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

that [all they in the Synagogue when they heard these things were filled with wrath, and rose up and thrust him out of the City and led him to the brow of the hill whereon their City was built that they might cast him down headlong.] See what entertainment such doctrine had even from Christ himself! As if they should have said, ⟨p. 57⟩what! are we all unconverted and ungodly, shall none be saved but a few such as you! Self was not able to bear this doctrine, they would have had his life for it.

7. Again, let but a Minister or private Christian, deal closely with ungodly men or Hypocrites about their particular sins, by private reproof, and see whether Self be not Lord and King in them. O how scurvily they will look at you? and their hearts do presently rise against you with displeasure, and they meet you with distaste and passion, and plead for their sins, or at least excuse or extenuate them; or bethink themselves what they may hit you in the teeth with of your own: Or if malice it self can fasten nothing on you, they let fly at professors, or those that they think are of your mind and way: in a word, they show you that they take it not well that you meddle with them, and let not their sin alone, and look to your selves, for all that God hath expressly commanded us, Lev. 19. 17. [Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.] And Heb. 3. 13. [Exhort one another daily while it is called to day, lest any be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin] So Mat. 18. 15, 16. Try but plain dealing with your neighbours one twelve month with as much prudence and love and lenity as will stand with faithfulness; and when you have done I dare leave it to your selves to judge, whether God or self have the more servants in the world, and whether self-denial and Sanctification be not very rare.