The Reformed Pastor
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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.
Richard Baxter was een Engelse puriteinse kerkleider, dichter, hymneschrijver, theoloog en polemist. Na enkele valse starts bouwde hij zijn reputatie op door zijn bediening in Kidderminster, en begon tegelijkertijd een lange en productieve carrière als theologische schrijver. Na de Restauratie weigerde hij een aanstelling, behield hij een niet-separatistische presbyteriaanse benadering en werd hij een van de meest invloedrijke leiders van de non-conformisten, waarvoor hij ook tijd in de gevangenis doorbracht.






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.
Richard Baxter lived in an age when many of his fellow pastors had grown too comfortable with performing their religious duties by rote and spending much of their time in gluttony and drunkenness. It was under these conditions that Baxter wrote The reformed pastor, a reprimand to indolent clergy and an appeal to ministers of the gospel to take heed of their own spiritual condition before attempting to shepherd others.
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.
As a facsimile reprint of a scarce antiquarian work, this book preserves the original's cultural significance despite potential imperfections like marks and notations. It reflects a commitment to protecting and promoting literature by providing an affordable, high-quality edition that remains true to the source material.
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.
More well known for his Reformed Pastor, Richard Baxter was the outstanding pastor of Kidderminster. Dying Thoughts is his exposition of Paul's words in Philippians 1:23: 'For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better.' Benjamin Fawcett who made this abridged version of the original work wrote, 'The Dying Thoughts of Mr. Baxter chiefly present to our view what every Christian may attain, and what it is the highest interest, as well as the indispensable duty of every Christian to aspire after.' In this little book, we see Baxter wrestling with his own doubts and fears as he faces eternity, jealously examining his own heart, anxious to test his own sincerity, taking nothing for granted. Baxter wanted to die with every grace in his soul in full vigour. A man of life passions as ourselves, his Dying Thoughts provides much needed counsel, strength and comfort because it deals with the same conflicts, complaints and desires which fill our own hearts.
The book is a reprint of a classic work first published in 1845, offering readers a chance to explore its original themes and ideas. It captures the historical context of its time, providing insights into the era's culture and societal norms. This edition preserves the authenticity of the original text, making it a valuable resource for those interested in historical literature and the evolution of storytelling. Readers can expect a rich narrative that reflects the author's unique voice and perspective from the 19th century.