Richard Baxter (1615-1691) was one of the preeminent Puritan leaders of his day, the most successful Puritan pastor, and the most productive Puritan writer. Ordained at 23, he spent 17 fruitful years as curate at Kidderminster, England. He was ejected from the Church of England by the Act of Uniformity in 1662 and was imprisoned at least three times for his preaching. The author of more than 150 published treatises including "The Reformed Pastor, The Godly Home," and the politically controversial" A Holy Commonwealth," his practical works were the most popular.