A26870:256
A breviate of the life of Margaret, the daughter of Francis Charlton ... and…
A breviate of the life of Margaret, the daughter of Francis Charlton ... and wife of Richard Baxter ... : there is also published the character of her mother, truly described in her published funeral sermon, reprinted at her daughters request, called, The last work of a believer, his passing-prayer recommending his departing spirit to Christ, to be received by him.
London: printed for B. Simmons, 1681
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
2. And as to my mutability. Whereas one of them reports that I said to him, that I thought the Marriage of Ministers had so great inconveniences, that though necessity made it lawful, yet it was but lawful; that is, to be avoided as far as lawfully we may. I answer, that I did say so to him; and I never changed my judgment; yea, my Wife lived and died in the same mind. And I here freely advise all Ministers that have not some kind of necessity, to think of these few reasons among many.
1. The work of the sacred Ministry is enough to take up the whole man, if he had the strength and parts of many men. O how much is there to do oftentimes with one ignorant, or scandalous, or sad despairing soul? And who is sufficient for all that's to be done to hundreds or thousands! In the primitive Church every Congregation had many Ministers; ⟨p. 102⟩but covetousness of Clergy and people will now scarce allow two to very great Parishes. I did not marry till I was silenced and ejected, and had no flock or Pastoral Cure. Believe it, he that will have a Wife, must spend much of his time in conference, prayer, and other family-duties, with her. And if he have children, O how much care, time and labour, will they require! I know it, though I have none. And he that hath servants, must spend time in teaching them, and in other duties for them; besides the time, and perhaps caring thoughts that all his Family expenses and affairs will require. And then it will disquiet a man's mind to think that he must neglect his Family or his Flock, and hath undertaken more than he can do. My conscience hath forced me many times to omit secret prayer with my Wife when she desired it, for want of time, not daring to omit far greater work.
1. The work of the sacred Ministry is enough to take up the whole man, if he had the strength and parts of many men. O how much is there to do oftentimes with one ignorant, or scandalous, or sad despairing soul? And who is sufficient for all that's to be done to hundreds or thousands! In the primitive Church every Congregation had many Ministers; ⟨p. 102⟩