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

The poor man loves to hear us preach against the Vices of the rich, and to reprehend the luxury of Gentlemen, and the cruelty of oppressors: The subject too often loves to hear the Rulers faults laid open: The Countryman loves to hear the Courtiers, the Ministers, but specially the Lawyers faults laid open: Here you may speak freely: but Self must be let alone, upon pain of their displeasure, and many a reproach.

10. So also in case of personal close reproof: those that cannot endure it themselves, do think it the duty of others to endure it, and expect that others should submit to them; and if any will say, [Neighbour, I thank you for your plain and friendly dealing, and having so much compassion on my soul, as to help to save me from my sins: I confess I am a vile unworthy sinner; but by the grace of God I will do so no more: or if I be any more overtaken, I pray you tell me of it, and let me ⟨p. 66⟩not alone in it.] I say if another should answer them thus and thank them for their reproof, they would think the better of him, and take it well. But yet they will not do so themselves: for it costeth Self nothing to have another submit and humble himself.

So those that are most backward to the admonishing of others, lest they lose their love, can like to have a a Minister or another do it: For that doth not put them to deny themselves.