Reformed Pastor - Baxter - II - Chapter 1 commenced

Required reading
Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter (we'll be reading from the 1862 edition available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Commence Chapter 1 by reading Section 1 (The nature of this oversight).

My summary
In Section One of Chapter One we look at the nature of the Christian ministry.

Firstly Baxter tells us that we as ministers should see that the work of saving grace be thoroughly wrought in our own souls.

Secondly, we are instructed not to content ourselves with being in a state of grace, but be also careful that our graces are kept in vigorous and lively exercise and that we preach to ourselves the sermons which we study, before we preach them to others.

Thirdly, we are commended to be careful not to let our example contradict our doctrine lest we unsay with our lives what we say with our tongues and be the greatest hinderers of the success of our own labours.

Fourthly, we are warned not to live in those sins which we preach against in others.

What grabbed me
I enjoyed hearing that the study of theology is above all other studies. 

This does not mean we should not study anything else, but if our theology isn't right before we study the sciences, then they are of no value: 'Your study of physics and other sciences is not worth a rush, if it be not God that you seek after in them. To see and admire, to reverence and adore, to love and delight in God, as exhibited in his works, — this is the true and only philosophy; the contrary is mere foolery, and is so called again and again by God himself. This is the sanctification of your studies, when they are devoted to God, and when he is the end, the object, and the life of them all.'

Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter 1 by reading Section 2 (The motives to this oversight).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.