Henry Adlard senl

LONDON:

PRINTED BY MILLS, JOWETT, AND MILLS,

BOLT-COURT, FLEET-STREET.

CONTENTS TO PART I.

CHAPTER I.

1615-1638.

Birth of Baxter-Character of his Father-Low State of Religion-

Baxter's first religious Impressions-His early Education-Progress

of his Religious Feelings-Residence at Ludlow Castle-Escapes ac-

quiring a Taste for Gaming-Returns Home-Illness and its Effects-

Nature and Progress of his Education-Its Defects-Troubled with

Doubts-Distress of Mind-Diseased Habit of Body-Goes to Court-

Remarkable Preservation-Death of his Mother-His Attachment

to the Ministry-His Conformity-Becomes acquainted with the

Nonconformists-Ordained to the Ministry

Page

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CHAPTER II.

1638-1642.

Baxter preaches his First Sermon-Examines the Nonconformist Con-

troversy-Adopts some of the principles of Nonconformity-Progress

of his Mind-Residence in Bridgnorth-The Et-cætera Oath-Exa-

mines the subject of Episcopacy-In danger from not Conforming-

The Long Parliament-Petition from Kidderminster-Application to

Baxter-His Compliance-Commences his Labours-General View

of the State of Religion in the Country at this time-Causes of the

Civil War-Character of the Parties engaged in it-Baxter blames

both-A decided Friend to the Parliament-Retires for a time from

Kidderminster

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CHAPTER III.

1642-1646.

Baxter goes to Gloucester-Returns to Kidderminster-Visits Alcester

-Battle of Edghill-Residence in Coventry-Battle of Naseby-

State of the Parliamentary Army-Consults the Ministers about

going into it-Becomes Chaplain to Colonel Whalley's regiment-

Opinions of the Soldiers-Disputes with them-Battle of Langport-

Wicked Report of an Occurrence at this place-The Army retires to

Bridgwater and Bristol-Becomes ill-Various Occurrences in the

Army-Chief Impediments to his Success in it-Cromwell-Harri-

son-Berry-Advised by the Ministers to continue in it-Goes to

London on account of his Health-Joins the Army in Worcestershire

Attacked with violent Bleeding-Leaves the Army-Entertained by

Page

Lady Rous-Remarks on his Views of the Army, and conduct in it 39

CHAPTER IV.

1646-1656.

The Religious Parties of the Period-The Westminster Assembly-

Character of the Erastians-Episcopalians-Presbyterians-Inde-

pendents-Baptists-State of Religion in these Parties-Minor Sects

-Vanists - Seekers - Ranters - Quakers-Behmenists-Review of

this period

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CHAPTER V.

1646-1660.

Baxter resumes his Labours at Kidderminster-His Account of Public

Affairs till the Death of Charles I.-Conduct while in Kidderminster

towards Parliament-Towards the Royal Party-His Ministry at

Kidderminster-His Employments-His Success-His Advantages-

Remarks on the Style of his Preaching-His Public and Private

Exertions-Their lasting Effects

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