Richard Baxter was vicar of Kidderminster from 1647 to 1661. In an introduction to this reprint, Dr. J.I. Packer describes him as 'the most outstanding pastor, evangelist and writer on practical and devotional themes that Puritanism produced'. His ministry transformed the people of Kidderminster from 'an ignorant, rude and revelling people' to a godly, worshipping community. These pages, first prepared for a Worcestershire association of ministers in 1656, deal with the means by which such changes are ever to be accomplished. In his fervent plea for the discharge of the spiritual obligations of the ministry, Baxter, in the words of his contemporary, Thomas Manton, 'came nearer the apostolic writings than any man in the age'. A century later Philip Doddridge wrote, 'The Reformed Pastor is a most extraordinary bookƒƒ‚ƒƒ‚‚‚ƒƒ‚‚ƒ‚‚]ƒƒ‚ƒƒ‚‚‚ƒƒ‚‚ƒ‚‚€ƒƒ‚ƒƒ‚‚‚ƒƒ‚‚ƒ‚‚]many good men are but shadows of what (by the blessing of God) they might be, if the maxims and measures laid down in that incomparable Treatise were strenuously pursued'.

In twenty-first century America, at a time when the family structure is crumbling, divorce rates are at an all-time high, and respect for parents is diminishing, The Godly Home serves as a balm for those seeking God's plan for the family. With an introduction by J. I. Packer, this book includes topics for those passionate about families or those teaching on the characteristics of a godly family. Richard Baxter covers topics such as marriage, children, and family worship methodically and comprehensively through both hypothetical and real-life questions and concerns that arise in family dynamics. He uses arguments, objections, and frequent Scripture to help husbands, wives, and children to live godly lives.

More than three centuries ago, Puritan church leader Baxter compiled a 1,143-page tome entitled Christian Directory, which included a section on family life. The Godly Home is the only stand-alone version of that section of Christian Directory. Editor Randall Pederson has updated the language and syntax to make this seventeenth-century collection of words one that will continue on for generations to come.

A Hopeful Puritan Perspective on Suffering and Death

In the throes of a long illness and confronting the possibility of death, 17th-century theologian Richard Baxter found comfort in the reality of heaven that awaits believers of Christ. During his recovery, Baxter wrote about the afterlife in what would become his best-selling book.

The Saints' Everlasting Rest meditates on what Scripture reveals about heaven, helping believers live an abundant, God-honoring life in anticipation of eternal rest. Baxter encourages readers not to become distracted or discouraged by the temporal as he refocuses their minds on the eternal. Confronting difficult topics including sin, suffering, and fear of death, he also emphasizes God's sufficient grace and how the promise of heaven enriches life on earth.

• Foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada: Inspiring message from the founder and CEO of the Joni and Friends International Disability Center
• Great for Personal and Group Study: Each chapter ends with questions for reflection, tackling issues including death, abundant joy, security in Christ, and patience through affliction
• Modernized Version of a Puritan Classic: Abridged and edited, with a detailed summary of Baxter's life and work, along with short introductions to each chapter
• Biblical Support for Dealing with Grief or Illness: Explains suffering and death from a Christ-centered perspective, with practical tips for living a heavenly life

A Paraphrase on the New Testament first printed in 1685, Baxter's Paraphrase of the New Testament was the work of Richard Baxter, a Puritan who was known for his many writings on practical piety. Apparently, Baxter defamed the Church of England in this paraphrase and was imprisoned and severely punished as a result, but he was eventually released. The text contains doctrinal and practical notes throughout which are characteristically plain and brief but meant to help the reader in understanding the text. His paraphrase was also meant to aid families in daily reading and to help all people read and understand the New Testament. Interestingly, our copy contains a penned quote from the court trial of Baxter.

Richard Baxter's The Saints' Everlasting Rest (1650) has long been recognized as one of the great classics of Christian devotion, and it is by this book that he is best known. The original work consists of some eight hundred thousand words-a clear example of Baxter's prolific pen-yet in Baxter's own life-time it reached twelve editions First abridged in 1754 by John Wesley, in the Christian Library, five years later another abridgement was made by Benjamin Fawcett, and innumerable reprints of this have since been issued. The book has also been translated into Welsh, Gaelic, German and French. The purpose of this abridgement, first published in 1962, was to present the work in a form suitable to the modern reader. No change has been made in the text of the passages selected from the original work, and the spirit and language of Baxter have been so preserved that the movement of his thought and style not only remains unimpaired but stands out even more clearly.

Richard Baxter was a 17th-century Puritan preacher who, according to Knowing God author J. I. Packer, was the most outstanding pastor, evangelist and writer on practical and devotional themes that Puritanism produced. Packer, who did his doctoral work on Richard Baxter, called Baxter's Christian Directory the most important Christian book ever written besides the Bible itself. Other well-known Christian authors (such as Timothy Keller and Jay Adams) have also praised Baxter's writings. Like other Puritan authors, Baxter sounded a call to Christians to become Word-centered in faith and practice. Like other Puritans of his day, he understood well that the Scriptures provide the only rule of faith and life. Baxter's books, which were exceeded in popularity only by John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, were household reading in many Puritan homes. While noted for the directness with which he addressed his readers, Baxter did not rant. Rather, he addresses readers as if he were by their side, challenging their consciences, arguing, reasoning, persuading, and ultimately-convincing. Baxter utilized the universal Puritan method in his writings-beginning with the Word of God, then announcing the doctrine or doctrines to be derived from his text. After proving the doctrine in question from Scripture, he went on to expound and explain. Baxter dealt with primary truths in his writings-the great themes of heaven and hell, God and Christ, faith and repentance, the cross of Christ-and the need to come to that cross at once. Throughout his writings are woven a deep sense of pastoral care and concern, a burning heart of love for Christless sinners and a motive to move men to God. Ultimately, sin is unmasked, the heart is laid bare, and man is shown to be exceedingly sinful. At the same time, known God through Christ is shown to be supremely delightful and desirable-something to be attained to no matter the cost, difficulty, or sacrifice in this life. This little book is Baxter's treatise on pride. An extract from his much larger book written for ministers, it is nonetheless powerful and extremely helpful for all who desire to be Christians.

This collection of literature attempts to compile many of the classic, timeless works that have stood the test of time and offer them at a reduced, affordable price, in an attractive volume so that everyone can enjoy them.

While facing a critical illness, Richard Baxter turned his thoughts towards the celestial realm, embarking on a profound exploration of heaven's essence in his book Saints' Everlasting Rest. In the midst of physical affliction, Baxter pondered over the fundamental questions surrounding the heavenly abode: its intended recipients, its celestial characteristics, and the means by which one can adequately prepare for its embrace. As Baxter points out, eternal heavenly rest constitutes the pinnacle of joy for a Christian, representing a state of perfect liberation from all forms of evil, a sanctuary where believers bask in an unadulterated union with God.

In this eloquent exposition, Baxter urges readers to think deeply about the heavenly realm and make a conscious effort to manifest the divine work of God in every earthly endeavor. He shows how, by leading a life infused with heavenly values, Christians can prepare themselves for that better land. Though his thoughts are deep and insightful, Baxter maintains a humble posture, acknowledging the limitations of human understanding in grasping the full splendor of heaven. He candidly admits that the fall has tainted our ability to comprehend the true nature of the celestial realm.

Baxter's humility doesn't diminish the potency of his meditations, however. His reflections have served as guiding lights for many as they contemplated the afterlife. A true literary masterpiece, Saints' Everlasting Rest offers readers a captivating and beautiful glimpse into the wonders of their future heavenly home.

There are two outstanding classics on the subject of conversion: A Call to the Unconverted, Richard Baxter; and, An Alarm to the Unconverted, Joseph Alleine.
Richard Baxter was a bright and shining light in the golden age of theology, the seventeenth century. Not only was he the most voluminous author of his day (72 volumes), but also his shepherding of his flock at Kidderminster was so phenomenal that it stands as a marker for all other pastors and evangelists. He practiced what he teaches in this book. The host of conversions under his preaching testifies to the power of the message in A Call.
Baxter was always plain spoken to sinners: Whoever loves earth above Heaven, and fleshly prosperity more than God, is a wicked, unconverted man
We are commanded to beseech and entreat you to accept the offer and turn; to tell you what preparation is made by Christ; what mercy stays for you; what patience waits on you . . .how certainly and unspeakable happy you may be if you will. We have indeed a message of wrath and death; yea, of a twofold wrath and death; but neither of them is our principal message. We must tell you of the wrath that is on you already, and the death that you are born under for the breach of the law of works. But this is only to show you the need of mercy, and to provoke you to esteem the grace of the Redeemer. . . . Our telling you of your misery is not to make you miserable, but to drive you out to seek for mercy. It is you who have brought this death on yourselves. We tell you also of another death, one even remediless, and much greater torment that will fall on those who will not be converted. . . This is the last and saddest part of our message. We arefirst to offer you mercy, if you will turn. (Pp. 21, 22).

We do not arrogate tu ourselves so much as to suppose, that our commendation can add any thing to the authority of such a name as that of Richard Baxter, He belonged to a class of men, whose characters and genius now universally venerated, seem to have been most peculiarly adapted, by Divine Providence, to the circumstances of their age and country...

We do not arrogate tu ourselves so much as to suppose, that our commendation can add any thing to the authority of such a name as that of Richard Baxter, He belonged to a class of men, whose characters and genius now universally venerated, seem to have been most peculiarly adapted, by Divine Providence, to the circumstances of their age and country...

I published a short treatise on conversion, entitled, A Call to the Unconverted. The occasion of this was my converse with bishop Usher, while I was at London. who, approving my method and directions suited for peace of conscience, was importunate with me to write directions suited to the various states of Christians, and also against particular sins

Richard Baxter's passionate plea to unbelievers, calling upon them to convert to Christianity, is as thought-provoking and religiously profound today as when first published centuries ago. An unabashed and compelling exhortation, A Call to the Unconverted marries the author's keen grasp of logic and reason with his utmost admiration and love for Jesus Christ. The combination of Baxter's astute mind and his veneration of the Son of God makes this treatise a true classic of Christian literature: from the moment the text first appeared in 1669, the reception among Christians and non-Christians alike was appreciative. For Baxter, Christianity is the one and true faith upon the Earth. Whilst acknowledging the essential values imparted in other religions - such as the virtues of human conduct; kindness, compassion, humility, honesty, courage - Baxter is eager to emphasize that Christ is the authentic embodiment of belief.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Immerse yourself in the divine sounds of The Ultimate Hymn Collection, a masterful anthology of classic Christian hymns that have resonated with generations of believers. This treasury of timeless melodies features a compilation of cherished hymns that have been sung in churches and homes across the world for centuries.

Discover the depth of spiritual inspiration as you sing along to hymns that exalt the glory of God, express heartfelt devotion, and instill a sense of hope and solace. From the majestic tunes of Amazing Grace to the triumphant notes of How Great Thou Art and the reverent tones of Holy, Holy, Holy, each hymn carries a unique message that stirs the soul.

The Ultimate Hymn Collection offers a rich musical heritage that transcends time and unites worshippers in praise and adoration. Whether you seek solace in times of trouble or desire to lift your spirit in joyful celebration, this compilation of sacred hymns will become a cherished companion in your faith journey.

This book has been considered important throughout the human history, and so that this work is never forgotten we have made efforts in its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for present and future generations. This whole book has been reformatted, retyped and designed. These books are not made of scanned copies and hence the text is clear and readable.