A treatise of self-denial. By Richard Baxter, pastor of the church at KidderminsterA treatise of self-denial. By Richard Baxter, pastor of the church at Kederminster

8. Observe also how forward men are to Teach, and how backward to be Learners, and then judge of their Self-denial. Why are so many unwilling to enter by the way of Ordination? but (too commonly) because they judge better of their Own abilities than Ordainers do, and therefore suspect that they may be rejected by the Ordainers, or disgraced at the least, while they think highly of themselves. But if they ⟨image 38⟩were self-denying men, they would think the sober, faithful Pastors, much fitter Judges of their abilities than themselves, and would not run before they are sent. Many that reproach the Ministers as deceivers, will needs be themselves the Teachers of the people: As if they should say, (We silly ignorant souls) are wiser and fitter to be Teachers than you: come down and let us take your places.] In conference you may observe that most are forwarder to speak than to hear: which shows that they over-value their own understandings. And so much are Proud men delighted to be thought the Oracles of the world, that if you will but seem to hearken to them, and learn of them, and yield to their Opinions, you win their hearts, and shall be the men that have their commendations. Insomuch that some late ambitious persons, that have thought to rise by the art of dissimulation, have found that there is no way for the deceiving of the people, and procuring the good will of most, like this; even to seem to be of every mans opinion that they talk with, and to make every Sect and Party believe that they are their friends, and of their mind: Especially, if you will seem to be changed by their arguments, and give them the glory of your convictions and illuminations, you will then be the dearly beloved of their hearts. In all this you may see the rarity of self-denial: Yea in the very work of God, too many of the most zealous godly Ministers, that have been the instruments of converting many souls, are touched a little with the temptation to this selfishness, looking too much to their own part in the work.

8. Observe also how forward men are to Teach, and how backward to be Learners, and then judge of their Self-denial. Why are so many unwilling to enter by the way of Ordination? but (too commonly) because they judge better of their Own abilities than Ordainers do, and therefore suspect that they may be rejected by the Ordainers, or disgraced at the least, while they think highly of themselves. But if they ⟨image 38⟩