In this classic treatise Richard Baxter reflects upon death his health fails and he is expecting to be with the Lord soon. A great read to reflect upon what is important in this life and what to look forward to in the life to come.
Richard Baxter (1615-1691) was an English Puritan church leader, poet, hymn-writer, theologian, and controversialist. Dean Stanley called him "the chief of English Protestant Schoolmen". After some false starts, he made his reputation by his ministry at Kidderminster, and at around the same time began a long and prolific career as theological writer. After the Restoration he refused preferment, while retaining a non-separatist presbyterian approach, and became one of the most influential leaders of the nonconformists, spending time in prison.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
I read this book because it fulfilled the category in my book challenge for this year. It is slow to be sure in the beginning. However, after the wading through parts there is certainly treasure to be found. So.. not my favorite book.. maybe not even a reread.. but I will reread and consider some things I took notes on. Category fulfilled and I read a book I most likely would not have considered reading.
Like someone else said "It is slow to be sure in the beginning. However, after the wading through parts there is certainly treasure to be found."
Treasure is to be found in there. And a callback to the reality of this world and our lives.
Though the reader should be cautious about Baxter's understanding of soteriology, justification and grace which is not reformed. But it does not appear that much in this book which is more devotional in nature.
Baxter is a Puritan and his writing and Theology are spot on. If you wonder what it should be like for a Christian to die, this helps. We all say we want to go to heaven, but few are ready to die. Baxter points out why he is more than ready and based on his doctrine of God.