Worcester.
"_Preached as a dying Man to dying Men_" (Vol. i., p. 415.; Vol. ii., p.
28.).--Some time ago there appeared in this series (Vol. i., p. 415.) a
question respecting a pulpit-phrase which has occasionally been used by
preachers, delivering their messages as "dying men to dying men." This was
rightly traced (Vol. ii., p. 28.) to a couplet of the celebrated Richard
Baxter, who, in one of his latest works, speaking of his ministerial
exercises, says,--
"I preach'd as never sure to preach again,
And as a dying man to dying men."
The passage occurs in one of his "Poetical Fragments," entitled "Love
breathing Thanks and Praise."
This small volume of devotional verse is further entitled, _Heart
Imployment with _GOD_ and Itself; the concordant Discord of a Broken-healed
Heart; Sorrowing, Rejoicing, Fearing, Hoping, Dying, Living: published for
the Use of the Afflicted_. The Introduction is dated "London: at the Door
of Eternity, Aug. 7. 1681."
He yet survived ten years, in the course of which he was twice imprisoned
and fined under {37} the profligate and persecuting reigns of Charles II.
and James II. for his zeal and piety.