Richard Baxter delivers a powerful sermon on the dangers of fornication and uncleanness, emphasizing that no sin is so vile that it cannot be rationalized by frequent engagement. He argues that the will of God, as expressed in Scripture, is sufficient to condemn such actions, and that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, which should not be defiled. Baxter provides practical directions to avoid temptation, including the importance of self-control, avoiding idleness, and the necessity of marriage for those unable to contain their desires. He warns that those who reconcile their consciences to fornication often become desensitized to other sins, leading to a life devoid of moral integrity. Ultimately, he calls for a return to holiness and the recognition of the severe consequences of sin.

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not being slothful in business but fervent in spirit. He urges the audience to lose no time and to diligently study, pray, confer, and practice in order to increase their abilities. The preacher warns against behaving weakly or with indifference when delivering God's message, as it can dishonor God and hinder the work of conversion. He also reminds the audience to be mindful of the scrutiny of the world and to walk circumspectly, redeeming the time because the days are evil. The sermon emphasizes the need for holy skill in preaching and the importance of honoring God in the delivery of His message.

Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'leitourgos', emphasizing its significance as a worker of the people, often associated with public duties and works of public use. This term is used in the New Testament to describe Paul, Epaphroditus, angels as God's ministers, and priests in the Jerusalem Temple. The concept of 'leitourgos' highlights the idea of serving in a religious capacity with solemnity and dignity, reflecting the authority of civil authorities as servants of God. The sermon explores the rich religious legacy of 'leitourgos' and its implications for both rulers and citizens, drawing parallels to historical figures like Cyrus, the Persian emperor, anointed by God to carry out His will.

Richard Baxter preaches about the heavenly rest designed for the people of God, who are chosen by God before the foundation of the world and are born again spiritually. These individuals experience conviction of sin, their own insufficiency, and are convinced of the full sufficiency of Jesus Christ. The will of the people of God is changed by their conviction, leading them to accept Christ as Savior and Lord with their whole soul. Baxter urges self-examination to see if one truly belongs to the people of God and emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ and enduring to the end.

Richard Baxter delivers a powerful sermon warning about the consequences of rejecting Christ and living in sin, emphasizing the eternal separation from God and the everlasting torment in hell for those who do not repent. He draws parallels from the story of Ehud and Eglon to illustrate the urgency of delivering God's message to turn hearts towards salvation. Baxter highlights the importance of accepting Christ and the necessity of holiness to see the Lord, urging listeners to heed the call before it's too late.

Richard Baxter preaches about the lack of enthusiasm in seeking the wonderful rest that God offers, noting how even those who profess to believe often neglect heavenly matters for worldly pursuits. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing eternal rest over temporary pleasures and possessions, urging both pastors and laypeople to be diligent in seeking God's kingdom. Baxter challenges listeners to examine their commitment to God and to strive earnestly for salvation, as even the most faithful Christians regret their negligence at death.

Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of self-examination to attain certainty of salvation. He highlights how many neglect to secure their title to the glorious rest awaiting God's people, despite eagerly seeking assurance in other aspects of life. Baxter emphasizes that true trust in God involves actively examining and ruling our hearts by Scripture, rather than passively leaving everything to God. He warns against hindrances like Satan's deception, worldly influences, and false hope that prevent believers from self-examination and blessed assurance.

Richard Baxter preaches about the urgency and importance of helping others find the saints' everlasting rest, emphasizing the duty of Christians to actively work towards the salvation of souls. He highlights the need for compassion, instruction, and a genuine desire for the eternal happiness of others. Baxter stresses the significance of witnessing with sincerity, faithfulness, and a sense of urgency, backed by the authority of God's word. He also addresses the various hindrances that may prevent believers from fulfilling this duty, such as sin, lack of faith, lack of compassion, desire for popularity, and sinful bashfulness.

Richard Baxter preaches about the folly of seeking rest in earthly enjoyments rather than in God, highlighting the tendency to prioritize material blessings over spiritual growth. He emphasizes the importance of enduring troubles as a means to stay on the path to eternal rest, and the danger of idolizing temporary comforts. Baxter urges believers to consider the unreasonableness of desiring continual prosperity and the necessity of facing present troubles with faith and perseverance, rather than seeking rest in worldly pleasures. He also addresses the reluctance to die and the need to shift our focus from earthly comforts to the eternal rest and joy found in God's presence.

Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of setting our hearts and minds on heavenly things, emphasizing the need to focus on eternity and the joy of dwelling with God. He urges believers to meditate on heaven's delights, resist temptations through heavenly-mindedness, and find comfort in afflictions by fixing their thoughts on the eternal rest promised by God. Baxter highlights that a heart set upon heaven is evidence of sincerity, a defense against sin, and a source of increased love and joy, ultimately leading to a more fruitful Christian life and honoring God.

Richard Baxter preaches about the hindrances to living a heavenly life on earth, warning against known sin, an earthly mind, ungodly company, disputes about lesser truths, a proud spirit, laziness, and contentment with mere preparation for a heavenly life. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding these hindrances to truly experience communion with God and live a life focused on heavenly contemplation and humility.

Richard Baxter preaches on the importance of being convinced of the value of heaven, emphasizing the need for this conviction to deeply sink into our hearts to motivate us. He urges believers to remember the nearness of their eternal rest, encouraging conversations and thoughts about heaven. Baxter also highlights the significance of spiritual experiences in increasing our interest in heaven, and the importance of praising God and keeping our souls filled with believing thoughts of His infinite love. Lastly, he advises not to neglect physical health as a means to support a heavenly life guided by the Holy Spirit.

Richard Baxter emphasizes the importance of meditation as a means for the soul to digest truth from the Bible, turning belief into action and transforming the mind into strong willpower, genuine emotions, and holy living. He urges Christians to actively engage in heavenly contemplation, making it both spontaneous and scheduled, to cultivate a deep fellowship and friendship with God. Baxter advises on the best time, frequency, and season for meditation, highlighting its significance in times of suffering, distress, and especially when facing death, as a way to prepare the soul for eternal rest in heaven.

Richard Baxter preaches on the importance of heavenly contemplation, emphasizing the factors that promote it. He highlights the power of consideration in reflecting on God's truths to open the door between the head and the heart, leading to a sincere understanding of faith. Baxter also discusses the attitudes of love, desire, hope, courage, and joy that should be stimulated in heavenly contemplation, encouraging believers to cultivate these emotions. Additionally, he explores the aids of soliloquy and prayer in meditation, urging individuals to engage in self-reflection and dialogue with God to deepen their spiritual connection.

The preacher delves into the concept of 'leitourgia,' highlighting its significance as a public service or ministry, particularly in the context of the Jewish priesthood. The sermon emphasizes the necessity of blood for cleansing and forgiveness, drawing parallels between the shedding of blood in the Old Testament sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. Through various Old Testament examples and New Testament references, the preacher illustrates how blood symbolizes the costliness of sin and the atonement required for forgiveness, ultimately pointing to Jesus as the perfect sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.

Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of daily meditation and prayer, urging believers to retire to a private place, set aside worldly thoughts, and focus on heavenly realities to ignite a transformation from a forgetful sinner to an ardent lover of God. He emphasizes the anticipation of everlasting rest, the nearness of Christ's return, and the joy of being welcomed into God's kingdom. Baxter encourages a longing for heavenly glory, a surrender to God's will, and a readiness for Christ's return, highlighting the ultimate hope of eternal rest and joy in God's presence.

Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of maintaining a heavenly life through serious and frequent meditation, emphasizing the spiritual joys, stability, and lasting comfort that come from being friendly with God. He urges listeners to focus on heavenly delights, as neglecting them can lead to a miserable life, dampen love for God, and weaken the desire to serve Him. Baxter encourages a life of heavenly meditation, reminding believers that their true homeland is in heaven, where they can find eternal happiness and draw daily joy from God.

Richard Baxter addresses the faithful ministers of Christ in Britain and Ireland, urging them to engage in the work of catechizing and private instruction as a solemn duty for the welfare of the Church and the salvation of souls. He emphasizes the importance of humbling themselves before the Lord, confessing their sins, and openly addressing the sins of the ministry to promote true reformation. Baxter encourages ministers to diligently pursue catechizing, Church discipline, and unity among themselves, highlighting the necessity of these actions for the advancement of the Church and the fulfillment of their calling.

Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of ministers taking heed to themselves, emphasizing the need for self-examination and personal holiness. He highlights the dangers of hypocrisy, the temptations that come with leadership roles, and the greater accountability that ministers face due to their position. Baxter urges ministers to be diligent in their spiritual walk, to avoid falling into sin, and to prioritize their own sanctification in order to effectively fulfill their calling and bring honor to God.

Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of oversight in the ministry, emphasizing the need for pastors to take heed to themselves first before taking heed to the flock. He highlights the necessity of pastors knowing their congregation intimately, being aware of their struggles, sins, and temptations. Baxter stresses the importance of pastors being diligent, laborious, and prudent in their ministry, focusing on the most necessary truths and delivering them in a plain and simple manner. He also emphasizes the need for humility, a balance of severity and mildness, and the practice of church discipline for the edification and salvation of souls.

Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of humility, diligence in the work of the Lord, selflessness, and unity within the Church. He emphasizes the need for ministers to humble themselves before God, lament their past sins, and seek forgiveness and cleansing. Baxter highlights the dangers of pride, negligence in studying and preaching, and prioritizing worldly interests over the work of Christ. He calls for a genuine devotion to God, a zealous pursuit of peace and unity within the Church, and a focus on the common good rather than individual or party interests.

Richard Baxter passionately reflects on his own shortcomings as a preacher, expressing deep remorse for not being more serious and fervent in delivering the message of salvation. He questions his own sincerity and earnestness in preaching about life, death, heaven, and hell, feeling convicted by his conscience for not being more emotionally engaged in his sermons. Baxter acknowledges his own dullness and slow spiritual growth, feeling ashamed of every sermon he preaches, realizing the weight of responsibility in sharing God's truths with others.

Richard Baxter, a Puritan preacher, delves into the great sinfulness of sin, emphasizing the intrinsic evil of sin itself and its various implications. He highlights how sin is a violation of God's perfect law, a denial of His authority, and a contempt of His wisdom, goodness, and holiness. Baxter also explains how sin leads to a practical atheism, idolatry, and a disregard for God's mercy, love, and grace. Ultimately, sin is portrayed as a moral destruction that affects not only the individual soul but also the entire creation, disrupting the harmony and order of the world.

Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of knowing God and being affected by His attributes, as sin's malignity is relative to its offense against God. He emphasizes the need to understand the office, bloodshed, and holy life of Christ, which reveal the odiousness of sin. Baxter urges believers to consider the work of the Holy Ghost and the mercy of God, leading to a deep hatred and shame for sin. He highlights the purpose of the soul to love, obey, and glorify God, showing how sin disables this purpose and perverts it.

Richard Baxter emphasizes the importance of ministers preaching with utmost seriousness and earnestness, delivering messages about eternal life and damnation in a way that truly awakens and convicts sinners. He urges preachers to speak passionately and fervently, to apply doctrine closely and vividly, and to communicate with conviction and zeal, knowing that the eternal fate of their listeners is at stake. Baxter stresses the need for ministers to awaken their own hearts before attempting to awaken others, to pray earnestly for their congregation's faith and repentance, and to diligently carry out their ministerial work with all their might, recognizing the immense significance of their role in saving souls and advancing God's kingdom.