The Practical Works of the Rev. Richard Baxter, Vol. 2

by Richard Baxter; William Orme

Publisher:

James Duncan

, 1830

Overview

A Christian Directory remains one of Baxter’s most influential works, because it links the doctrine of justification with the outward evidence of forgiveness, manifested in ethical behavior and human experience. Volume Two of The Practical Works of the Rev. Richard Baxter contains the first of four parts of A Christian Directory.

This volume is devoted to Christian ethics. Baxter warns against acceptance of religion for its novelty or convenience. Christianity, he argues, entails significant responsibility for sin and suffering, a large dose of church controversy, and an ample amount of godly behavior. He encourages his readers to live with a keen awareness of the sustaining and sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, and the manifestation of grace in the lives of believers through godly behavior.

Part two of A Christian Directory continues in Volume Four of The Practical Works of the Rev. Richard Baxter.

Key Features

• William Orme’s biography of Baxter
• Chronological index of Baxter’s works

Contents

Top Highlights

“Grand Direct. ii. ‘Diligently labour in that part of the life of faith which consisteth in the constant use of Christ as the means of the soul’s access to God, acceptance with him, and comfort from him: and think not of coming to the Father, but by him.’” (Page 175)

“Direct. ix. ‘When you have found yourselves in a state of sin and death, understand and consider what a state that is.’” (Page 36)

“A student is not offended that he hath many books in his library; nor a tradesman that he hath store of tools; nor the rich at the number of his farms or flocks. Believe it, reader, if thou bring not a malignant quarrelsome mind, thou wilt find that God hath not burdened, but blessed thee with his holy precepts, and that he hath not appointed thee one unnecessary or unprofitable duty; but only such as tend to thy content, and joy, and happiness^e.” (Page 4)

“2. Another means is the public worshipping of God in communion with his church and people.” (Pages 48–49)

“Direct. vi. ‘Be not discouraged at the difficulties and oppositions which will rise up before you, when you begin resolvedly to walk with God.’” (Page 108)

Endorsements

…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: Volume II
• Authors: Richard Baxter, William Orme
• Series: The Practical Works of the Rev. Richard Baxter
• Publisher: James Duncan
• Print Publication Date: 1830
• Logos Release Date: 2010
• Era: era:reformation
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691; Puritans › Doctrines--Early works to 1800
• Resource ID: LLS:BAXTER02
• Resource Type: text.monograph.collected-work
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-10-05T17:18:09Z

About Richard Baxter

Richard Baxter was born on November 12, 1615 in Shropshire, 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.”