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

12. Lastly, Observe but how difficult a thing it is to keep Peace (as in families and neighbourhoods) so in Churches and Common-wealths; and judge by this of ⟨image 40⟩mens self-denial. Husbands and Wives, brothers and sisters, masters and servants, live at variance, and all through the conflicts that arise between their contrary self-interests. If a beast do but trespass on a neighbours grounds; if they be but assessed for the State, or poor, above their expectations; if in any way of trading their commodity be crossed; you shall quickly see where self bears Rule. This makes it so difficult a work to keep the Churches from Divisions. Few men are sensible of the Universal Interest, because they are captivated to their own: And therefore it is that men fear not to make parties and divisions in the Church: and will tear it in pieces to satisfy their interest or selfish zeal: Hence it is that Parties are so much multiplied, and keep up the buckler against others, because that selfishness makes all Partial. Hence it is that people fall off from their Pastors, or else fall out with them, when they are crossed in their opinions, reproved for their sins, or called to confess or make restitution, and perhaps that they may sacrilegiously defraud the Church of Tithes or other payments that are due. Hence it is also that members so oft fall out with one another, for foul words, or differences of judgement, or some point or other of self-interest: Nay sometimes about their very seats in the place of Worship; while every man is for himself, the Ministers can hardly keep them in Charity and Peace.

12. Lastly, Observe but how difficult a thing it is to keep Peace (as in families and neighbourhoods) so in Churches and Common-wealths; and judge by this of ⟨image 40⟩mens self-denial. Husbands and Wives, brothers and sisters, masters and servants, live at variance, and all through the conflicts that arise between their contrary self-interests. If a beast do but trespass on a neighbours grounds; if they be but assessed for the State, or poor, above their expectations; if in any way of trading their commodity be crost; you shall quickly see where self bears Rule. This makes it so difficult a work to keep the Churches from Divisions. Few men are sensible of the Universal Interest, because they are captivated to their own: And therefore it is that men fear not to make parties and divisions in the Church: and will tear it in pieces to satisfie their interest or selfish zeal: Hence it is that Parties are so much multiplied, and keep up the buckler against others, because that selfishness makes all Partial. Hence it is that people fall off from their Pastors, or else fall out with them, when they are crost in their opinions, reproved for their sins, or called to consess or make restitution, and perhaps that they may sacrilegiously desraud the Church of Tithes or other payments that are due. Hence it is also that members so oft fall out with one another, for foul words, or differences of judgement, or some point or other of self-interest: Nay sometimes about their very seats in the place of Worship; while every man is for himself, the Ministers can hardly keep them in Charity and Peace.