The Practical Works of the Rev. Richard Baxter (23 vols.)

by Richard Baxter; William Orme

Publisher:

James Duncan

, 1830

Overview

The Practical Works of the Rev. Richard Baxter contains the treatises, sermons, and works of one of Puritan England’s most prolific writers and most influential preachers. Richard Baxter preached theological unity during a century of schism, and advocated mutual respect within the church during a period of intense religious warfare. He wrote with the conviction that theology should always be connected with both Christian ethics and human experience. This makes Baxter well-equipped to offer sage advice on practical Christian matters, such as worship, devotions, parenting, education, and relationships.

The writings, sermons, treatises, and other works contained in The Practical Works of the Rev. Richard Baxter have remained in print for centuries. Logos is pleased to offer the 23-volume academic standard originally published by Paternoster in 1830, which also includes a book-length biography of Baxter by William Orme. The Practical Works of the Rev. Richard Baxter includes Baxter’s 4-volume Christian Directory, his famous Reformed Pastor, and perhaps the most influential evangelical work of the seventeenth century, A Call to the Unconverted to Turn and Live. This collection also includes Baxter’s sermons, hymns, apologetic works, and numerous other theological treatises and biblical expositions.

Key Features

• All of Baxter’s works, including the 4-volume Christian Directory, The Reformed Pastor, and A Call to the Unconverted to Turn and Live
• William Orme’s biography of Baxter
• Chronological index of Baxter’s works

Praise for the Print Edition

…The most prominent English churchman of the 1600s.

—Christian History, a magazine affiliated with Christianity Today

…We must learn from the Puritan pastor Richard Baxter…to redouble our efforts to find strength from spiritual joy.

—J. I. Packer

[Baxter’s] words have hands and feet. They climb all over you; they work their way into your heart and conscience, and will not be dislodged.

—J. I. Packer

Look at Richard Baxter… what a flashing diamond was he! Even swearers on the ale-bench could not but know that he was a heaven-born spirit.

—Charles Spurgeon

I was greatly refreshed to find what a sweet savor of good Mr. Baxter’s doctrine, works, and discipline remain to this day.

—George Whitefield

Product Details

• Title: The Practical Works of the Rev. Richard Baxter
• Author: Richard Baxter
• Publisher: Paternoster
• Volumes: 23
• Pages: 13,323

About Richard Baxter

Richard Baxter was born on November 12, 1615 in Shropshire, in England. Although his childhood education was poor, he studied under John Owen between 1629 and 1632, and was converted at the influence of The Bruised Reed, by Richard Sibbes.

After his mother died, Baxter began to study theology, and studied with both John Owen and Francis Garbet. He was ordained in 1638 by John Thornborough and quickly established his reputation as a preacher and pastor. He became involved the Nonconformity movement—a movement which resisted the governance of the Church of England, and he renounced his ordination.

In April, 1641, Baxter began his ministry at Kidderminster, which lasted nineteen years. In addition to his ministry as a preacher and pastor, Baxter initiated many social reforms which earned him a reputation among Presbyterians and Episcopalians as a theological uniter. He wrote The Reformed Pastor during his ministry in Kidderminster.

Baxter moved to Gloucester and Coventry in 1643 to avoid the Civil War, and became chaplain in the army. He returned to London in 1660 where he preached regularly and became politically influential. In 1685, he was sentenced to seven years in prison for his Paraphrase on the New Testament, a charge later rescinded by the government.

Baxter wrote prolifically throughout this lifetime. He is well known for his works on the Roman Catholic Church, his works on conversion, his 4-volume Christian Directory, and A Call to the Unconverted to Turn and Live. Baxter provoked theological controversy for his ecumenism—in stark contrast to the religious warfare of his time—and his rejection of limited atonement. He believed that repentance and obedience affect the outcome of salvation, and that right belief is intricately connected to Christian ethics. Baxter’s covenant theology also contributed to the rise of Puritanism.

Richard Baxter died on December 8, 1691. His last words were, “I have pain…but I have peace.”