The book
In the original Baxter began with a fairly lengthy preface headed “To all unsanctified persons that shall read this book; especially of my hearers in the Borough and Parish of Kidderminster” and signed “Your serious Monitor, Richard Baxter”!
He is especially concerned to counter the idea that if God saves, we can do nothing. He wants people to seriously read the book, to then get alone with God and not delay to close with Christ as soon as possible. The preface itself is a powerful sermon and sets the tone for the rest. It is important to remember that, as he states elsewhere, his intention here is “to speak to the impenitent, unconverted sinners, who are not yet so much as purposing to turn; or at least are not setting about the work.” Despite Ussher he felt
a winning persuasive was a more necessary means than mere directions; for directions suppose men willing to obey them. ... the persons that we have first to deal with, are wilful and asleep in sin, and as men that are past feeling, having given themselves over to sin with greediness. My next work must be for those that have some purposes to turn, and are about the work, to direct them for a thorough and a true conversion, that they miscarry not in the birth.
The book itself, in good Puritan fashion begins with the text of the original sermon the book has grown out of, Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them. As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
He briefly expounds the text, saying that it is surprising to see what the Bible says about how few will be saved and how many will go to hell. By nature we think that the one who does evil should be the one to pay, so when we hear that so many will go to hell we must ask why. Of course, the devil is involved but then whose fault is it beyond that, God's or man's? That, he says, is the text's subject. He notes that God clears himself by saying that he is not to blame but wants them to repent. He then exhorts the wicked to return to him. He not only commands this but seeks to persuade them to it. He is willing to reason with them. Why will they die ? He wants them to turn and live. He wants to convince them that it is not God's fault if they are miserable and convince them of their obvious willfulness in rejecting all his commands and arguments that it is their fault if they die.
Having 'opened' the text he announces seven doctrines from the text, which he then works through.
1. It is the unchangeable law of God, that wicked men must turn or die.
In the original Baxter began with a fairly lengthy preface headed “To all unsanctified persons that shall read this book; especially of my hearers in the Borough and Parish of Kidderminster” and signed “Your serious Monitor, Richard Baxter”!
He is especially concerned to counter the idea that if God saves, we can do nothing. He wants people to seriously read the book, to then get alone with God and not delay to close with Christ as soon as possible. The preface itself is a powerful sermon and sets the tone for the rest. It is important to remember that, as he states elsewhere, his intention here is “to speak to the impenitent, unconverted sinners, who are not yet so much as purposing to turn; or at least are not setting about the work.” Despite Ussher he felt
a winning persuasive was a more necessary means than mere directions; for directions suppose men willing to obey them. ... the persons that we have first to deal with, are wilful and asleep in sin, and as men that are past feeling, having given themselves over to sin with greediness. My next work must be for those that have some purposes to turn, and are about the work, to direct them for a thorough and a true conversion, that they miscarry not in the birth.
The book itself, in good Puritan fashion begins with the text of the original sermon the book has grown out of, Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them. As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
He briefly expounds the text, saying that it is surprising to see what the Bible says about how few will be saved and how many will go to hell. By nature we think that the one who does evil should be the one to pay, so when we hear that so many will go to hell we must ask why. Of course, the devil is involved but then whose fault is it beyond that, God's or man's? That, he says, is the text's subject. He notes that God clears himself by saying that he is not to blame but wants them to repent. He then exhorts the wicked to return to him. He not only commands this but seeks to persuade them to it. He is willing to reason with them. Why will they die ? He wants them to turn and live. He wants to convince them that it is not God's fault if they are miserable and convince them of their obvious willfulness in rejecting all his commands and arguments that it is their fault if they die.
Having 'opened' the text he announces seven doctrines from the text, which he then works through.
1. It is the unchangeable law of God, that wicked men must turn or die.
He quotes a string of supporting texts by way of example then gives seven arguments for the reasonableness of this doctrine. He says
You see then, though this be a rough and unwelcome doctrine, it is such as we must preach, and you must hear. It is easier to hear of hell than feel it. If your necessities did not require it, we would not gall your tender ears with truths that seem so harsh and grievous.
He clarifies what is meant by wicked and conversion and how we may know whether we are wicked or converted. He says
O sirs, conversion is another kind of work than most are aware of. It is not a small matter to bring an earthly mind to heaven, and to show man the amiable excellences of God, till he be taken up in such love to him that can never be quenched; to break the heart for sin, and make him fly for refuge to Christ, and thankfully embrace him as the life of his soul, etc.
2. It is the promise of God, that the wicked shall live, if they will but turn; unfeignedly and thoroughly turn.
You see then, though this be a rough and unwelcome doctrine, it is such as we must preach, and you must hear. It is easier to hear of hell than feel it. If your necessities did not require it, we would not gall your tender ears with truths that seem so harsh and grievous.
He clarifies what is meant by wicked and conversion and how we may know whether we are wicked or converted. He says
O sirs, conversion is another kind of work than most are aware of. It is not a small matter to bring an earthly mind to heaven, and to show man the amiable excellences of God, till he be taken up in such love to him that can never be quenched; to break the heart for sin, and make him fly for refuge to Christ, and thankfully embrace him as the life of his soul, etc.
2. It is the promise of God, that the wicked shall live, if they will but turn; unfeignedly and thoroughly turn.
He says
It is life, not death, that is the first part of our message to you; our commission is to offer salvation, certain salvation; a speedy, glorious, everlasting salvation, to every one of you
Again he quotes a whole series of Scriptures to support his commission.
3. God taketh pleasure in men's conversion and salvation, but not in their death or damnation.
It is life, not death, that is the first part of our message to you; our commission is to offer salvation, certain salvation; a speedy, glorious, everlasting salvation, to every one of you
Again he quotes a whole series of Scriptures to support his commission.
3. God taketh pleasure in men's conversion and salvation, but not in their death or damnation.
He had rather they would turn and live, than go on and die.
Here he pleads the gracious nature of God, his frequents commands to turn, his commission to his ministers, his providence , the sufferings of his Son.
4. The Lord hath confirmed it to us by his oath, That he hath no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that he turn and live; that he may leave man no pretence to doubt of it.
Here he pleads the gracious nature of God, his frequents commands to turn, his commission to his ministers, his providence , the sufferings of his Son.
4. The Lord hath confirmed it to us by his oath, That he hath no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that he turn and live; that he may leave man no pretence to doubt of it.
He goes on to ask ' Who is it then that takes pleasure in men's sin and death? It is not God, not ministers nor any good men. No, it is the devil, the wicked and a man's own flesh.
5. So earnest is God for the conversion of sinners, that he doubleth his commands and exhortations with vehemency, "Turn ye, Turn ye".
5. So earnest is God for the conversion of sinners, that he doubleth his commands and exhortations with vehemency, "Turn ye, Turn ye".
He calls on all who love themselves, who are cold and merely outward professors, who are void of the love of God to consider what preparations mercy has made for their salvation, the call they have had to turn and live. Here he mentions 10 things then says
Lay all these together now, and see what should be the issue. The holy Scriptures call upon thee to turn; the ministers of Christ call upon thee to turn; the Spirit cries, Turn ; thy conscience cries, Turn; the godly, by persuasions and examples cry, Turn; the whole world, and all the creatures therein that are presented to thy consideration cry, Turn; the patient forbearance of God cries, Turn; all the mercies which thou receivest cry, Turn; the rod of God's chastisement cries Turn; thy reason and the frame of thy nature bespeaks thy turning; and so do all thy promises to God; and yet art thou not resolved to turn?
6. The Lord condescendeth to reason the case with unconverted sinners, and to ask them, Why they will die?
Lay all these together now, and see what should be the issue. The holy Scriptures call upon thee to turn; the ministers of Christ call upon thee to turn; the Spirit cries, Turn ; thy conscience cries, Turn; the godly, by persuasions and examples cry, Turn; the whole world, and all the creatures therein that are presented to thy consideration cry, Turn; the patient forbearance of God cries, Turn; all the mercies which thou receivest cry, Turn; the rod of God's chastisement cries Turn; thy reason and the frame of thy nature bespeaks thy turning; and so do all thy promises to God; and yet art thou not resolved to turn?
6. The Lord condescendeth to reason the case with unconverted sinners, and to ask them, Why they will die?
He says it is a strange disputation with regard both to the question and the disputants. He speaks firstly of man's determination to go to hell. It is as if they say they will drink poison yet not die. He speaks too of their unwillingness to use means and their lack of desire for salvation. God argues with man because he is a reasonable creature and he wants to leave him without excuse.
He shows how unreasonable sinners are and shows how wrong are their apparent reasons. He deals with 12 specific objections
1. If none shall be saved, but such sanctified ones as you talk of, heaven will be but empty. God help a great many."
Answer, "What! It seems you think that God does not know, or else that He is not to be believed. Measure not all by yourselves. God has thousands and millions of his sanctified ones." Etc.
2. "I am sure if such as I go to hell, we shall have store of company"
Answer. "And will that be any ease or comfort to you, or do you think you may not have company enough in heaven? Will you be without company, or will you not believe that God will execute his threatenings because there are so many that are guilty? All these are silly unreasonable conceits.”
Other objections dealt with are
3. "But all men are sinners; even the best of you all"
4. "I do not see that professors of religion are any better than other men."
5. "But I am no whoremonger, nor drunkard, nor oppressor; and therefore why should you call upon me to be converted?"
6. "But I mean nobody any harm, nor do any harm. Why then should God condemn me?"
7. "I think you would make men mad under pretence of converting them." Answer. "Can you be madder than you are already?" etc
Etc. He also explains why men are unreasonable and so unwilling to turn
7. If after all this, men will not turn, it is not God's fault that they are condemned, but their own, even their own willfulness. They die because they will; that is, because they will not turn.
He speaks of how unfit the wicked are to charge God with their damnation. It is not because God is unmerciful, but because they are cruel and merciless to themselves. He then answers the objection he had considered in the preface “We cannot convert ourselves, nor have we free-will”. He also speaks of subtlety of Satan, the deceitfulness of sin and the folly of sinners and how it is little wonder that the wicked hinder the conversion and salvation of others. Man is his own worst enemy.
Ted Donnelly has noted how at the close of the book Baxter “appeals to his hearers with such tender earnestness that we can almost see the tears upon his cheeks”. Baxter says
My heart is troubled to think how I shall leave you, lest ... I should leave you as I found you, till you awake in hell ... I am as hearty a beggar with you this day, for the saving of your souls, as I would be for my own supply, if I were forced to come a begging to your doors. And therefore if you would hear me then, hear me now. If you would pity me then, be entreated now to pity yourselves ... O sirs, believe it, death and judgement, heaven and hell, are other matters when you come near them, than they seem to carnal eyes afar off. Then you will hear such a message as I bring you with more awakened, regardful hearts.
Finally he gives 10 directions as to what those seeking conversion should do. We summarise
1. Labour to understand the necessity and nature of true conversion. He deals then with for what they must turn, from what they must turn, to what end they must turn and by what they must turn.
2. Be much in secret, serious consideration
3. Attend upon the Word of God
4. Pray to God earnestly and constantly
5. Give up all known and wilful sins
6. Change your company if necessary
7. Deliver yourself up to Jesus the physician of souls
8. Act speedily, without delay
9. Do it unreservedly, absolutely and universally
10. Do it resolvedly. Do not waver. He says
Now, while you are reading, or hearing this, resolve; before you sleep another night, resolve; before you stir from the place, resolve; before Satan have time to take you off, resolve. You never turn indeed till you do resolve, and that with a firm unchangeable resolution.
He shows how unreasonable sinners are and shows how wrong are their apparent reasons. He deals with 12 specific objections
1. If none shall be saved, but such sanctified ones as you talk of, heaven will be but empty. God help a great many."
Answer, "What! It seems you think that God does not know, or else that He is not to be believed. Measure not all by yourselves. God has thousands and millions of his sanctified ones." Etc.
2. "I am sure if such as I go to hell, we shall have store of company"
Answer. "And will that be any ease or comfort to you, or do you think you may not have company enough in heaven? Will you be without company, or will you not believe that God will execute his threatenings because there are so many that are guilty? All these are silly unreasonable conceits.”
Other objections dealt with are
3. "But all men are sinners; even the best of you all"
4. "I do not see that professors of religion are any better than other men."
5. "But I am no whoremonger, nor drunkard, nor oppressor; and therefore why should you call upon me to be converted?"
6. "But I mean nobody any harm, nor do any harm. Why then should God condemn me?"
7. "I think you would make men mad under pretence of converting them." Answer. "Can you be madder than you are already?" etc
Etc. He also explains why men are unreasonable and so unwilling to turn
7. If after all this, men will not turn, it is not God's fault that they are condemned, but their own, even their own willfulness. They die because they will; that is, because they will not turn.
He speaks of how unfit the wicked are to charge God with their damnation. It is not because God is unmerciful, but because they are cruel and merciless to themselves. He then answers the objection he had considered in the preface “We cannot convert ourselves, nor have we free-will”. He also speaks of subtlety of Satan, the deceitfulness of sin and the folly of sinners and how it is little wonder that the wicked hinder the conversion and salvation of others. Man is his own worst enemy.
Ted Donnelly has noted how at the close of the book Baxter “appeals to his hearers with such tender earnestness that we can almost see the tears upon his cheeks”. Baxter says
My heart is troubled to think how I shall leave you, lest ... I should leave you as I found you, till you awake in hell ... I am as hearty a beggar with you this day, for the saving of your souls, as I would be for my own supply, if I were forced to come a begging to your doors. And therefore if you would hear me then, hear me now. If you would pity me then, be entreated now to pity yourselves ... O sirs, believe it, death and judgement, heaven and hell, are other matters when you come near them, than they seem to carnal eyes afar off. Then you will hear such a message as I bring you with more awakened, regardful hearts.
Finally he gives 10 directions as to what those seeking conversion should do. We summarise
1. Labour to understand the necessity and nature of true conversion. He deals then with for what they must turn, from what they must turn, to what end they must turn and by what they must turn.
2. Be much in secret, serious consideration
3. Attend upon the Word of God
4. Pray to God earnestly and constantly
5. Give up all known and wilful sins
6. Change your company if necessary
7. Deliver yourself up to Jesus the physician of souls
8. Act speedily, without delay
9. Do it unreservedly, absolutely and universally
10. Do it resolvedly. Do not waver. He says
Now, while you are reading, or hearing this, resolve; before you sleep another night, resolve; before you stir from the place, resolve; before Satan have time to take you off, resolve. You never turn indeed till you do resolve, and that with a firm unchangeable resolution.
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