Throughout his life, Richard Baxter suffered from ill-health and it was during one of the more serious periods of illness that he began writing The Saints Everlasting Rest. His intention was to provide suitable meditations on the theme of heaven. The book was published in 1650 and it became one the most best known of his writings and has continued to be so to the present day.

Richard Baxter (1615-1691) was a leader in the puritan movement in Britain. His successful ministry of Kidderminister, England was outstanding even in that period of eminent pastors and preachers, and his book The Reformed Pastor explains many of the principles he practiced there.
Richard Baxter was prolific author, writing over sixty books. When he was dying, a friend comforted him with the reminder of the benefit many had recieved from his writings. He replied, 'I was but a pen in God's hand, and what praise is due to a pen?'