A27006:1621
Reliquiæ Baxterianæ, or, Mr. Richard Baxters narrative of the most memorable passages of his…
Reliquiæ Baxterianæ, or, Mr. Richard Baxters narrative of the most memorable passages of his life and times faithfully published from his own original manuscript by Matthew Sylvester.Reliquiæ Baxterianæ, or, Mr. Richard Baxters narrative of the most memorable passages of his life and times faithfully publish'd from his own original manuscript by Matthew Sylvester.
London: printed for T. Parkhurst, 1696
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.
To the Reverend and much Honoured Mr. Richard Baxter one of his Majesty's Chaplains in Ordinary.
Reverend and dear Sir! Though you are unknown to me by Face, yet not only your Labours, but also your special Assistance in a time of need unto the promoting the welfare of this poor Country, certified unto us by Captain Leveret (upon which account our General Court thought good to return unto you their Thanks in a Letter which I hope before this is received) have made your Name both known and precious to us in these Parts. The Occasion of these, is in the behalf of one Mr. William Leet Governor of New Heaven Jurisdiction, whose Case is this. He being conscious of indiscretion and some neglect (not to say how it came about) in relation to the expediting the Execution of the Warrant according to his Duty, sent from his Majesty for the apprehending of the two Colonels, is not without fear of some displeasure that may follow thereupon, and indeed hath almost ever since been a Man depressed in his Spirit for the neglect wherewith he chargeth himself therein. His endeavours also since have been accordingly, and that in full degree, as besides his own Testimony, his Neighbours attest, they see not what he could have done more. Sir, If any report prejudicial to this Gentleman in this respect, come unto your Ear by your prudent Enquiry upon this Intimation, or otherwise: so far as the signification of the Premises unto his Majesty, or other eminent Person may plead for him, or avert trouble towards him, I assure my self, you may report it as a real Truth; and that according to your Wisdom, you would be helpful to him so far therein is both his and my desire. The Gentleman hath pursued both others and my self with Letters to this effect, and yet not satisfied therewith, came to Boston to disburden his heart to me formerly unacquainted with him, only some few times in Company where he was; upon issue of which Conference, no better Expedient under God, presented it self to us than this. So far as you shall see cause, as the matter requireth, to let the Premises be understood, is finally left with your self under God. Sir, The Author of these Lines, it shall be your favour and a pledge of Love undeserved, to conceal, farther than the necessity of the End desired shall call for.