Rich. Baxters apology against the modest exceptions of Mr. T. Blake and the digression…

For your self, Sir, as you were a friend to sound Doctrine, to Unity and to Piety, and to the Preachers, Defenders and Practisers thereof, while I conversed with you, and as fame informeth us, have continued such; so I hope that God who hath so long preserved you, will preserve you to the end; and he that hath been your Shield in corporal dangers, will be so in spiritual.

For your self, Sir, as you were a friend to sound Doctrine, to Ʋnity and to Piety, and to the Preachers, Defenders and Practisers thereof, while I converst with you, and as fame informeth us, have continued such; so I hope that God who hath so long preserved you, will preserve you to the end; and he that hath been your Shield in corporal dangers, will be so in spirituall.

Your great Warfare is not yet accomplished: The Worms of Corruption that breed in our bowels, will live in some measure till we die our selves. Your Conquest of your self is yet Imperfect. To fight with your self, you will find the hardest, but most necessary Conflict that ever yet you were engaged in; and to overcome your self the most honourable and gainful Victory. And think not that your greatest trials are all over. Prosperity hath its peculiar Temptations, by which it hath foiled many that stood unshaken in the storms of adversity. The Tempter who hath had you on the waves, will now assault you in the calm; and hath his last game to play on the Mountain, till nature cause you to descend. Stand this Charge and you win the day. To which, as one that is faithful to you, I shall acquaint you in a few words, what his temptations are like to be, and how you should resist them: If you are already provided, a Remembrancer will do you no harm.

Your great Warfare is not yet accomplished: The Worms of Corruption that breed in our bowels, will live in some measure till we die our selves. Your Conquest of your self is yet Imperfect. To fight with your self, you will finde the hardest, but most necessary Conflict that ever yet you were engaged in; and to overcome your self the most honourable and gainfull Victory. And think not that your greatest trials are all over. Prosperity hath its peculiar Temptations, by which it hath foiled many that stood unshaken in the storms of adversity. The Tempter who hath had you on the waves, will now assault you in the calm; and hath his last game to play on the Mountain, till nature cause you to descend. Stand this Charge and you win the day. To which, as one that is faithful to you, I shall acquaint you in a few words, what his temptations are like to be, and how you should resist them: If you are already provided, a Remembrancer will do you no harm.