Call to the Uncoverted to Turn and
Live
by Richard Baxter
Updated and Annotated
Aneko Press January 2023
1681 pp
Print $12.99
About the Book
This book is from 17th century
classic Reformed minister Richard Baxter, revised from the 1863 version. “If
you will turn and live, do it determinedly, and do not stand still and
deliberate as if it were a doubtful case. Do not stand around wavering as if
you were uncertain whether God or the flesh is the better master, whether sin
or holiness is the better way, or whether heaven or hell is the better result.”
My Review
Originally written and published by Mr. Baxter
during his ministry in England, this “little treatise” speaks a powerful but
simple word, especially to those who have heard the gospel but haven’t chosen
to follow it by repenting and living a worthy life. God does not give you
prophets, but ordinary ministers, Baxter writes.
Using heart-felt pleas, Baxter makes liberal
use of Scripture to appeal to the reader to stand now, while here and alive,
before it’s too late. He’s astonished at how many are called but how few will
be saved, he writes in his introduction. His goal is two-fold: to convince
readers it’s not God’s fault if they are in misery, and it’s their fault if
they choose to reject God. Following, he lays out seven principles to support
his exhortation.
Baxter’s conclusion again begs the reader to
convert to a life of faith, and lays out reasons to do, as well as concise
directions, such as “read and heed the word of God,” “immediately give up your
known and willful sin,” and the very practical “change your company.” Ending
with a lovely prayer, Baxter’s love for people is clear and dear.
Updated with call-outs and readable, elegant
typesetting, this timeless plea for the souls of humankind will surely touch
all readers.
About the Author
Richard
Baxter (1615–1691) preached “as a dying man to dying men.” He was devoted to
God and was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Best known as the minister of
Kidderminster in England, his love for God and others resulted in practically
the entire town of Kidderminster turning to Jesus during Baxter’s ministry
there. Richard Baxter desired unity among Christians, which often resulted in
opposition from those who held to church loyalty or theological views rather
than to Christ and God’s Word. Baxter had his share of persecution, even being
imprisoned on several occasions.
