1. Biography of Richard Baxter

- Born: November 12, 1615, Rowton, Salop.

- Education & Ministry: Ordained in 1638; roles as school head, curate, army chaplain, and vicar at Kidderminster.

- Later Life: Attended Savoy Conference (1661); lived near London; imprisoned twice.

- Writings: Over 130 works including The Saints’ Everlasting Rest (1650), The Reformed Pastor (1656), A Call to the Unconverted (1658), A Christian Directory (1673), autobiography Reliquiae Baxterianae (1696).

- Interests: Pastoral care, Christian unity, plus hobbies in medicine, science, and history.

- Died: December 8, 1691.

2. Character and Theological Position

- Baxter was intellectually brilliant but flawed, with a unique theological position blending Reformed, Arminian, and Roman views.

- Developed “Neonomianism”  a “new law” theology focusing on Christ’s death as universal redemption but emphasizing repentance and faith as obedience to this new law.

- His approach sought unity but was criticized for altering Puritan gospel content and being rationalistic.

- His theological seeds led to Moderatism in Scotland and Unitarianism in England.

3. Public Life & Influence

- Known for godliness and pastoral skill but was combative and judgmental among peers.

- Failed repeatedly in ecclesiastical politics despite advocating peace.

- His blunt honesty sometimes hurt efforts at unity (e.g., failed peace efforts with John Owen; his book The Scripture Gospel Defended disrupted Presbyterian-Independents union).

4. Pastoral Ministry at Kidderminster

- Transformed a rough, ignorant town of about 2000 people into a thriving Christian community.

- Church attendance was large enough to require five galleries.

- Families professed serious godliness with enduring integrity despite persecution.

- George Whitefield later praised the lasting impact of Baxter’s ministry there.

5. Pastoral Philosophy and Practice

- Saw himself primarily as a teacher. His sermons focused on fundamental Christian doctrines (Creed, Lord’s Prayer, Ten Commandments).

- Emphasized gradual spiritual growth without leaving weaker believers behind.

- Weekly pastor’s forum for discussion and prayer.

- Distributed Bibles and Christian literature generously.

- Pioneered personal catechizing as a permanent pastoral practice, not just for children but for all believers.

- Encouraged Christians to regularly seek pastoral counsel.