The Practical Works of Richard Baxter: Selected Treatises

J.I. packer once called Richard Baxter “The most outstanding pastor, evangelist and writer on practical and devotional themes that Puritinism produced.” An English Puritan, Baxter was an “exegete” of culture, a memorable preacher, and a prolific writer. He is known for his practical advice on applying Scripture to all areas of life and his emphasis on the “heart work” involved in doing everything to the glory of God--whether one is pastor, pilgrim, or parent.

The Puritans knew that they would not be able to deal with man’s problems if they did not understand the source from which all these problems stem. Therefore, they sought what the Bible had to say about the heart in order to properly confront the difficulties that flow from it. This edition of The Practical Works of Richard Baxter is the most complete abridgment of Baxter’s 23-volume work and is a treasury of carefully selected sermons and essays that combine the principles of communion with God and the specifics of obedience to God, including:

• The Saints’ Everlasting Rest
• The Divine Life
• A Treatise of Conversion
• A Call to the Unconverted
• Now or Never
• Directions and Persuasions to a Sound Conversion
• Directions for Weak Distempered Christians
• The Character of a Sound, Confirmed Christian
• The Mischiefs of Self-Ignorance and the Benefits of Self-Acquaintance
• Dying Thoughts

Baxter’s work is a welcome and helpful addition to any personal or pastoral library.

Richard Baxter (1615-1691) was one of the preeminent Puritan leaders of his day, the most successful Puritan pastor, and the most productive Puritan writer. Ordained at 23, he spent 17 fruitful years as curate at Kidderminster, England. He was ejected from the Church of England by the Act of Uniformity in 1662 and was imprisoned at least three times for his preaching. The author of more than 150 published treatises including "The Reformed Pastor, The Godly Home," and the politically controversial" A Holy Commonwealth," his practical works were the most popular.