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

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.

Our neighbours do many of them think it much that we should call them to be personally Instructed or Catechized, and they will not come at us; but say, [What needs all this ado? have we not teaching enough at Church? Its Children that must be Catechized, and we are past Children.] You see how little interest God and their Ministers and their own salvation hath in them: But will you see what carnal self can do more? Had I but money enough, I would undertake to make them come to me, and follow me as a horse will follow his provender! Had I but ten pound a piece to give them, yea or but ten shillings, I do not think I should have any refuse to come and fetch it, unless it were those that now are the forwardest in seeking relief for the wants of their souls. Had I but the estates or lives of all these men in my power, how easily would they be ruled and how diligently and submissively would they attend, that now for God and their everlasting life, disdain to come and seek instructions. And yet these men would scarce believe you, if you should tell them that self and the world is made their God, and that God himself is denied and rejected by them.