Baxter’s ministry transformed the people of Kidderminster from ‘an ignorant, rude and reveling people’ to a godly worshiping community. These pages, first prepared for a Worcestershire association of minister in 1656, deal with the means by which such changes are ever to be accomplished. In his fervent pleas 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 book…many good men are but shadow of what (by the blessing of God) they might be, if the maxims and measure laid down in that incomparable Treatise were strenuously pursued.’ Today, Baxter‘s principles, drawn from Scripture, and reapplied in terms of moderns circumstances, will provide both ministers and other Christians with challenge, direction and help.

Author  Richard Baxter (12 November 1615 – 8 December 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.

Endorsements  "…the most outstanding pastor, evangelist and writer on practical and devotional theme the Puritanism produced." - J.I. Packer