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

If therefore these things were Believed and Consented to by him; and if these things do essentiate our Saving Christianity, and so be sufficient to make us all one in Christ, why should some different Modes and Forms of Speech, wherewith these great Substantials may and do consist, obtain of Men to think him Heterodox, because he uses not their Terms? And why should such Distances and Discords be kept up amongst us, whilst we all of us own all the forementioned Articles, and are always ready (on all sides) to renounce whatever Opinions shall appear to overthrow or shake such Articles of Faith, and Covenanting Terms with God and Christ? And I cannot but believe that all Christians seriously bound for Heaven, and that are fixed upon these Truths, are nearer each to other in their Judgments than different Modes of Speech seem to represent them. Of such great Consequence is true Charity and Candour amongst Christians.

3. The Reverend Prelates, and the Ministers and Members of the Church of England, may possibly distaste his plainness with them, and think him too severe upon them: But 1. they are no Strangers to his professed and exemplified Moderation. Who valued their Worth and Learning more than he did? Who more endeavoured to keep up Church Communion with them, by Pen, Discourse and Practise, though not exclusively? Who more sharply handled, and more throughly wrote against, and reprehended total Separation from them than himself? And what Dissenter from them ever made fairer and more noble Overtures, or more judicious Proposals for a large and lasting Comprehension with them, than they knew he did? And who more fairly warned them of the dismal Consequences and calamitous Effects of so narrowing the Church of England by the strict Acts procured and executed against so many peaceable Ministers, who thereby were silenced, imprisoned, discouraged and undone? And how many Souls and Families were ruined and scandalized by their imposed Terms, another (and that a solemn and great) Day will show e'er long. 2. Our Author never yet endeavoured to unChurch them, nor to eclipse their Worthies: nor did he ever charge their great Severities on them all. He ever would acknowledge (and he might truly do it) that they had great and excellent Men, and many such amongst them, both of their Laity and Clergy. 3. He thought (what I am satisfied is true) that many of them little knew who and what was behind the Curtain, nor what designed nor great Services were doing to France and Rome hereby. 4. And his great Sufferings from them may well (even as other things) abate their Censuring (if not prevent