Richard Baxter (1615-91) was a Nonconformist churchman.In "The Religious Life of Samuel Johnson" (Archon Books 1983) Charles E. Pierce Jr. closely examines Johnson's anguish over death, and his insecurity of salvation, as well as his questioning whether or not it was proper to have doubts in faith. Pierce supposes that Johnson felt some relief on reading Baxter's history of his own religious doubts, and how a self-examination of one's faith was crucial to spiritual progress. (F. Lynch)