The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-04-26
Moral and Religious
RICHARD BAxTER-A HAPPY MAN.


The reader, perhaps, will smile to see the term,
happy used TO describe the life of a man who was
prosecuted and imprisoned--who engaged in
perpetual controversies, endeavorng to reconcile
the discordant elements which were brought togeth
or IN ecclesiastical Councils Of his times, and who
epparety had but little rest till lie found it in the
grave.
Before deciding that such life must necessarily
be unhappy, examine the following sketch drawn
by Baxter himself. AS picture of happy man,
IL may challenge all human resources for an exam
ple to be compared with it. Philosophy and liter
allure, may do much TO improve us, but religion,
true vital religion alone, can make us what Rich
ard Baxter was--happy in all circumstances
eThe undeserved mercy Of God placed me, says
he in the best land on earth, and, think, in the
best OF ages which tina, land has seen. Great mer
CIV has trained me up all my days, since was ~
years of age in the school Of affection, 10 keep my
sluggish soul awake in the constant expec tation of
my change, and to kill my pride and overvauing
Of the world, and to lead all my studies TO the
most necessary things, and as spur to excite my
soul TO seriousness and especially to save me from
supineness, neglect and loss OF time 1t was divine
love and mercy which made sacred truth so pleas
ant 10 me that my life hath been, (under ell my
fnirmities, )almost constant recreation and delight
in it's discoveries contemplation and practical use
How happy teacher have had What excel
lent heIp, and sweet illumination How far be-
yond my expectation hath divine mercy encouraged
me in my sacred work How congruously did he
choose every place OF my ministraion TO this day,
without my own forecast or seeking
NV liberty has afforded me both profitable and
pleasant company, and help at all times, whenever
oh
shining lights which the learned, wise and
holy mon of all ages have set up, and left to ilu-
inmate the world. How many comfortable hours
have had in the society Of living saints, and in
the love Of faithful friends How many joyful days
have had in the solemn assemblies, where God
has been worshlpped in seriousness and aaciity,
by concordan, though imperfect saints
How unworthy was such sinful worm as ].
evvho never had any academical helps, nor much
from the mouth of any teacher,) that books should
become great blessing to me; and that quite be-
yond my own Intentions, God should induce o,
constrain me to provide any such help for others
How unworthy that God should use above &c
years IN so comfortable work as 10 plead & write
for love, peace and concord and vouchsafc to
SO much SUCCESS therein as he hath done. Wher
/ might not speak BY my voice to any single con
many and for the success Of my plainest 81 mos
popular writings, which cost the least, car
never be sufficiently thankful
When have been sent to the common Jail TO
my service and obedience to him, he hath Their,
kept me in peace and soon delivered me. He hail
made the mouths of my greatest enemies, wh'
have studied my defamation and my ruin, TO be
come my compurgators and witnesses and TO eros
their own designs And ah how many danger
fear and pain hath he delivered this lral and Ian
gushing body from How off hath he succoret
me, when flesh and heart have failed He hatl
cured my coughs, and many a time, stayed my flow
ing blood. He hath eased my panied limbs, ant
supported a weury, macerated skeleton. He hail
fetched me from the jaws of death, and reversed
the sentence which men have passed upon me -
How many thousand weary days have been sweet
ened with this pleasant work; and how many tho
sand painful weary nights have had comfortably
morning How many strong aud healthy person
have been taken away by death while | have bee
upheld under all this weakness Since the d.
that first preached the Gospel, i expected no
ioI long time, to live above year, and hav
lived, since then, so years.
My relations have been comfortable TO me, con
irary to my deserts, and much beyond my expecta
tions. My servants have been faithful and m
reighbors have been kind, my enemies have bee