Richard Baxter Partial ALS to Fellow Dissenter: "Perswade ye able ministers to goe about & preach hard where there is most need…"

A partial 1p autograph letter signed by Puritan theologian Richard Baxter (1615-1691) as "Ri: Baxter" at lower right. Dated April 30, 1673, n.p. Trimmed at top. A tiny closed tear affecting the blank space between the "7" and "3" of the date "73" at lower left has been repaired verso. Expected wear including light paper folds, scattered pinprick-sized holes, minor staining found in the upper third, and isolated pencil inscriptions. Else near fine, with dark and legible handwriting. 7.5" x 5.785."

Richard Baxter addressed this letter to an unknown correspondent, presumably a fellow religious dissenter. Baxter was a leader in the seventeenth-century English Presbyterian movement, a radical offshoot of Protestantism with historic ties to Scottish religious traditions. This letter contains an abundance of religious content, including one of Baxter's optimistic aphorisms and an invocation of providential blessings. Perhaps more interestingly, though, the letter also discusses worldly matters: money invested in projects, money lost in economic reversals, and money as it pertained to sustaining the Nonconformist ministry.

In part, with original spelling and punctuation. A few of the more obscure abbreviations have been silently converted into modern English.

"…I was very glad this day to see old Richard Cookredd (?). Why did you not tell me how your Sciatica is -- And I (?) you to tell me truly what measure of want you are in, & with Ministers needed you are much in want. & how it is with Mr Baldwin. Not yet I am able to helpe them; but I would know if I should meet with any opportunity hereafter. I had got a 1000+ of my owne (all ye money I had in ye world) & settled all-most all of it by a sealed Deed of Settlement on a free School at Eaton. & books to be given &c. And my friend gave it and 100 of my wines (?) in a goldsmiths hand, & it is all lost by ye Shutting of ye Exchequer (1100+). But yet I want not, nor am like to do, for so short a part of my journey -- Pray for us. The Lord preserve you. Perswade ye able ministers to goe about and preach hard where there is most need; & not to confine themselves to Hope that best accept them.

I remain
yours faithfully Ri: Baxter."

Baxter was nonplussed by his monetary losses, noting that such things only concerned his temporal and not spiritual life. Financial reversals were not the only issue plaguing Baxter, however. Baxter was subjected to fines, frequent arrests, and periods of imprisonment in the period following the Stuart Restoration and before King James II issued the Declaration of Indulgence in 1687. Baxter continued publishing religious treatises, such as his "Christian Directory" published the same year as this letter, despite the threat of persecution. The Declaration of Indulgence sanctioned the belief and practice of Christianity in all its forms, including Protestantism. It was an important first step towards achieving freedom of religion in England.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!