Jan
19
2010
He made Christianity attractive
“In any analysis of the factors which contributed to his success, pride of place must be given to his personal character. It was not merely that he was singularly ‘apt to teach’ — quick-thinking, clear-headed, fluent, well-read, able to express great truths vividly and colloquially without cheapening them, indefatigable in analysis and illustration; though he was all this. He made Christianity attractive by demonstrating in his own pain-racked life the truth of his constant testimony that ‘the gospel is glad tidings of great joy, and that holiness lies especially in delighting in God . . . and in his joyful praise, and hopes of glory, and longing for and seeking the Heavenly Jerusalem.’”
J. I. Packer, “Great Pastors — V: Richard Baxter,” Theology 56 (1953):176.