And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:22-24
Richard Baxter was one of the most powerful voices in England in the seventeenth century speaking out against practices and teachings in the Church of England that were contrary to Scripture. As a “Nonconformist,” he refused to comply with requirements of the established church that violated his conscience. For this, Baxter was often persecuted, arrested, tried, and even jailed for his stand. He was seventy-two years old when the Declaration for Liberty of Conscience was finally passed, ending his persecution by the government. He wrote,
Lord, it belongs not to my care
Whether I die or live;
To love and serve Thee is my share,
And this Thy grace must give.
If life be long I will be glad,
That I may long obey;
If short—yet why should I be sad
To soar to endless day?
Christ leads me through no darker rooms
Than he went through before;
He that to God’s Kingdom comes,
Must enter by this door.
Richard Baxter had a great impact on generations of preachers in England. He paid a high price for it, but it was a price he was willing to pay. Most of us have not been placed in such a situation where the cost of following Jesus faithfully meant being arrested and fined or even put into prison. But all of God’s children should be willing to pay the price of following in Jesus’ footsteps. When we face any kind of hardship or danger we must remember that God is in control, and we can fully trust every part of our lives to Him.
