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

And having given so many sad instances of the power of self and scarcity of self-denial in others, I hope the Magistrates will not take it ill if we help them to discern this enemy in themselves, nor be offended that they come last, unless it were in a more honourable cause. I hear the best and wisest men that I can meet with, complain that in most places, Ale-houses flourish under the Magistrates Noses; and that whoredom, swearing, profaning the Lords days, shall seldom be punished, but when they are very much urged to it, nor then neither if it will but displease a neighbour, or friend, especially if it be a worshipful swearer or drunkard that is to be punished. We see in most places that its more than the Justice can do to put down one Alehouse of many that they confess should be suppressed; and I doubt but few can keep them from increasing: Men say that there is so much ado before they can have Justice from many of them, and those that seek it are counted but for busy troublesome fellows, that many are ready to let all alone: And whence is all this, that men in Power can do so little against those that have no Power to resist them? Why Alas the cause is plain: Self is against it: They have none but God and Ministers, ⟨p. 44⟩and a few precise fellows to persuade them to it: and they have no greater motives, than what is fetched from Heaven and Hell to move them to it: and these are but small matters with them (I speak of the unsanctified) It must be one that hath greater interest in them than God that must persuade them to it: It must be more powerful matters than the promises of Heaven and the Threatenings of damnation that must prevail with such moderate Gentlemen as these. And who is it that can do this that God and their salvation may not do? Why even self, carnal self▪ If you know but how to engage their own self-interest in the business, I warrant you it will go better on. Let but every informer be well p••d for his pains, and every Justice have a h••dr•d pound from the Exchequer for every due execution of such laws, and how roundly would the work go on? Then they would not say [We cannot do it, or We are not bound to look after them.] Do you think I wrong them or speak without proof? I will leave it to your judgement when I have given you but these few instances.