Introduction

Just as Spurgeon is known as the "Prince of Preachers," so Richard Baxter can be considered the "Prince of Pastors." The well-known Christian author and authority on the Puritans, J.I. Packer, called him "incomparable" in his zeal and abilities as a shepherd of souls, as well as "...the most outstanding pastor, evangelist and writer on practical and devotional themes that Puritanism produced."

Throughout the Acts and the epistles, we are given sketches of the first century pastors, Jesus' undershepherds, as well as instructions concerning their conduct and character. Paul, in his letter to Timothy, writes that an overseer must be able to teach; he must be free from the love of money and a one woman man. He instructs Titus, on the island of Crete, to appoint elders who are hospitable, self-controlled, and "able to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict."

The qualities outlined in Scripture must be present in any man who shepherds God's people, but in Baxter we see them manifested with extraordinary energy and power. His flock is cared for enthusiastically, effectively, and successfully. Therefore, his life forms an ideal portrait of the pastor who shepherds God's people for His glory and their salvation.

Baxter possessed an earnestness, which will amaze you. He worked tirelessly, intimately, "with fear and trembling" to guide his "good neighbors" to the heavenly Jerusalem. Through this sketch of Baxter's life, you will sense the seriousness of the work you are engaged in as a leader in Christ's church. I pray that you will be renewed, invigorated, and stirred up to "shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness... (1 Peter 5:2)

Baxter's uncompromising love for the gospel and his earnestness for men's salvation took him many places. For this reason, a brief chronology will be helpful to follow Baxter's life. He was born at Rowton in Shropshire on November 12, 1615, educated in the free school at Wroxeter from 1629 -32, and then went on to be tutored at Ludlow Castle. In 1638 he was ordained a deacon and served as the headmaster at Richard Foley's School in Dudley in 1639. From 1639-40 Baxter was the curate or assistant to the priest, at Bridgnorth. Then, he went to Kidderminster where he would spend the next twenty years, first as curate and then as vicar, with an interruption of two years as a chaplain in the Army from 1645-47. In 1661 Baxter's work for Christian unity took him to London, but the forces of intolerance emerged victorious and he was never allowed to return to his beloved Kidderminster. He spent his final thirty years in or around London, first at Moorfields 1662-63, then Acton 1663-69, Totteridge 1669-73, and Bloomsbury 1673-85. He was imprisoned for treason at Southwark from 1685-86. Upon his release, Baxter lived near his friend and editor, Matthew Sylvester, in Charterhouse Yard, Finsbury from 1686 until his death on December 8, 1691.

Sir Stephen James, writing of Baxter, said, "Men of his size are not to be drawn in miniature." Yet, sometimes a "miniature" will capture the interest of those who might not ordinarily tackle a 300 page biography. It is the prayer of this author that a detailed miniature of Richard Baxter will inspire Christian men everywhere to become earnest and effective leaders among God's people.