LIFE OF RICHARD BAXTER. 163 or otherwise, we hope it will be no grief of heart unto you, if you shall improve part thereof this way. All that we desire, is liberty to serve God according to the Scriptures. Liberty unto error and sin, or to set up another rule besides the Scriptures, we neither wish to be allowed to ourselves, nor would we allow it to others. If in any thing we should mistake the meaning of the Scriptures," "we are willing and desirous to live and learn by any orderly means that God hath appointed for our learning and instruction ; and glad shall we be of the opportunity td learn in peace. The liberty aforesaid we have, by the favor ofGod, now for many years enjoyed, and the same advantaged and encouraged by the constitu- tionof our civil government, accordingto concessions and privileges granted and established to us by the gracious letters-patent of King Charles the First; the continuance of which privileges is our earnest and just desire, for nothing that is unjust, or not honest, both in the sightof the Lord and alsoof men, do we seek, or would allow ourselves in. We hope we shall continue as faithful sub- jects to his majesty (according to our duty) under an elective gov- ernment, as under an imposed." Our hope is in God, whobath hitherto helped us, and who is able to keep open for us a great and effectual door of liberty to serve him, and opportunity to advance his name in this wilderness,although there be many adversaries." The second of these letters is from the pen of tie celebrated John Nortom of the first church in Boston, and bears date " Sept. 23, 1661." It was written "in behalf of one Mr. William.Leet, governor of New Haven jurisçliction, whose case," says the writer, " is this. He being conscious of indiscretion, and some neglect, (not to say how it came about,) in relation to the expediting the execution of the warrant, according to his duty, sent from his majesty for the apprehending of the two.colonels,* is not without fear of some displeasure that may follow thereupon ; and indeed bath almost ever since been a man depressed in his spirit for the neglect wherewith he chargeth himself therein. His endeavors also since, have been accordingly, and that in full degree; as, besideshis own testimony, his neighbors attest they see not what he could have done more. Sir, if any report prejudicial to this gentleman, in this respect, come unto your ear by your prudent inquiry upon this intimation, or otherwise ; so far as the significa- tion of the premises untohis majesty, or other eminent person, may plead for him, or avert trouble towards him, I assure myself you may report it as a real truth; and that, according to your wisdom, you would be helpful to him so far therein, is both his and my It is hardly necessary to say that these " two colonels" are the regicide judges, Whalleyand Gbffe.
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