The Reformed Pastor: Richard Baxter

by Edited By William Brown

2007, Paperback, 256 pages

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Leadership, Church, Church History, Classics

Paperback

First published January 1, 1656

Reviews

[Demetrius Rogers · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's no doubt Richard Baxter was an amazing man of God and a most devoted pastor. I love the premise of his work - the pastorate is larger than the pulpit. What a good reminder. It takes more than preaching sermons to effectively pastor a congregation. Using Acts 20:20 as his basis, Baxter sought to advance the idea that pastors are to teach in public and from house to house. Visitation was heavy on Baxter's heart as he considered the state of pastoral ministry in the 17th century. He felt too many of his colleagues were simply locked in their studies and negligent of their vocational calling. I'm sure in some quarters of the church this is still applicable today. However, in the circles I'm from it's the other way around. Pastors are so inundated with people that they have little time for study. At any rate, Baxter is trying to restore a critical balance to pastoral ministry.

As much as I loved the heart, I did not enjoy the book. For one, it was hard to follow. The grammar was comprised of long and complex sentence structures. The English was archaic, verbose, and repetitious. Baxter seemed to make just a few points over and over again. And the outlining of the book was extremely convoluted. My other distaste was that the tone of the book had a brooding severity. Maybe I'm just a child of my times, but there has to be more ways of inciting reform than just driving your readers. I can see why sincere ministers of the following generation worked themselves to an early grave. (I'm thinking of men such as Whitefield and Brainerd.) And I quote Baxter: "What is a candle made for, but to burn? Burned and wasted we must be..." Well, I'm sure some people (then and now) need to hear this, but, for others, this kind of sentiment can easily translate into compulsive work loads.

Perhaps these critiques are a bit exaggerated, and a second reading may temper my initial response.

[Jason Harris · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have often heard this book spoken of in hushed tones over the years. It was so well spoken of from so broad a group of people that I looked forward eagerly to a theologically rich, spiritually challenging, profoundly edifying read. I was sorely disappointed.

I'm taking the time to write this review because I hope to spare some other pastor from investing his time in this book. So let me clarify. I benefited from the book. It gave me some good insights into the state of the church in England at a particular point in history. So there is some value in terms of understanding history and historical theology. There were also sections of rich insight (the section on pride in Chapter IV is outstanding!). Let me also clarify that I read from The Practical Works of the Rev. Richard Baxter, Volume XIV rather than the Banner of Truth edition. In my edition, the author often lapses into Latin and Greek, something I suspect the other editions change or translate. I'll also note that in my edition, this is 400 large pages compared to 256 in the BOT edition so it's possible it's been heavily edited in that edition.

So having pointed out that there might be some benefit to reading this book, I want to raise some serious, serious concerns I have with this book.

First, the whole premise of the book is that one of the key aspects of the biblical role of the pastor is to catechise and discipline his people one-on-one. While he allows for the hiring of someone else to help in this ministry, he firmly treats this as obligatory to the pastoral ministry going so far as to repeatedly question the salvation of the minister who doesn't desire to practice it. The problem is that catechism is not biblically mandated or even addressed and therefore cannot possibly be an essential element of the biblical role of pastor. This seems obvious, but is something he never defends biblically. Considering that he spends hundreds of pages pushing this practice forcefully—very forcefully—I'm left feeling that he was too caught up in the traditions of his local, temporal culture to even question the necessity of catechism in the first place. Note that I have no problem with chatichism or catechising. I simply don't accept that it is necessary for believers or essential to the role of the pastor since Scripture does not address it specifically. Ever.

Second, his philosophy of ministry is, to my understanding of Scripture, deeply flawed. He sees ministry as fundamentally hierarchical. I think the biblical model is quite flat. I think the role of the pastor, among other things, is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12). So that if catechising were the chosen methodology, the goal would be to train every saint to be out doing it. Another major problem here is that he chronically confuses philosophy with methodology so that if we must work for the salvation of souls (philosophy), we must therefore go door-to-door catechising (methodology) or be unfaithful.

Third, his ecclesiology is deeply problematic. Since his tradition leads him to think in terms of parish, he approaches ministry through that paradigm, leading to the notion that he has an obligation to huge numbers of people in the community. His appendix seems to suggest that it is only the people in the parish who profess Christian faith that he is obligated to catechise and discipline, but the point isn't clear throughout. Nevertheless, I think his flawed view of the local church (which is the assembly of the saints identified with each other in a particular place, among other things, I believe) causes him to pile on a workload he admits will shorten the lifespan of those who follow his exhortations.

Fourth, his sacramental view of the ordinances causes him to take on more responsibility (and power) than a non-sacramental view of the ordinances would require (and a biblical view would allow, I believe).

Fifth, there is very little biblical exposition or explication throughout. The whole book is based in the loosest possible way on one passage that doesn't say anything like what he's saying, though his method is one or two of many possible ways to obey the Scriptural command.

Sixth, and now we move from the more theological problems to more intellectual and attitudinal problems, he comes across as a hard nosed, heavy handed taskmaster in approach. He attempts to shame pastors for wanting to provide well for their families. He constantly calls into doubt the sincerity and salvation of those who disagree with him. He sometimes argues with what I would term arrogance and impudence. He's sometimes vicious toward his opponents. It's exactly the spirit that I experienced in my years growing up in extreme Fundamentalism. Even though in most other respects, he is nothing like that Fundamentalism. It is toxic leadership and young pastors should not be looking up to him in this.

Seventh, he lacks balance. He actually argues that a pastor should not engage in recreation. He talks about half an hour of exercise a day total and shames pastors for having hobbies, or going hunting, or going on a holiday. It's the sort of thing you sort of have to see to believe. And then he resorts often—very, very often—to telling you that if you're wasting any time, the blood of the unbelievers is on your hands. It's very unhealthy and unbalanced. His thinking is reductionist, black-and-white, simplistic, fundamentalistic.

Eighth, his logic is not strong. He's just not great at arguing validly.

Ninth, he is pragmatic. Again and again, his standard is what works rather than what is biblical. He then tends to press what works as being biblical because it will work to accomplish the biblical goal in his opinion. This is an example of the confusing of philosophy with methodology mentioned above.

For all these reasons, and others, I would encourage you that if you're looking for a good book to help you grow as a pastor, please don't invest too much time here. I think there are many other contemporary works that will give much more benefit for investment.

[Joe Cassada · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that every pastor must have in his library - and not only in his library, he must have it bouncing around in his heart and lingering in the back of his mind. In this book Baxter shows what is the bone and marrow of effective pastoral ministry. He exposes frauds, denounces sin, and exhorts to greater works for the Saviour. If you can read this book, O man of God, and not be humbled, convicted, and motivated, then you have a stony heart.

This book should be required reading in every Bible college and seminary. In fact, I think it's a shame my alma mater did not require their preacher students to read this yearly. Other than the Bible and possibly Spurgeon's Lectures to My Students, I can't think of a book that is better suited to equip ministers for the front lines of the war for the souls of men.

Some may struggle with the antiquated language. I've been reading the Puritans for many years, and the King James Bible for even longer, so I didn't have any issues. But if you need your literature to be, like, totally, you know, modernized, then take it slow and steady - but read it! Read it!

I have resolved to reread this book yearly, probably towards the holidays so as to have it fresh on my mind for the start of a new year.

[Matt Pitts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baxter's style is plain, vivid, and vigorous. When it comes to the puritans I have attempted to read a little of Owen and Sibbes, but now I wish I had started with Baxter. (I've read Bunyan too, but he seems to be in a class by himself!) Baxter is not at all hard to understand or hard to follow, nor is he boring or tedious. He is full of life and zealous for the truth to be not merely known but lived. No doubt some of his zeal was due to the fact that he was never far from death because of his poor health. He was truly a 'dying man preaching to dying men.'

This particular book is an exposition of Acts 20:28 that is about 250 pages long. His vision of personal pastoral ministry is unlike anything I have ever witnessed, but I am convinced that his conviction about private (one-on-one or pastor-to-family) pastoral ministry is biblical. His main contention is that pastors who only minister to their flocks through public preaching and not through personal spiritual conversation fall short of what God requires of them. Pastor must shepherd all of the flock, and that cannot be done merely through public preaching.

Suffice it to say that you will not be able to read this book casually, nor will you be able to read it without being changed.

[Kofi Opoku · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spiritually-charged arrow to the flesh of all ministers. Bottom line: the ministry is bigger than the pulpit.

[Alexander Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

(5/5) Challenging, relevant, and helpful. One of the best books I’ve read this year - a must read for anyone in ministry. I would recommend the Crossway abridged version by Tim Cooper.

[Ian Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Baxter's time as a pastor proved very fruitful. IN this book he has advice for his fellow-pastors, shepherds of the flock. But this is no soft-treading nice reflection on pastoral theology. It is a challenge to every pastor to live the life that is preached from the pulpit or else face neglect, even ridicule, for a hypocrisy.

While this is an excellent book as far as it goes, it does not give the total story of Baxter's success, which had much to do with his practical application of the Scriptures in the life of the townsfolk in which he ministered.

This is one of the books that brings you back to sanity and the real world, since too often we can put ourselves on a pedestal of our own making.

[John Funnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If they were worth Christ’s blood, they are worth thy labour” Richard Baxter

[ThePrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a reason why this one has stood the test of time, and that's because the issues that Baxter addresses in this book continue to pervade churches. There are still wolves corrupting pulpits, ignorant ministers who cannot do their jobs properly, and salvation neglected to the nth degree.

Baxter occasionally leans too far into a pietistic direction. He's obviously trying to address a severe deficiency in the church, but in his efforts to bestir lackadaisical ministers to their duties of personal discipleship, he swings too far. He besmirches recreational amusement, calling 30-60 minutes of walking ample exercise enough for a minister. In his constant exhortation for ministers to return to their foremost duties, I think he neglects too much the basic necessities of men.

This is not to belittle this book at all, but merely to place Baxter into his historical and convictional contexts. The book is really filled with so many harrowing points that ought to give the reader pause, particularly if they claim to minister God's Word. I am not the intended audience for this book, per se, but I think any layman can get a mouthful out of this that will cause him to ponder carefully his attitude towards his shepherds and consider the duality of their joyful and difficult jobs in serving the flock of God through leadership. I certainly did, and I would recommend it to ministers and laymen both.

P.S. As an addendum, after speaking with my pastor about this book (and I can’t believe I didn’t note this), Baxter is not reformed. Despite the title ‘The Reformed Pastor’, there is absolutely nothing in this book to suggest that it applies to a confessional context, and actually, completely the opposite. This doesn’t mean it’s not a helpful book, but for Reformed pastors looking for Reformed materials, this is not the one.

[Ben Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Generally, here is my made up criteria for rating books.

1 Star: This book is buns. Don’t bother with it.
2 Stars: This book is likely not worth the time to read, though the perspective may be of help to someone.
3 Stars: This book is decent. It was helpful and somewhat enjoyable, though there is likely a better book similar to it.
4 Stars: This book was a joy to read and I would recommend it to friends.
5 Stars: This book is wonderful, helpful, and a delight to read. I strongly recommend it!

That being said, “The Reformed Pastor” is a must read for anyone currently in pastoral ministry or aspiring to it. It certainly isn’t a light read so prepare to spend a while carefully attending to it.

I’d love to leave a longer review containing some high points of the book but this it for now. Don’t expect many lengthy reviews from me lol.

[Cale Fauver · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many pithy sections and encouraging words for pastors. The eternality in ministry bleeds through these pages; this is a supernatural work with supernatural realities:

“Speak to your people as to men that must be awakened, either here or in hell.”

[Michael Stilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenging meditation on and application of Acts 20.

[Joel Lomman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for anyone in or aspiring to pastoral ministry.
Chapter 3 on pride is excellent

[Rafael Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apesar de já ter altas expectativas acerca do livro devido às recomendações de peso de homens como J.I. Packer e C. H. Spurgeon, posso dizer que fui muito surpreendido positivamente com o livro. Como alguém que sente o chamado e aspira ao ministério, fui amplamente confrontado e desafiado a considerar a obra pastoral com toda a seriedade e solenidade que merece. Baxter expõe a questão da obra da pregação e do ministério particular na primeira parte de seu livro, que para mim foi a melhor. Em seguida, passa a considerar a obra do pastor em relação ao seu cuidado do rebanho, essa seção é cheia de recomendações práticas, além de listar razões para a prática da disciplina eclesiástica e para o ministério catequético particular para com todas as ovelhas. Um livro obrigatório para todos os que seriamente consideram o ministério, assim como para aqueles que já se encontram nele. Leia "O Pastor Aprovado" tendo em mente que é impossível terminá-lo com a mesma mentalidade de quando começou!

[Ryan Rench · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent challenge. His earnestness is compelling. It was only a few years ago that I was introduced to the idea of regular pastoral meetings, and it has been a burr in my saddle ever since. Baxter gives many great ideas for it as well as answers to the objections one might have against them, and his burden to help people is obvious and convicting. For our church, the kind of things he is talking about would take some time to implement, but I have already started some of the ideas.

I only gave it 4 stars because it had long passages that were dry, but the nuggets throughout the book are WELL worth the read. Is it life-changing? Perhaps with another read or two. At first read, though, it has only the potential to be life-changing.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Also read in October of 1979.

[mpsiple · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for reminding pastors of the seriousness of their business, but it's so heavy handed that I was numb to it by the end.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

TChap/Page Comment
I The Oversights of ourselves
Sect 1 Nature of it
1. See that saving grace is wrought in your own soul
2. Make sure that grace is kept in a lively active state
3. Don’t let your example contradict your doctrine unless you cause others to stumble
(1). Main your innocence and walk without offence.
(2). Abound in the work of charity and benevolence
4. Take heed, lest you live in the same sins you condemn
5. Take heed that you don’t lack the qualifications for your office.
Sect. 2. The Motives of this oversight
1. Your soul and their souls are at stake
2. You have a depraved nature, so take heed.
3. Take heed because you will be tempted more than others
4. There are many eyes upon you…
5 Your sins have more heinous aggravations than others
(1). You are more likely to sin against knowledge
(2). More for hypocrisy
(3). More perfidious
6 Your work requires greater grace
7. The honour of Christ is at stake
8. The success of your labours depends upon them
(1). Can you be blessed if you work for yourself?
(2). Work hard and be faithful
(3). Fight against Satan, don’t serve him
(4). People won’t listen to one they don’t see living the truth their teach

II. The Oversight of the Flock.
90 Know your people – each one of them
91 e.g. Ignatius – enquire after all by name and neglect not servants etc
Enlist assistants to the work
Take Heed to the flock means: -
1. 1. Work for conversions
Prioritize it over the godly and controversies! Think of eternal souls!
Neglect not the most miserable!
2. Give advice to enquirers.
3. Build up the converted!
(1). Many are yet young and weak
(2). Those who labour under some sin
(3). Backsliders or those in spiritual decline
4. Families
(1). Find out how they are ordered
(2) Meet them at leisure and question
(3). Encourage prayer, use a form if necessary
(4). Books
(5) Lord’s Day
5. Visit the sick
(1). Don’t wait till they are v ill a dying
(2) When dying, go for the main points
(3). If they recover – remind them
6. The impenitent
7. Church Discipline
(1). Reprove public offences
(2) Exhortation and public confession
(3) Ask the congregation to pray for them
(4) Restore the penitent
(5) Excommunication
Sect 2 Manner of this Oversight
1. Motivation for God and souls, not private gain. Work hard with energy.
2. Be diligent and laborious
3. Be prudent and orderly, according to people’s ability and needs; children and mature etc
4. Be much into necessary truths
5. Teaching must be plain and simple – present a matter in the plainest way it will bear
6. Be humble:
7. Mix of severity and mildness
8. Be serious, earnest and zealous
9. Exercise the ministry in tender love of the people
10. With patience
11. reverence
12. Spiritually, in ten power of the Holy Spirit
13. Expect success and desire it
14. Under a sense of our own insufficiency
15. In unity and peace.
Sect 3 Motives to the Oversight of the flock
1. We ae overseers
(1). “take heed to the flock”
(2). It’s your own undertaking
(3). It is an honour to labour
(4). Consider your privileges as a minister
(5). By your work you are relate to Christ, as well s to the flock
2. The efficient cause: The Holy Spirit
3. The dignity of the object committed to our charge: The Church of Christ
4. The price paid – Christ
III. Applications
Sect 1 Use of Humiliation
1. Pride
2. Laboriously lay yourself out for the work
(1). Don’t neglect studies
(2). Do it vigorously and seriously
(3). Think of unprovided for congregations
3. Don’t regard your worldly interests over Christ’s
(1). Temporising
(2). Don’t mind too much worldly things
(3). Barrenness in works of charity
4. We undervalue to unity and peace of the church
(1). Don’t focus too much on controversies
(2). Especially philosophical ones
(3). Or verbal
(4). Focus on core orthodoxy
(5). Or obscure
(6). Or that is out of line wit the church in history
5. Church discipline
(1) Wilfulness
(2) Laziness
(3). We delude immortal souls
(4). We corrupt Christianity in the eyes of the wold
(5). we prevent censure where it’s needed
(6). We provoke the wrath of God
SECTION 2 Duty of Personal Catechizing and instruction
Part 1 Motives
Article 1 For the benefit of the work
1. The most hopeful means of conversion
2. It will build up the converted
3. It will make public preaching better understood
4. You’ll be familiar with your people
5 And each person’s spiritual state
6. It will assist with admission to the sacraments – not the Parish system assumed here!
7. It will demonstrate the ministerial office
8 People will understand their duty
9. Civil rulers will understand what minister are to

10 It prepares for future generations
11. It will encourage orderly family life and sabbaths
12. It’s an example to idle ministers
13. It will benefit yourself
14. It will keep us out of controversies
15. All the parish!
16. Reach the whole land!
17. It’s a means of reformation!
Article 2 Motives from the Difficulty of the Work
1. Difficulties in ourselves
(1). Dullness and laziness
(2). We are men pleasers
(3). We are foolishly bashful
(4). We are carnal
(5). We are too weak in faith
(6). We are not skilled
2. Difficulties in our people
(1). Unwillingness
(2) . slowness
(3). Ignorance
(4). Saving changes are hard
(5). You must persevere with them
Article 3 Necessity of the work
1. It’s for the glory of God
2. It’s for their welfare
3. Your welfare too
Article 4 Application
1. We’ve done too little
2. Rouse yourself
Part II Objections
1 We already preach!
2 Parish is not church
3 It takes too long
5. It’s not required!
6. Paul’s time were different
7. Who’d be a minister!
8. What’s the point of it?
9. Will it work?
PART III Directions
1. Catechise
2. Win them to it
Be gentle and win them
Deal with them one by one
Use the catechism
Go for the weightier points
Don’t be too hard
Enquire into their spiritual state

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard “Evangelist-Bulldog-Leader” Baxter! This is a book I will try to read multiple times throughout my life. At times, he comes across as heavy-handed, so this is not for the faint-hearted. As I understand it, he held to a slightly nuanced view of the atonement — and you can pick up on that at times. It may be one of the most highlighted books I’ve ever read. He boldly addressed the lack of pastoral oversight present in his day and age in a way that did not make him popular among his peers. May we have men in our time who are willing to stand up and say unpopular things the way he did in this book. I only wish I had read this years ago — it would have made me feel like I wasn’t crazy for some of the things I was feeling.

[Jake Each · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to read this classic. I think it should be required reading for all going into pastoral ministry. The first part was so gripping, but he lost me a bit towards the end with a call to ministry that might forget that the yoke of Jesus is easy and his burden is light. But still what a great pastoral pep talk. And a needed reminder that pastors, more than anyone, should work hard!

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most amazing book. There were many times that I had to stop reading for the tears in my eyes, for the realization of the gravity of the task and my utter failure in it, but also for the beauty and joy of the minister’s work. This should be required reading of every minister, even if the practice of these principles would look different in today’s context.

[Alex Strohschein · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic guide for the pastoral vocation (the "Reformed" does not mean explicitly Calvinist). Richard Baxter is well-read in the church fathers. I would heartily recommend this book to pastors and lay leaders.

[Karsten Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a book nearly four-hundred years old, Baxter offers truth with very modern applications. Pastors should absolutely read this book for wisdom and exhortation.

[Zachary Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for every pastor. No exceptions.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book over a year ago on a whim without knowing anything about the book or writer. Heck it only cost a quarter. I did not touch the book for a year.

I read the book because of it seemed like many people were referencing Baxter. Before I read it I learned that Spurgeon had his wife read it to him EVERY SUNDAY and supposedly he cried everytime because he felt he had fallen so far short. Whether this story is true or not is unsure even though there are many quotes from Spurgeon praising Baxter. This alone should make the book merit our attention.

Baxter was a huge advocate of catechizing his congregation. Whether you are an advocate or opponent of catechism's should be irrelevant though to this book's merit. The introduction is by J.I. Packer (prior to Packer going off the deep end) and is a griping story of Baxter's life, faults, theology and affects of his ministry. Baxter's strength was his pastoral position and work and it is greatly shown in this book.

The book was written when all of the English minister's were having a conference that Baxter was supposed to speak at; however, Baxter was extremely sick and could not attend. So he published his talk in this book (Praise be to God.)

The main points of the book are the minister's role in: watching over himself lest he be too weakened to help others, motivation for his work (a phenomenal portion of the book), watching over his flock, motives to do so and the application to the daily work (another great part of the book). Finally he covers the motives, difficulties and applications to catechizing each individual of his congregation. Baxter does not believe that catechizing in itself saves people, but does believe that it is an exceptional tool for the pastor.

Overall, I think this book was very humbling, motivating and informative. Strongly suggested for anyone in the ministry.

[Aaron Hand · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many books today on Church Growth. There are various methods put forth as to how to have successful, growing churches.

In the 1650's, Pastor Richard Baxter (the vicar of Kidderminster from 1647-61) was having a great deal of success and the other English pastors wanted to know his secret. He was to speak at a conference, but was sick and unable to speak. This book is what he was to speak on.

What a book! His passion seeps from every sentence and he pleads for every pastor to make the saving of souls their utmost priority. He writes of how preaching is good and has its place, but private preaching (in homes) is much more effective in the winning of souls.

He (and the two other pastors he served with) would visit all 800 homes in the town each year. They devoted two days each week to visiting approximately 15 families total (each pastor meeting with 2-3 families each of the two days), evangelizing and catechizing them.

I have long thought that today's pastors have lost the art of "visitation" and spending time with their churches outside of church. As a pastor myself, I seek to know the souls under my charge as much as I can outside of church.

I feel that Baxter puts too much emphasis on the work of home ministry, minimizing the place of preaching. He writes about the danger of not having enough time to study for sermons and says it's okay because personal work is more effective. I think both are important but the pulpit ministry is the top priority.

Overall, this is an amazing book with gems throughout. Every pastor should read this book, they will profit greatly.

[Zach Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book almost every year of ministry, and I have found it such a wonderful counterbalance for our day and age. Is Baxter blunt? Yes, but I would rather call him “convicting.” For all the bad reviews Baxter receives, I find he lays upon his readers no heavier yoke than the yoke of Christ. Each year, he awakens me from my slumber and enlivens my affection for my sheep and for lost souls.

Here are my two favorite quotes from this reading:

“Every time we look upon our congregation, let us believingly remember that they are the purchase of Christ's blood, and therefore should be regarded by us with the deepest interest and the most tender affection.”

“What have we our time and strength for, but to lay them out for God? What is a candle made for, but to burn? Burned and wasted we must be; and is it not fitter it should be in lighting men to heaven, and in working for God, than in living to the flesh? How little difference is there between the pleasure of a long and of a short life, when they are both at an end! What comfort will it be to you at death, that you lengthened your life by shortening your work? He that worketh much, liveth much.”

As a personal recommendation, if you find Baxter overbearing, read Harold Senkbeil’s The Care of Souls afterwards. They compliment each other wonderfully.

[David Bruyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Baxter is warm, challenging and deeply in earnest. And yet he readily admits that his approach to catechising every person in the parish leaves little time to prepare adequate sermons. It seems out of kilter, when he acknowledges this as the primary means of teaching, but then continually denigrates the effectiveness of solely preaching. He appears like one who has found a pastoral method, and must now argue against Scripture to make it the primary method of pastoring.
In our context, biblical counseling, small groups, pastoral visitation do much of what he advocates. It certainly is an admirable ideal, though it seems nigh on impossible to achieve it without sacrificing the pulpit. Perhaps a church with multiple vocational pastors can devote one or more of them solely to this task.

[Cliff Dailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baxter distills 18 years of pastoral wisdom into this book. Though edited by others to condense his writings to more timeless material, Baxter gives the lineage of pastors a golden resource to use nearly as a hand booklet. This book is best for the pastor since no other man is charged nor responsible with the responsibilities for a congregation. I'll be referring to this book time and time again in my pursuit of the pastoral ministry.

[Nate Youtzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Baxter's elegant work on who the pastor is/ought to be is filled with fantastic gems and critical thoughts for any pastor who seeks to live out his calling. My drawback to this work (and many other puritan writings) is the volume/"weight" of material that Is presented. Each sentence can be considered for days on end before moving on. Fantastic material, but extremely heavy. Not meant to be read in a week.