by the same Hand, That it is there reported that many of his Friends, Persons of Quality about London, know the truth of it.
1. Audax facinus! What will degenerate Man stick at! We know nothing here that could in the least minister to such a Report as this. I that was with him all along, have ever heard him triumphing in his heavenly Expectation, and ever speaking like one that could never have thought it worth a Man's while to be, were it not for the great Interest and Ends of Godliness. He told me that he doubted not, but that it would be best for him when he had left this Life, and was translated to the heavenly Regions.
2. He own'd what he had written, with reference to the Things of God, to the very last. He advised those that came near him carefully to mind their Soul Concerns. The shortness of Time, the instancy of Eternity, the worth of Souls, the greatness of God, the riches of the Grace of Christ, and the excellency and import of an heavenly Mind and Life, and the great usefulness of the Word and Means of Grace pursuant to Eternal Purposes, they ever lay pressingly upon his own Heart, and extorted from him very useful Directions and Encouragements to all that came near him, even to the last. Insomuch, as that if a Polemical or Casuistical Point, or any Speculation in Philosophy or Divinity, had been but offered to him for his Resolution, after the clearest and briefest Representation of his Mind, which the Proposer's Satisfaction call'd for, he presently and most delightfully fell into Conversation about what related to our Christian Hope and Work.
3. Had he thought that there had been no Future State for Man to be Concern'd about, why was he so delighted in a hopeful Race of young Ministers and Christians? to my knowledge he greatly valued young Divines, and hopeful Candidates for the Ministry: He was most liberal of Counsel and Encouragement to them, and a most inquisitive after, and pleased with their growthful Numbers and Improvement: And he told me, and spake it in my hearing, That he had the greatest Hopes and Expectations from the succeeding Generation of them: And he pleased himself with the Hopes and Expectations of this, that they would do God's Work much better than we had done before, and escape our Errours and Defects.
4. Any Man that reads his last Will may easily see that his Apprehensions and Disposition did not savour of such Scepticism as the Report insinuates. That part thereof which may Confirm the Reader that Mr. Baxter had no such Thoughts abiding in him, I shall here for the Reader's Satisfaction lay before him; which is as followeth:
I Richard Baxter of London Clerk, unworthy Servant of Iesus Christ, drawing to the End of this Transitory Life, having through God's great Mercy the free use of my Understanding, do make this my last Will and Testament—My Spirit I commit, with Trust and Hope of the Heavenly Felicity, into the Hands of Iesus my glorified Redeemer and Intercessor: and by his Mediation into the hands of God my reconciled Father, the Infinite, Eternal Spirit, Life, Light and Love, most great and wise and good, the God of Nature, Grace, and Glory: of whom, and through whom, and to whom are all things: My absolute Owner, Ruler, and Benefactor; whose I am, and whom (though imperfectly) I serve, seek, and trust; to whom be glory for ever, Amen.—To him I render most humble thanks that he hath fill'd up my Life with abundance of Mercy, pardoned my Sins by the Merits of Christ, and vouchsafed by his Spirit to Renew and Seal me as his own; and to moderate and bless to me my long Sufferings in the Flesh, and at last to sweeten them by his own Interest and comforting Approbation, who taketh the Cause of Love and Concord as his own.—
Now let the Reader judge whether any thing in all this can in the least infer his Doubting or Denial of a Future State; or any Repentance of the Pains he took to establish others in the Belief and Hopes of what the Gospel tells us of as future. It is strange to see how Men can trifle in their Soul-affairs, and how easily they can receive whatever may mortifie the Life and Joy of Christian Godliness: But we read of some that have been led Captive by the Devil at his will. But this we may believe, and all shall find that the Hell which they gave no credit to the report of, they shall surely feel, and that they shall never reach that Heaven which they would never believe Existent, and worth their serious looking after. Were it but a meer probability, or possibility, who will have the better of it? When we reach Heaven, we shall be in a Capacity of Insulting over In…idels: But if there be no Future State, they can never live to upbraid us. And it is but folly, madness, and a voluntary cheating of themselves, for Men to think that Honour, Parts, or Learning, or Interest, or Possessions can ever skreen them from the Wrath of a neglected and provoked God. And one would think that such a Spirit that can so boldly traduce and asperse Men, is much below what has acted a Pagan Roman; for even one of them, could say,
Compositum jus fasque animi, Sanctosque recessus
Mentis, & incoctum genoroso pectus …onesto
Da, cedò—
Pers.
How little of this Spirit was in the Author and Promoter of this Aspersion, I leave to his own and others Thoughts to pause on; who he is I know not: But for the sake of his Honour, Soul, and Faculty, I must and will request of God that he may have those softer Remorses in his own Spirit in due season, which may prevent a smarter Censure from the universal, awful Judge; and that he would soberly pause upon what that great Judge has uttered, and left upon record in Matth. 12. 36, 37. for it is what that Judge will abide and try us by.
I can easily foresee that Readers of different sorts are likely to receive this Work, with different Sentiments.
1. The Interested Reader, in things related here, will judge of and relish what he reads as he finds himself concerned therein: He may possibly look upon himself as either commended or exposed, blamed or justified; whether justly or unjustly he may best know. But I would hope that his Concernedness for the Interest of Equity and Truth, and for the Publick Good, will rather make him candid than severe.
2. The Impartial Reader is for knowing Truth in its due and useful Evidence, and for considering himself as liable to Imperfections if engaged in such work as this: and thus he will allow for others Weaknesses, as he would have his own allowed for.
3. Should any Reader be censorious, and stretch Expressions and Reports beyond their determin'd Line and Reach, sober and clear Conviction in this Case may be their Cure.
4. As to the Judicious Reader, he loves, I know, to see things in their Nature, Order, Evidence and Usefulness: and if he find Materials, he can dispose them easily, and phrase them to his own Satisfaction, and at the same time pity the injudiciousness of a Publisher, and the imperfections of the Author.
5. As to the weak Reader (for judiciousness is not every sober Person's Lot) it will be harder to convince him beyond his ability of discerning things in their distinctness, truth and strength.
6. As to the byassed Reader, it is hoped that his second serious Thoughts may cure him of his Partiality.
7. As to the selfish Reader, it is bold for any Man to think himself Superiour to the rest of Men and that all must be a Sacrifice to his own Concerns and Humour: A narrow Soul is a great In…elicity, both to its self, to others, and the Publick Interest.
8. The Publick Spirited Reader is more concern'd for Truth than for any Thing that Rivals it: his Thoughts and Motto is Magna est veritas & praevalebit; and he will think himself most gratified when Publick Expectations and Concerns are answered and secured best.
9. Those that are perfectly ignorant of what the History is most concerned in will be glad of better Informations; and the Things recorded will be (as being Novel) most grateful to him.
10. As to those that were acquainted mostly with the Things here mentioned, they will have their Memories refreshed, and meet with some Additions to their useful Knowledge.
11. And as to my self, if there be any thing untrue, injurious, or unfit, as to either Publick or Personal Concerns, the Publisher hopes that the Reader will not look upon him as obliged to justifie or espouse whatever the Author may have misrepresented, through his own Personal Infirmities or Mistakes; for all Men are imperfect, and my Work was to publish the Author's Sentiments and Reports, rather than my own: Nor will I vouch for every Thing in this History, nor in any meer Humane Treatise, beyond its Evidence or Credibility. But let the Reader assure himself that I am his, in the best of Bonds and Services, whilst
I am M. S. London, May 13. 1696.