Delaware weekly Republican. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1841-188?, 1857-07-23

| MAGrsrRATE OUTwITTED.-The following
anecdote is related of the eminent Richard
Baxter, which sets OFF his natural shrewdness
| and knowledge of human nature to great ad-
vantage
Several of the ministers elected by the Act
OF Uniformity in 1892, united with Mr.. Baxter
I'm establishing lecture in a private house,.
The time. of worship being at very early
hour, Mr.. Baxter one evening left home with
view of being there early in the morning.
The night, however, being dark, he lost his
way, and after wandering fer long time, he
came ia gentleman's house, where he asked
directions. The servant informed his master
OF this fact, who, thinking it nsate that res
pectable looking man should be wandering
on the common at so late All hour, invited him
to stay. Mr. Baxter readily accepted the in
vitatiOn, and was treated with great hospitality.
His conversation gave his host a high opinion
oil MS good sense and extensive information
The gentleman, wishing to know the quality OF
his guest, after supper said
GAS most persons have some employment or
profession in life, have no doubt, sir, that
you have yours.''
Mr.. Baxter replied, with smile, sYes, sir,
am n man-catcher."
ga man-catcher, are you 2'' said the gentle-
man. 81 am very glad to hear You say SO;
for you are the very person l want. / am a
Justice OF the peace in this district, and / am
commissioned TO secure the person of Dick
Baxter, who is expected to preach at a conven-
tiGle in this neighborhood early tomorrow
morning. Iou shall go with me, and doust
not we shall easily apprehend the rogue.''
Mr.. Baxter very prudently consented to ac-
company him. Accordingly, the gentleman,
the following morning, teoli Mr.. Baxter to fhe
| place where the meeting was to be held. When
they arrived there, u considerable number of
people We're lowering about, but, on seeing the
Justice, they suspected his intentions, and were
afraid to enter ne house The justice now in-
timated TO MIR. Baxter his fears that Baxter had
been appraised of his intentions, and would dis
appoint them, and proposed TO extend their
ride, that the people might be encouraged to
assemble, and give them an opportunity oil tul-
filling their commission. They did so but on
their return, they still found the people un.
willing to assemble. Tho magistrate now, sup
posing he would be disappointed OF his object,
said to MIR. Baxter that, as these people We're
much dsaliectcd to the government, he would
feel obliged TO him if he would address them
on the subject of loyalty and good behavior.
Mr. Baxter replied that as they met for wor-
ship it was probable that such an address
would not satisfy the people; but that, II the
justice would engage in prayer, he wonlu en-
deavor TO say something to them. inc gem
tleman replied that lie had not his prsyer-oook
with him, or he would readily comply with his
proposal but expressed his persuasion that
Mr.. Baxter was able to pray with them, as well
as TO talk with them, and requested him to be-
gin with prayer.
They entered the house, followed by the
people. Mr.. Baxter prayed with great devo
tion and icrvOr. The magistrate, standing by
was soon melted into tears. The good diyin"
then preached in his usual faithful and Zealou~
manner; and when he had concluded, h..
turned to the Justice and said
ssSir, l am tho very Dick Baxter of whors
you are in pursuit. am entirely at your dis
posIl.''
Tho ma0istrate hoWeyer had felt so niue
during the service, and saw things so dihereI
ly to what he had done before, that his snmi
was changed into love, and ever aiterward L..
became the friend and advocate of the pers
cuted, and, it is believed, also sincere Chr,
tian.