The Cure of Depression and Excessive Sorrow

by Richard Baxter

Originally taken from a sermon by Puritan Richard Baxter and published in 1683, here is a small book that looks at practical ways the Christian can be victorious over depression and excessive sorrow. Long before psychology was considered a science, Baxter examines the psyche and offers practical helps for emotionally hurting people. Also included in his treatment on the subject is advice for family and friends for how best to help usher the melancholy from a state of despair to a happy and joyous life worth living fully. If you suffer from bouts of depression or know someone who does, try this little book out first. It will be sure to encourage your heart and help in a number of ways those who are excessively sorrow.

Genres: Christian, Psychology

96 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2010

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Becky Pliego · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting to read Baxter's perspective on this subject and how he (in the 1600's) considers medicine as an important means to help some in deep depression.

[Rick Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is some great scriptural advice here.

[Zach Hollifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most helpful thing I have ever read in regard to a saint’s lack of assurance. Sweet balm to a weary soul.

[Aaron Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

…we be not sufficiently humbled for our sin, or else we should be thankful for the lowest state, as being much better than that which we deserved.

And there is apparently much distrust of God and unbelief in these troubling discontents and cares. Could we trust
God… how quiet would our minds be in the sense of his wisdom, all-sufficiency, and love?

…it showeth that men take not the love of God and the
heavenly glory for their sufficient portion, unless they may have what they want, or would have for the body in this world, unless they may be free from poverty, and crosses, and provocations, and injuries, and pains, all that God hath promised them here or hereafter, even everlasting glory, will not satisfy them; and when God, and Christ, and heaven; are not enough to quiet a man's mind, he is in great want of faith, hope, and love, which are far greater matters than food and raiment.



Grievous sins have fastened so on the conscience of many, as have cast them into incurable melancholy and distraction.




Did you not reckon upon sufferings, and of bearing the cross, when you first gave up yourselves to Christ? And do you think it strange? Look for it, and make it your daily study to prepare for any trial that God may bring you to,
and then it will not surprise you, and overwhelm you. Prepare for the loss of children and friends, for the loss of goods, and for poverty and want; prepare for slanders, injuries, or poisons, for sickness, pain, and death. It is your unpreparedness that maketh it seem insufferable.

Seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and he hath promised that all other things shall be added to you, and not a hair of your head shall perish, for they are all, as it were, numbered. A sparrow falls not to the ground without his providence, and doth he set less by those that fain would please him? Believe God, and trust him, and your cares, and fears, and griefs will vanish.



But Christ saith to his mourners, (Matt. v. 4,) "Blessed are you that mourn, for you shall be comforted;" and, (John, xvi. 20,) "Ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice; and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy." And Solomon knew that the house of mourning was better than the house of feasting; and that the heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth, (Eccles. vii. 2, 3, 4,) but holy joy of faith and hope is best of all.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second time reading. Balanced and thoughtful. Despite outdated medical advice, most of the principles here are spot on. There is an especially useful section on how to help someone suffering from depression. The wonder of it all is that although this was written over three hundred years ago, much of the advice Baxter has to give sounds remarkably like cognitive behavioral therapy. I don't think this is something for someone struggling with serious depression to read, but it would be very helpful for those helping them, or for those with milder cases.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still relevant for today

When we realise what we have and what we are we praise Christ all the more. This book is a practical remedy for the soul which is downcast.

[Eric Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Richard Baxter comments about how to deal with sorrow. There is not one solution, but we should see if there’s something in our lives we love more than God.

[Jason Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting look at depression from one of my favorite Puritan writers.

What a great look at 17th century Puritan thought on the very modern problem of depression. I think he is right about what are the chief causes and how a Christian should seek to be cured of depression. The last section gets a bit off when he starts talking about different organs being the source of a medical depression, but it was still fun to read about their thoughts on how the body effects the soul.

[Dave Hornor · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Baxter's knowledge of biology is dated, his knowledge of depression and melancholy is timely and relevant. Great little read.