Richard Baxter's penitent confession and his necessary vindication in answer to a book called…

But if I should be in any part mistaken, and while you own not the manner of his Writing, you should own the main Cause, or Accusation, I humbly and earnestly beg, that before I dye (if it may be) you will afford me that help of Conviction and Repentance which may be expected from a Man of Learning, Piety and Truth, and the now Bishop of that Diocese where the surviving part of my only Flock (that ever I had) remain; among whom you may learn more of the falsehood of this Man's Accusations.

But if I should be in any part mistaken, and while you own not the manner of his Writing, you should own the main Cause, or Accusation, I humbly and earnestly beg, that before I dye (if it may be) you will afford me that help of Conviction and Repentance which may be expected from a Man of Learning, Piety and Truth, and the now Bishop of that Diocess where the surviving part of my only Flock (that ever I had) remain; among whom you may learn more of the falshood of this Man's Accusations.

And as I cannot but think, that the present Necessity (brought about by God's Providence, without us) will engage a Man of your Knowledge and Temper to use your Interest and Parts to the uttermost, both in Parliament and Convocation, for the strengthening of this Nation and Church by Concord and necessary Amendment, and unlocking the •oors of the Parish-Churches to the Lovers of Unity and Peace. So Acquaintance enableth me to be confident (that though such as I are past having our part in such a Blessing on Earth, yet) a great number of young Preachers will be ready, joyfully to accept of any lawful Terms for so good an End, who now serve God on Terms of S•lfdenial, and are Men of greater Orthodoxness, Piety, Learning, and skilful, powerful Preaching, than you would have believed our Nonconformists Schools would have brought forth. And if that blessed Day may hasten, I doubt not but those of the suffering Ministers that have overlived their long Silencing, Imprisonments, and Distresses, will gladly do as Joseph, forgive the Envy and Injuries of their Brethren and Afflicters; observing how much of the Hand of God was in the Over-ruling of all, and making use of that Sin which he did neither cause nor justify.