The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1825-09-07

night being dark, he lost his way, and
after wandering about considerable
lime he came 10 gentleman's house,
where he asked for direction. The
servant informed bis master, that per-
son of very respectable appearance,
who had lost his way, was at the door.
The gentleman, thinking it would be
unsafe for such person TO be wandering
on, the common at so late an hour, re-
quesied the servant to invite him in.
Mr. Baxter readily accepted the kind
proposal, and met with very hospita-
Bile reception. His conversation was
such as TO give his host an exalted idea
of bis good sense and extensive informa-
tion. The gentleman, wishing TO know
the quality of his guest, said, after sup
per, 6 As most persons have some en-
ployment OF profession in life, | have no
doubt. sir, that you have yours" !" Yes,
sir, | am a man-catcher.' "a man
catcher (said the gentleman are you?
! am very glad TO hear you say SO, fer
you are the very person want. am
a justice of the peace in this district, and
am commissioned to siege the person of
Dick Baxter, who is expected to preach
at conventicle in this neighborhood
early tomorrow morning; you shall go
with me, aud doubt not we shall easily
apprehend the rogue" Mr.. Baxter
very prudently assented TO accompany
him. Accordingly, the next morning,
the gentleman took Dir. Baxter in his
carriage TO the place where the meeting
was to he held. When they arrived al
the spot, they saw a considerable num-
Der of people lowering about; for see
ing the carriage of the justice, and sus-
pecting his intentions, they were afraid
10 enter the house. The justice obser-
wing this, said TO Mr. Baxter, 6 am a.
fraid they have obtained information of
my design Baxter has probably been
apprized of it, and will not fulfil bis en-
gagement; for you see the people will
not enter into the house. think if we
extend our ride little farther, our de-
parture may encourage them to assem-
BILE, and on our return we may fulfil
our commission When they returned,
they found their efforts useless, for the
people still appeared unwilling to as
semble. The magistrate, thinking he
should be disappointed Of the object be
had in view, observed TO his companion,
That as the people we're very much
disaifected 10 government, he would be
much obliged TO him to address them on
The subject of loyalty and good beha-
Vionr." Mr.. Baxter replied, That
perhaps this would not be deemed suffi-
cient; for as religious service was the
object for which they met together,
they would not be satisfied with advice
of that nature but if the magistrate
would begin with prayer, he would then
eudeaVour TO say something 10 Them
The gentleman replied, putting his
hand to his pocket, " Indeed, sir, have
not got my prayer-book with me, or |
would readily comply with our propo-
sal. However, | am persuaded that a
person of your appearance and respec-
liability, would be able TO pray with
them, as well as talk TO them. beg,
therefore, that you will be so good as TO
begin with prayer" This being agreed
to, they alighed from the carriage aud
entered the house, and the people hes
ltating no longer, followed them. Mr..
Baxter then commenced the service by
prayer, and prayed with that seriousness
and fervour for which he was SO emf
nent. The magistrate standing by was
soon melted into tears. The good d.
vine then preached in his accustomed,
| lively, and Jealous manner. When he
had concluded, he turned TO the magis-
trate, and said" Sir, am the very
| Dick Baxter of whom you are in pur-
suit am entirely at your disposal"
4 The justice however had felt so much
during the service, and saw things in Sc
differ at light, that he laid aside en-
tirely all his enmity TO the nonconfor-
mists, and ever afterward became their
sincere friend and advocate, and il is
believed also decided Christian.