Richard Baxter was one of the most important leaders of the Puritan church in England in the 17th century. Born in Shropshire, England sometime in 1615, Baxter was poorly educated as a child, but diligently pursued his education as a young man and decided to enter the church at age 23. He was ordained as a pastor in 1638 and began a long and prolific career as a church leader, poet, theologian and writer. It is estimated he wrote as many as 141 books over his lifetime before his death in 1691. Baxter was appointed vicar of Kidderminster in 1647 and would remain in this post for nearly 19 years, except for those times during the English Civil War when he was forced to flee due to his religious beliefs. During his time at Kidderminster Baxter refined his ideas for reforming the ministry. First appearing as early as 1656, "The Reformed Pastor" was written by Baxter to assist other ministers in performing their duties to their congregations and to lead by example by living lives of faith and virtue. Baxter's teachings have inspired and influenced ministers for centuries and continue to provide a strong moral guide for religious leaders to this day.
