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

I. Perhaps it may be thought unmeet by some that a Divine should turn Historian. Answ. 1. Why not as well as Grotius, Du Plessis, Lassitius, &c. yea, and King James the First meddle with writing about Sacred Things. (2.) Mr. Baxter was neither ignorant of, nor unconcerned in, nor unfit for such a Work as this; who knew him better than he knew himself? or did more entirely search into Affairs? or lay under greater Advantages for pious and just Informations? (3.) He had no Advantages, nor heart for Gain or Honour by this his Undertaking. It is known he hath refused Preferment, even by King Charles the Second, but sought for none. (4.) Writing of Histories rather refer to Abilities than to Office. Men may not govern Kingdoms, Cities, nor Societies, till called thereto by solemn Designation, be they never so throughly qualified; nor can they administer in Public Worship till called thereto by Solemn Ordination, or as Probationers in order to that Office. But Men may write for God and Common Good if they be able so to do. For their Abilities, Opportunities, and Capacity for Public Service, are a Call sufficiently and safely to be depended on. (5.) The Author's Modesty, Humility, and well known Self-denial, and evident Remoteness from all Pragmaticalness and Affectation, may well prevent Suspicion of his Exorbitancy in this his Enterprise. And (6.) his great Ability and Concern to serve the Public Interest, when as all possible help was needful, requisite and grateful, may well implead such bold Retorts upon his Undertaking. Who stays for a particular Commission to extinguish Flames, or to give needful Informations of instant Dangers, or of necessary Conduct, when great Calamities or Miscarriages cannot otherwise be prevented?

I. Perhaps it may be thought unmeet by some that a Divine should turn Historian. Answ. 1. Why not as well as Grotius, Du Plessis, Lassitius, &c. yea, and King Iames the First meddle with writing about Sacred Things. (2.) Mr. Baxter was neither ignorant of, nor unconcerned in, nor unfit for such a Work as this; who knew him better than he knew himself? or did more intirely search into Affairs? or lay under greater Advantages for pious and just Informations? (3.) He had no Advantages, nor heart for Gain or Honour by this his Undertaking. It is known he hath refused Preferment, even by King Charles the Second, but sought for none. (4.) Writing of Histories rather refer to Abilities than to Office. Men may not govern Kingdoms, Cities, nor Societies, till called thereto by solemn Designation, be they never so throughly qualified; nor can they administer in Publick Worship till called thereto by Solemn Ordination, or as Probationers in order to that Office. But Men may write for God and Common Good if they be able so to do. For their Abilities, Opportunities, and Capacity for Publick Service, are a Call sufficiently and safely to be depended on. (5.) The Author's Modesty, Humility, and well known Self-denial, and evident Remoteness from all Pragmaticalness and Affectation, may well prevent Suspicion of his Exorbitancy in this his Enterprize. And (6.) his great Ability and Concern to serve the Publick Interest, when as all possible help was needful, requisite and grateful, may well implead such bold Retorts upon his Undertaking. Who stays for a particular Commission to extinguish Flames, or to give needful Informations of instant Dangers, or of necessary Conduct, when great Calamities or Miscarriages cannot otherwise be prevented?