Thesis (Ph. D.)--Boston University Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 307-325). Microfilm. s / The study was conceived as an investigation of the thought and activity of Richard Baxter in the area of church union and cooperation. The dissertation is based primarily on Baxter's autobiography, the extensive writings of Baxter himself dealing with this problem, and the writings of Baxter's contemporaries. Secondarily it is based on the works of Baxter's biographers, the standard works on the history of Protectorate and Restoration England, and a number of special studies on various aspects of Restoration church life. The method has been historical and descriptive. The author has not attempted to prove a point but rather to provide a correct chronological narrative of the development of one aspect of the thought and actions of perhaps the leading English churchman of his day. In the course of the study four things appeared, which we may adopt as a means of organizing this abstract. The four are the following: (1) a descriptive historical survey of Baxter's thought and activity in the church union area; (2) the reasons for his Nonconformity; (3) the changes in Anglican usage he deemed desirable to achieve comprehension -i.e. the inclusion of the Puritans in the Establishment; (4) the terms he deemed the minimum acceptable to achieve a comprehension. Baxter resisted the narrowness of spirit which characterized his age to give expression to broad principles and an inclusive spirit. Dealing with issues which remain matters of contention, he maintained a breadth of vision and a dream of unity which would be notable in 1956, but which is altogether amazing when viewed against the backdrop of Restoration England.

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ABSTRACT THE REFORMED AND CELIBATE PASTOR: RICHARD BAXTER’S ARGUMENT FOR CLERICAL CELIBACY Seth DeShields Osborne, Ph.D. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2018 Chair: Dr. David L. Puckett This dissertation explores Richard Baxter’s (1615-1691) argument for clerical celibacy. It argues that his teaching on clerical celibacy was a very controversial way of resolving tensions in English Protestant marriage doctrine. His argument was a product of a very stringent model of pastoral care developed in response to England’s ecclesiastical situation, was deeply influenced by his personal qualities and life experiences, and was rooted in his overarching ethical principles for Christian living. Baxter remained remarkably consistent, even when appearing to violate his convictions by marrying later in life. Chapter 1 details the importance of the study for scholarship, the state of research, and finally the methodology and sources to be used. Chapter 2 examines English Protestant attitudes toward marriage and celibacy in Elizabethan and Stuart England in order to demonstrate their struggle to reconcile the Bible’s praise of marriage in Genesis 1-2 with its teaching on celibacy’s expediency in 1 Corinthians 7. Chapter 3 analyzes Baxter’s theology of soul care in the church and the family; it argues that Baxter did not possess a negative attitude toward marriage and family life, but rather he realized that clerical marriage strained the ability of ministers to fully implement his burdensome pastoral model of soul care. Chapter 4 explores several internal and external factors in Baxter’s life that shaped “particularities” that would come to define him as a theologian and minister of the gospel. Chapter 5 studies Baxter’s practical divinity in order to show that his argument for clerical celibacy logically arose from themes repeated in his teaching on Christian ethics. The next two chapters explore Baxter’s seemingly contradictory marriage to Margaret Charlton. Chapter 6 argues that he did not violate his convictions, because the 1662 Act of Uniformity appeared to have closed off all opportunities for public ministry. Chapter 7 proposes a solution to the question of why Baxter continued to advocate for clerical celibacy, despite the great help Margaret was to him and his pastoral work during their marriage; it argues that even though Baxter received many blessings through Margaret, his experience of marriage also reconfirmed many of his arguments for why pastors should remain single. Chapter eight summarizes the conclusions of the study and its contribution to understanding both English Protestant Marriage doctrine as well as Richard Baxter as a pastor and theologian.