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

5. And whence is it but from selfishness that plain and ⟨p. 55⟩close Application in our Sermons is taken to be an injury to those that think themselves concerned in it? If a Minister will speak alike to all, and take heed of meddling with their sores, they will patiently hear him: but if he make them know that he meaneth them in particular, and deal closely with them about their miserable state or against any special disgraceful sin, they fall a railing at him, and reproaching him behind his back, and perhaps they will say, They'll hear him no more. O saith the selfish ungodly wretch, [I know he meant me to day: had he no body but me to speak against?] As if a sick man should be angry with the Physician, for giving directions and medicines to him in particular, and say, [Had he no body to give Physic to but me? Were there not sick men enough in the Town besides me?] When Christ told the Despisers of the Gospel of the certain and dreadful destruction that was near them, Mat. 21. 41, 44, 45. its said that [When the chief Priests and Pharisees had heard his Parables, they perceived that he spake of them! (A heinous business) and therefore they sought to lay hands on him, but that they durst not do it for fear of the multitude.]

5. And whence is it but from selfishness that plain and ⟨p. 55⟩close Application in our Sermons is taken to be an injury to those that think themselves concerned in it? If a Minister will speak alike to all, and take heed of medling with their sores, they will patiently hear him: but if he make them know that he meaneth them in particular, and deal closely with them about their miserable state or against any special disgraceful sin, they fall a railing at him, and reproaching him behind his back, and perhaps they will say, They'le hear him no more. O saith the selfish ungodly wretch, [I know he meant me to day: had he no body but me to speak against?] As if a sick man should be angry with the Physitian, for giving directions and medicines to him in particular, and say, [Had he no body to give Physick to but me? Were there not sick men enough in the Town besides me?] When Christ told the Despisers of the Gospel of the certain and dreadful destruction that was near them,