Reformed Pastor - Baxter - VI - Chapter 3 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 3 by beginning Section 1 (The use of humiliation) by reading Points 1 (On account of our pride) and 2 (Our not seriously, unreservedly, and laboriously laying out ourselves in our work).

My summary
Today we begin Chapter 3 and the First Section of that chapter looking at the usefulness of humiliation.

After introducing the subject of humiliation, Baxter looks at two ministerial sins: pride and laziness.

Firstly, pride 'is a sin that hath too much interest in the best of us, but which is more hateful and inexcusable in us than in other men. Yet is it so prevalent in some of us, that it inditeth our discourses, it chooseth our company, it formeth our countenances, it putteth the accent and emphasis upon our words.'

Secondly, ministers are not seriously, unreservedly, and laboriously laying themselves out in their work.  Particularly by:
(1) negligent studies;
(2) dull, drowsy preaching;
(3) not compassionating and helping destitute congregations.

What grabbed me
Such a good section today.  I must admit that pride and laziness are two of my biggest problems.

Loved the reminder to study hard: 'O what abundance of things are there that a minister should understand! and what a great defect is it to be ignorant of them! and how much shall we miss such knowledge in our work! Many ministers study only to compose their sermons, and very little more, when there are so many books to be read, and so many matters that we should not be unacquainted with. Nay, in the study of our sermons we are too negligent, gathering only a few naked truths, and not considering of the most forcible expressions by which we may set them home to men's consciences and hearts. We must study how to convince and get within men, and how to bring each truth to the quick, and not leave all this to our extemporary promptitude, unless in cases of necessity. Certainly, brethren, experience will teach you that men are not made learned or wise without hard study and unwearied labour and experience.'

The minister's studies don't end once his sermon is composed.

Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 3 by concluding Section 1 (The use of humiliation).

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