The Practical Works of the Rev. Richard Baxter, Vol. 11
Overview
The first part of Volume Eleven includes Baxter’s Treatise of Self-Denial, in which Baxter cautions readers against partiality toward worldly judgment, individual needs, and selfish concerns. As a remedy, he implores readers to learn how to live in self-denial and avoid the possessions and activities which detract from the goals of Christian living.
In Obedient Patience, Baxter defines true patience and provides examples of the ways patience is expressed in the lives and beliefs of Christians. Impatience can erode an awareness of God’s providence, and leads to pain, injury, oppression, and injustice. True patience, however, precedes a proper understanding of God.
- William Orme’s biography of Baxter
- Chronological index of Baxter’s works
Top Highlights
“makes his earthly life and the advancement and pleasure” (Page 60)
“But when man was fallen from God to himself, he afterwards used all things for himself, even his carnal self; and all that he possessed was become the provision and fuel of his lusts; and so the whole creation which he was capable of using, was abused by him to this low and selfish end, as if all things had been made but for his delight and will.” (Page 60)
“It sheweth him how unreasonable, how impious and unjust it is, that a creature, and such a creature, should terminate his desires and intentions in himself: and this is the principal part of self-denial.” (Page 60)
“But (as to the affirmative) I shall shew you what the disease of selfishness indeed is, and so what self-denial is” (Page 59)
“when self-interest serves instead of evidence to the receiving, retaining, or contending for a point” (Page 131)
…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.
[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.
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.
I was greatly refreshed to find what a sweet savor of good Mr. Baxter’s doctrine, works, and discipline remain to this day.
- Title: The Practical Works of the Rev. Richard Baxter, Vol. 11
- Author: Richard Baxter
- Publisher: Paternoster
- Publication Date: 1830
- Pages: 520
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.”