Oh, careless sinners, I wish you only knew the love that you unthankfully neglect and the preciousness of the blood of Christ that you despise! Oh, that you only knew the riches of the gospel! Oh, that you only knew a little of the certainty, the glory, and the blessedness of that everlasting life that you will not now set your hearts upon or be persuaded to seek diligently now! If you only knew the endless life with God that you now neglect, you would quickly cast away your sin, change your mind and life, change your course and company, turn the direction of your devotion, and spend your energy and time another way.

If you will turn and live, do it determinedly, and do not stand still and deliberate as if it were a doubtful case. Do not stand around wavering as if you were uncertain whether God or the flesh is the better master, whether sin or holiness is the better way, or whether heaven or hell is the better result. Away with your former lusts, and immediately, unceasingly, and wholeheartedly resolve! Do not be of one mind one day and of another mind the next, but be done with the world, and resolvedly give up yourselves and all that you have to God. Before Satan has time to distract you or entice you to change your mind, take a stand for God! You will never truly turn until you resolve, and do so with a firm, unchangeable decision.

About the Author

Richard Baxter (1615–1691) preached “as a dying man to dying men.” He was devoted to God and was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Best known as the minister of Kidderminster in England, his love for God and others resulted in practically the entire town of Kidderminster turning to Jesus during Baxter’s ministry there. Richard Baxter desired unity among Christians, which often resulted in opposition from those who held to church loyalty or theological views rather than to Christ and God’s Word. Baxter had his share of persecution, even being imprisoned on several occasions.