The Practical Works of the Rev. Richard Baxter, Vol. 7
Overview
In Volume Seven, Baxter attempts to understand the process of conversion and the nature of the unconverted. A Call to the Unconverted to Turn and Live, first published in 1658, became Baxter’s most influential and widely-read work. In the words of one historian, “This slim volume was credited with the conversion of thousands and formed one of the core extra-biblical texts of evangelicalism until at least the middle of the nineteenth century.”
Baxter defines conversion as a simultaneous change of mind and change of heart—oriented toward new intentions, new choices, new aspirations, all of which stem from a newfound awareness of the contrast between sin and salvation. He also asked timely questions about the unconverted: Does God love them? How should the church respond to them? What has hindered them? The impact and legacy of A Call to the Unconverted to Turn and Live testifies to its relevance for the church in any age.
- William Orme’s biography of Baxter
- Chronological index of Baxter’s works
Top Highlights
“There is also a particular repentance, which is a turning from a particular sin, and this must be daily renewed while we live. Repentance signifieth and containeth two things. The first is a hearty sorrow that ever we sinned; the second is a change of the mind from that sin to God. Indeed the former is but part of the latter: the changed mind is changed in this part, and manifesteth its change in a special manner, by remorse for former sins: though all remorse is not from such a change.” (Page 20)
“ that these are matters not to be questioned, but presently and seriously to be regarded” (Page 27)
“As soon as ever a man is converted, he is united or joined to Jesus Christ.” (Pages 193–194)
“ spend so much time in reading, hearing, praying and meditating.” (Page 28)
…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. 7
- Author: Richard Baxter
- Publisher: Paternoster
- Publication Date: 1830
- Pages: 582
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.”