On both occasions, according to Baxter, Cromwell talked enormously for the most part "slowly" and "tediously" to Baxter's taste, but with passionate outbreaks against the Parliament.

On the second occasion the topic was Liberty of Conscience, and what was being done in the Subcommittee and by the Divines on the subject.

Baxter ventured to hint that he had put his views on paper and that it might save time if his Highness would read them.

"He received the paper after, but I scarce believe that he ever read it; for I saw that what he learned must be from himself--being more disposed to speak many hours than to hear one, and little heeding what another said when he had spoken himself." Cromwell had made up his mind about Baxter long ago (Vol.III.p.

386), but had apparently now given him another trial, on the faith of his reputed liberality on the Toleration question.