Reliquiæ Baxterianæ, or, Mr. Richard Baxters narrative of the most memorable passages of his…

III. I am well aware (and think it worth my while to take notice) of several Things which may awaken Prejudice, Censure, or Displeasure, and occasion (if not cause) Objections and Offence, as to the Treatise and my self; which I would obviate and prevent (at least allay) if possible. I neither love to kindle Flames, nor to enrage them, nor to contribute the least breath or fuel to them. I am for Faithfulness and Truth in the softest stile and way consistent with the Ends and Interest thereof. Flattering Titles and needless Pungencies I distaste. What was the Author's, is not mine. To publish is not always to assent. And if Modesty and Self-diffidence do make me refrain from Censures and Corrections and Expunctions, can that be esteemed culpable? Especially when it is vel sole Meridiano clarius, to both my self and every Man, how much my Knowledge, Parts, Judgment, Holiness and Advantages to know what he Reports and Censures, come short of what his were. Most of the Persons (if not well nigh all) censured by him, were altogether unknown to me: Nor do I find them all, or many, mentioned by him as utterly ungodly or undone. But as far as Miscarriages or Neglects upon the Public Stage did minister to Suspicion, and (to the prejudice thereof) affect the Public Interest; so far they are remarked by him with resentment. If justly, the Equity will justify the Censure; and evidently show how much the Interest of Church and State lay nearer to, and more upon his Heart than private Friendship ⟨image 7⟩or Concerns. But if unjustly, it is the undoubted right and duty of those that can, to clear the Censured from all their undue Imputations and Aspersions; and could I do it for them, my Obligations to, and value for this quondam excellent Historian and Divine, should not prevent my utmost cordial Engagements in that matter, namely, to wipe of all Aspersions from the Innocent, or to abate and lessen them, as far as they are capable duly of Allays. But let me meet the Reader with these cautionary offers.

III. I am well aware (and think it worth my while to take notice) of several Things which may awaken Prejudice, Censure, or Displeasure, and occasion (if not cause) Objections and Offence, as to the Treatise and my self; which I would obviate and prevent (at least allay) if possible. I neither love to kindle Flames, nor to enrage them, nor to contribute the least breath or fewel to them. I am for Faithfulness and Truth in the softest stile and way consistent with the Ends and Interest thereof. Flattering Titles and needless Pungencies I distast. What was the Author's, is not mine. To publish is not always to assent. And if Modesty and Self-diffidence do make me refrain from Censures and Corrections and Expunctions, can that be esteemed culpable? Especially when it is vel sole Meridiano clarius, to both my self and every Man, how much my Knowledge, Parts, Judgment, Holiness and Advantages to know what he Reports and Censures, come short of what his were. Most of the Persons (if not well nigh all) censured by him, were altogether unknown to me: Nor do I find them all, or many, mentioned by him as utterly ungodly or undone. But as far as Miscarriages or Neglects upon the Publick Stage did minister to Suspicion, and (to the prejudice thereof) affect the Publick Interest; so far they are remarked by him with resentment. If justly, the Equity will justifie the Censure; and evidently shew how much the Interest of Church and State lay nearer to, and more upon his Heart than private Friendship