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

Moreover, a long time I have been persuading all the families in the Town and Parish, to read the Scripture, and daily call upon God together: I have proved it their duty from Scripture, and this doth not prevail. But see what flesh and self can do? If these men were but sure of ten or twenty shillings a time, for every Morning and Evening that they pray together, I ⟨p. 42⟩warrant you, what ever the heart did, the lips should be taught to do their part. O how busy would all the Town and Parish be to learn to pray, that now look not after it? I do not believe that there is ever a house among them all that would not very shortly set up prayer, if they were but paid for it after these rates? Judge now whether God or self bear sway among these men, and whether soul or body be more regarded.

Moreover, a long time I have been perswading all the families in the Town and Parish, to read the Scripture, and daily call upon God together: I have proved it their duty from Scripture, and this doth not prevail. But see what flesh and self can do? If these men were but sure of ten or twenty shillings a time, for every Morning and Evening that they pray together, I ⟨p. 42⟩warrant you, what ever the heart did, the lips should be taught to do their part. O how busie would all the Town and Parish be to learn to pray, that now look not after it? I do not believe that there is ever a house among them all that would not very shortly set up prayer, if they were but paid for it after these rates? Judge now whether God or self bear sway among these men, and whether soul or body be more regarded.

Moreover, we have too many drunkards in the Town, that no means that we can use will restrain and keep sober. They love the drink, and they cannot forbear; and tell them of Gods word, that doth threaten them with damnation, and they will for all that be drunk the next day. But if one of these wretches might have but ten pound a week on condition he would forbear, I do not think for all this but he could forbear: Or if he were sure that for every cup of drink, he should drink after it a cup of piss or gall, I warrant you he would soon begin to abate.