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. The great duty of charitable relieving our brethren in necessity to the utmost of our power, is commonly made almost nothing of in the world. And men cheat their souls by thinking they are passed from death to life, because they love the brethren with such a cold and barren love as will neither lay down estate for them, ⟨p. 53⟩nor venture life for them, but think they are sure Christians, because they can say as the believers that James mentioneth, [Depart in peace: be you warmed and filled, but give them not that which is necessary thereto] James 2. 16. Though it be told them plainly by Christ himself that it is not a fruitless uneffectual love, but that which causeth them to feed and clothe and visit the Saints, that must stand them instead at judgement, Matth. 25. and the Apostle asketh them, How the love of God can dwell in that man that seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up the bowels of his compassion from him, 1 John 3. 17. Yet do men think that by dropping now and then a penny, they have discharged all this great duty. And when they see many ways by which they might promote the Gospel, and help the Church, and serve God with their estates, yet self will not let them see the meaning of the plainest Scriptures that do require it.

1. The great duty of charitable relieving our brethren in necessity to the utmost of our power, is commonly made almost nothing of in the world. And men cheat their souls by thinking they are passed from death to life, because they love the brethren with such a cold and barren love as will neither lay down estate for them, ⟨p. 53⟩nor venture life for them, but think they are sure Christians, because they can say as the believers that James mentioneth, [Depart in peace: be you warmed and filled, but give them not that which is necessary thereto] James 2. 16. Though it be told them plainly by Christ himself that it is not a fruitless uneffectual love, but that which causeth them to feed and cloath and visit the Saints, that must stand them instead at judgement,