Baxter
RICHARD, an English Nonconformist preacher and theological writer, born in Shropshire in 1615. He early entered the Church, and, taking sides with the Parliamentary party, became chaplain to one of the regiments of the Commonwealth, accompanying the troops in every conflict in the Civil War.
It was while so employed that he wrote his first book, the "Saint's Rest." The Restoration and the Act of Conformity drove Baxter into retirement, and shut him out of the pulpit, during which time he wrote his second book, "The Call."
After much persecution, he, then 70 years old, was brought before Judge Jeffreys, who fined him £500, with imprisonment till paid. His most popular books are the "Saint's Everlasting Rest," "Dying Thoughts," and "Call to the Unconverted." His theological views are set forth in the "Methodus Theologiæ," and "Catholic Theology"; and he has left an account of his life in the "Reliquiæ Baxterianæ." He died Dec. 8, 1691.
BAY