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

9. Moreover, as it is Gods Prerogative to be the Sovereign Ruler of our selves, so also of all others as well as us. But when sin had set up self, man would not only Rule himself, but would rule all others. An eager desire there is in the unsanctified selfish heart, that he might be Ruler of Town and Country, and all might be brought to do his will. And hence it is that there is such resisting and grudging at good Governors, and that men are so ambitious and fain would be highest, because they would have their own wills fulfilled by all, and therefore would have power to force men to it: Hence it is that there is such a stir in the world for Crowns and Kingdoms: and few men have ever been heard of, that have refused a Sceptre when it was offered them, yea or that would not step out of their way for it, and wound their Consciences, and hazard all their hopes of Heaven for it, if they found themselves in a likelihood of obtaining it; because where self doth reign at home, it would reign also over all others. Nothing more pleaseth the Carnal mind, than to have his will, and to have all men do what he would have them, and ⟨p. 23⟩to see all at his beck, and each man seeking to know his Pleasure, ready to receive his word for Law. This is the reign of self.

9. Moreover, as it is Gods Prerogative to be the Soveraign Ruler of our selves, so also of all others as well as us. But when sin had set up self, man would not only Rule himself, but would rule all others. An eager desire there is in the unsanctified selfish heart, that he might be Ruler of Town and Country, and all might be brought to do his will. And hence it is that there is such resisting and grudging at good Governors, and that men are so ambitious and fain would be highest, because they would have their own wills fulfilled by all, and therefore would have power to force men to it: Hence it is that there is such a stir in the world for Crowns and Kingdoms: and few men have ever been heard of, that have refused a Scepter when it was offered them, yea or that would not step out of their way for it, and wound their Consciences, and hazard all their hopes of Heaven for it, if they found themselves in a likelyhood of obtaining it; because where self doth raign at home, it would raign also over all others. Nothing more pleaseth the Carnal mind, than to have his will, and to have all men do what he would have them, and ⟨p. 23⟩