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

Beside all the generals already mentioned, it will not be amiss to give you some particular Instances of the power of selfishness, and the rareness of self-denial in the world, that you may see what cause of lamentation is before us.

BEside all the generals already mentioned, it will not be amiss to give you some particular Instances of the power of selfishness, and the rareness of self-denyal in the world, that you may see what cause of lamentation is before us.

1. How ready and speedy, how effectual and diligent, how constant and unwearied are they in the service of self? and how slow and backward, how remiss and negligent, how unconstant and tired are they in the works that are merely for God, and their salvation? Do I need to prove it to you? You may as well call for proof whether there are men in the world? I were best for instance begin next home. Many Ministers think it a drudgery and a toil that God requireth at their hands to confer with every family in their Parishes, and instruct them ⟨p. 41⟩privately in the matters of salvation. But see what self can do: If the same men have but their tithe to gather, they will not think it a needless thing, to go or send to every family, and speak with them all about their own business. At least if it were any considerable sum, they would not lose it for want of speaking for.

1. How ready and speedy, how effectual and diligent, how constant and unwearied are they in the service of self? and how slow and backward, how remiss and negligent, how unconstant and tired are they in the works that are meerly for God, and their salvation? Do I need to prove it to you? You may as well call for proof whether there are men in the world? I were best for instance begin next home. Many Ministers think it a drudgery and a toil that God requireth at their hands to confer with every family in their Parishes, and instruct them ⟨p. 41⟩privately in the matters of salvation. But see what self can do: If the same men have but their tithe to gather, they will not think it a needless thing, to go or send to every family, and speak with them all about their own business. At least if it were any considerable sum, they would not lose it for want of speaking for.