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Richard Baxter: The pastor's pastor
Baxter was one of the most influential of the Puritans. He recognised the value of writing about 170, which have sold in tens of millions since.
The amazing thing is that whilst he was such a prolific auhtor he also exercised an exemplary pastoral ministry, preached to Oliver Cromwell and Chalres II, and was hounded by the authorities. Baxter was eventually imprisoned by the notorious 'bloody' judge Jeffreys whom Baxter obviously exasperated "I see the rogue in your face" said Jeffreys during the trial, "I was not aware my face was so true a mirror" shot back Baxter. During his pastorate at Kidderminster in England he and one assistant, were catechising 800 hundred families per year by taking them in groups of 14 or 15 families on Mondays and Tuesdays. On Thursdays, Baxter acted as an informal judge, settling forms of conscience. The effect on the community was such that 'the jails in Kidderminster were empty' at this time - yet he considered all this as secondary to his writing. Baxter's autobiography is fascinating because you can read the thoughts behind his plans, actions and concerns. Not only do you get an insight into the Puritan mind but also a survey of the society.
The amazing thing is that whilst he was such a prolific auhtor he also exercised an exemplary pastoral ministry, preached to Oliver Cromwell and Chalres II, and was hounded by the authorities. Baxter was eventually imprisoned by the notorious 'bloody' judge Jeffreys whom Baxter obviously exasperated "I see the rogue in your face" said Jeffreys during the trial, "I was not aware my face was so true a mirror" shot back Baxter. During his pastorate at Kidderminster in England he and one assistant, were catechising 800 hundred families per year by taking them in groups of 14 or 15 families on Mondays and Tuesdays. On Thursdays, Baxter acted as an informal judge, settling forms of conscience. The effect on the community was such that 'the jails in Kidderminster were empty' at this time - yet he considered all this as secondary to his writing. Baxter's autobiography is fascinating because you can read the thoughts behind his plans, actions and concerns. Not only do you get an insight into the Puritan mind but also a survey of the society.
- GenresBiography
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
7 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Richard Baxter
473 books108 followersRichard 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.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 18, 2008
Wonderful work but confusing edit by publisher
No need to reherse all the beauty and power of Baxter and his ministry. Packer's quote pretty much sums it up "as a systematic theologian he is highly problematic, but as a practical theologian he is unmatched."
His autobiography, of course, is full of insight, action and devotion. But the editorial work by Christian Focus here is confusing and difficult.
There is no introduction explaining the methodology of the (unnamed) editor. Baxter's actual 1st person text is chopped into section, stitched together by 3rd person editorial and explanations. This makes for some rough going. At teh very least, I wish the editors had italicized or somehow distinguished Baxter's words from the editor's.
There is a small but helpful index in back.
The packaging is a little cheap looking and unimaginative. And the paper quality is not the best. My copy purchased in 1999 is already yellowing.
At 175 pages and $11 it is not an expensive purchase, and the text is pastoral gold. I just wish Christian Focus had done a better job, as they often have.
No need to reherse all the beauty and power of Baxter and his ministry. Packer's quote pretty much sums it up "as a systematic theologian he is highly problematic, but as a practical theologian he is unmatched."
His autobiography, of course, is full of insight, action and devotion. But the editorial work by Christian Focus here is confusing and difficult.
There is no introduction explaining the methodology of the (unnamed) editor. Baxter's actual 1st person text is chopped into section, stitched together by 3rd person editorial and explanations. This makes for some rough going. At teh very least, I wish the editors had italicized or somehow distinguished Baxter's words from the editor's.
There is a small but helpful index in back.
The packaging is a little cheap looking and unimaginative. And the paper quality is not the best. My copy purchased in 1999 is already yellowing.
At 175 pages and $11 it is not an expensive purchase, and the text is pastoral gold. I just wish Christian Focus had done a better job, as they often have.
March 21, 2016
I have loved everything I've read of Baxter's. Reading *about* Baxter was just as enjoyable. What an extraordinarily difficult life.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews