How to do Good to Many: The Public Good is the Christian's Life

by Richard Baxter

In this work the famed seventeenth-century pastor Richard Baxter provides worthy instruction in the proper valuation of earthly and heavenly goods, including practical and perennial lessons on how to pursue the common good in society. Baxter’s practical wisdom and doctrinal acumen, including his great theological achievements, were always rooted in his pastoral ministry among the English people, first in the town of Kidderminster and then in London. His pastoral heart is reflected in How to Do Good to Many, which was addressed to the people of London. Although he was a controversialist and nonconformist, Baxter always engaged in dispute and polemic in pursuit of unity, love, and truth. This treatise, newly updated for modern readers by Jordan Ballor, captures many of the significant themes that characterize Baxter’s brilliant theological career: charity, fidelity, bravery, and wisdom.

107 pages, Paperback

Published November 13, 2018

About the author

Richard Baxter (1615-1691) was an English Puritan church leader, poet, hymn-writer, theologian, and controversialist. Dean Stanley called him "the chief of English Protestant Schoolmen". After some false starts, he made his reputation by his ministry at Kidderminster, and at around the same time began a long and prolific career as theological writer. After the Restoration he refused preferment, while retaining a non-separatist presbyterian approach, and became one of the most influential leaders of the nonconformists, spending time in prison.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Steve]

Jordan Ballor writes in the introduction: “This understanding of created nature and saving
grace undergirds Baxter’s discussion and comes to the
fore explicitly in his discussion of the relationship and
relative value of temporal and eternal or spiritual goods.
In this way Baxter distinguishes between an order of
ultimate value, or what he calls “the order of estima-
tion,” and an order of proximity or time, or what he calls the “order of execution.” He advises his audience,
for example, to “do as much good as you are able to
men’s bodies in order to the greater good of souls.” He
supports this directive by arguing that “if nature be not
supported, men are not capable of other good.” By this he
means that “we pray for our daily bread before pardon
and spiritual blessings, not as if it were better, but that
nature is supposed before grace,” and, significantly, “we
cannot be Christians if we are not men.”

[Sean Wilson]

The key glory of this book is Baxter's relating such a basic command of Christian piety ("Do good to all" etc: Gal. 6:10) and relating it to an expansive social vision. It's also mercifully short, which endears it to the reader all the more.

Highly recommended for ordinary Christians who want encouragement and guidance on doing good, and for Christian princes who desire to reform and restore the kingdom of Christ in their midst. Baxter really has something here for everyone.

(Note: I didn't read this edition, but Goodreads has tied my hands somewhat.)

[Kyra]

I really loved this book - examining Richard Baxter’s conception of “the good” and academic engagement in the faith vs. works debate was just absolutely fascinating. I thought Baxter’s perspective was very compelling — I definitely want to read from from him as a result. It’s fairly short but full of just such good commentary, so let me know if you want to read it (@ my mother) & you can definitely borrow it!