The reformed pastor

Baxter's Reformed Pastor is one of the greatest classics of pastoral theology, from perhaps the most outstanding writer on practical & devotional themes among the English Puritans. Baxter (1615-91) exercised a remarkably fruitful ministry in Kidderminster, England & this Reformed Pastor has been described as the supreme transcript of his heart as a minister. The work is addressed to ministers & speaks directly to them concerning the discharge of their ministry. It arose from a request to Baxter from the Worcestershire Association, the ministers fellowship to which he belonged, to preach to them at a special conference on catechizing in December 1655. Baxter was too ill to be present, but agreed to publish the addresses he had prepared. These were based on the text: Take heed therefore unto yourselves & to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28). Baxter deals in turn with ministers oversight of themselves, their oversight of their flocks & the application of the principles laid down to the duties of self-humiliation attending to the catechizing & instruction of their people.