The Studiousness of Richard Baxter (Ep. 40)

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Visit the market town of Kidderminster in Worcestershire, England today and you’ll notice a statue of a man preaching, his right hand pointing upward and his left hand holding a book. This monument of Richard Baxter, the 17^th century nonconformist minister, captures the three items he loved most: Heaven, preaching, and books—ultimately the greatest book of Scripture.

Gifted with a tenacious memory and an incomparable work ethic, Richard Baxter stands as the most prolific English theological writer of all time. A study of his life will illustrate an excellent model of Christians studiousness to the glory of God.

Church History, Paul Schlehlein, Puritan, Puritans, VOV

PARADISE LOST: The Adaptability of John Milton (Ep. 39)

Posted on March 2, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

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John Milton is remembered today as one of England’s greatest poets, second only to William Shakespeare. But unlike the Bard of Avon, Milton was a committed Protestant that wrote with poetic genius, grandeur, and complexity.

Most have heard of Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost,his masterpiece and most famous work. But few know people that he wrote this work while enduring the most difficult trial of his life: blindness. Not one to sulk, Milton altered his course, and devoted himself to the work of his life. In doing so, he leaves the church an example of Spirit-filled adaptability.

Church History, Elightenment, John Milton, Puritan, VOV

AMERICA’S FIRST MISSIONARY: The Impartiality of John Eliot (Ep. 38)

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

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John Elliot was born 188 years before William Carey sailed for India as the Father of Modern Missions. Though many consider Carey’s voyage as the beginning of the modern missionary movement, Eliot had already crossed the Atlantic nearly two centuries earlier for Great Commission work.

Prior to Eliot’s labors, the church had given little effort toward gospel preaching around the world. One exception was Leif Ericson of Norway, who took the good news to the people of Greenland. John Eliot, indeed, was a pioneer missionary. And he was so successful in his gospel work among the Native Americans that he became known as “The Apostle to the Indians.”

Church History, John Eliot, Puritan, VOV

SWEET DROPPER: The Sympathy of Richard Sibbes (Ep. 35)

Posted on February 2, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Richard Sibbes video here

Sixteenth-century Puritan Richard Sibbes excelled as a friend, pastor, and preacher, but it was his book The Bruised Reed that remains his greatest legacy to the church. Just as a good father does not focus on the blemishes of his child, so a sympathetic man will give grace toward the weaknesses of his friend.

Sibbes said: “A mother who has a sick and self-willed child will not therefore cast it away. And shall there be more mercy in the stream than in the spring?” Yes, and the spring is Christ, as we shall now see.

Church History, Puritan, Richard Sibbes, VOV