Richard Baxter's dying thoughts upon Phil. I, 23 written for his own life and…

My dwelling hath been safe when I have seen the glory of the Land in flames, and after beheld the dismal ruins! When violence separated me from my too much beloved Library, and drove me into a poor and smoky House, I never had more help of God, nor did more difficult work than there! What pleasant retirements and quietness in the Country have been the fruits of persecuting Wrath? And I must not forget, when I had more public liberty, how he saved me and all my Hearers, even by a wonder from being buried in the ruins of the Fabric where we were; and others from the Calamitous, Scandal, and Lamentations, which would else have followed: And it is not a Mercy to be extenuated, that when the Tongues and ⟨p. 228⟩Pens of all Sects among us, and of pro•d self-exalters, and of some worthy Pious differing Brethren, have been long and vehemently bent against me, when my infamy hath been endeavoured by abundance of Volumes by the backbiting of angry dividers of all sorts, and by the calumniating accusations of some that were too high to be gain-said, and would not endure me to answer them and vindicate my innocency; yet, all these together were never able to fasten their accusations, and procure any common belief, nor to bring me under the designed contempt, much less to break my comforts, encouragements or labours.

My dwelling hath been safe when I have seen the glory of the Land in flames, and after beheld the dismal ruines! When violence separated me from my too much beloved Library, and drove me into a poor and smoaky House, I never had more help of God, nor did more difficult work than there! What pleasant retirements and quietness in the Countrey have been the fruits of persecuting Wrath? And I must not forget, when I had more publick liberty, how he saved me and all my Hearers, even by a wonder from being buried in the ruines of the Fabrick where we were; and others from the Calamitous, Scandal, and Lamentations, which would else have followed: And it is not a Mercy to be extenuated, that when the Tongues and ⟨p. 228⟩Pens of all Sects among us, and of pro•d self-exalters, and of some worthy Pious differing Brethren, have been long and vehemently bent against me, when my infamy hath been endeavoured by abundance of Volumes by the backbiting of angry dividers of all sorts, and by the calumniating accusations of some that were too high to be gain-said, and would not endure me to answer them and vindicate my innocency; yet, all these together were never able to fasten their accusations, and procure any common belief, nor to bring me under the designed contempt, much less to break my comforts, encouragements or labours.