Richard Baxter was an English Puritan church leader, poet, hymn-writer, theologian, and controversialist. After initial false starts, he established his reputation through his ministry in Kidderminster, simultaneously launching a long and prolific career as a theological writer. Following the Restoration, he refused preferment, maintained a non-separatist Presbyterian stance, and became a leading figure among nonconformists, enduring periods of imprisonment.
Recognized for its cultural significance, this work contributes to the foundational knowledge of civilization. Scholars have deemed it an important resource, reflecting its value in understanding historical and societal contexts.
In his classic text The Reformed Pastor, Richard Baxter expounds on the apostle Paul's encouragement to the elders of Ephesus to keep watch over themselves and their flocks. Updated and abridged edition.
Set against the backdrop of the English Civil War, this work reveals Richard Baxter's candid reflections on his support for Parliament and the Cromwellian Protectorate. Written in 1659, it became highly controversial, leading to Baxter's public repudiation and its inclusion in a notorious book-burning by Oxford University in 1683. The scandal has often overshadowed its significance, making it a key text for understanding the tensions within Puritan thought during a tumultuous period in English history.