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

10. Observe also how few they be that satisfy their souls in Gods Approbation, though they are mis-judged and vilified by the world: and how few that rejoice at the prosperity of the Gospel, though themselves be in Adversity: most men must needs have the Hypocrites reward, Matth. 6. 2. even some commendation from men: and too few are fully pleased with his eye that seeth in secret, and will reward them openly, Matth. 6. 4, 6. And hence it is that injurious censures and hard words do go so near them, and they make so great a matter of them. Those times do seem best to selfish men, which are most for them: If they prosper, and ⟨image 39⟩their party prosper, though most of the Church should be a loser by it, they will think that it is a blessed time: But if the Church prosper, and not they, but any suffering befall them, they take on as if the Church did stand or fall with them. Self-interest is their measure, by which they judge of times and things.

10. Observe also how few they be that satisfie their souls in Gods Approbation, though they are mis-judged and vilified by the world: and how few that rejoyce at the prosperity of the Gospel, though themselves be in Adversity: most men must needs have the Hypocrites reward, Matth. 6. 2. even some commendation from men: and too few are fully pleased with his eye that seeth in seret, and will reward them openly, Matth. 6. 4, 6. And hence it is that injurious censures and hard words do go so near them, and they make so great a matter of them. Those times do seem best to selfish men, which are most for them: If they prosper, and ⟨image 39⟩their party prosper, though most of the Church should be a loser by it, they will think that it is a blessed time: But if the Church prosper, and not they, but any suffering befall them, they take on as if the Church did stand or fall with them. Self-interest is their measure, by which they judge of times and things.