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

19. Nay more; men are not only partial for themselves, but for any that are near themselves, or that self is related to. Let another mans Son or Servant do evil, and you can be content that he be rebuked or corrected: But if it be a Son, or Kinsman, or Servant of your Own, the case is altered; its then a wrong to punish, ⟨p. 69⟩him, because of his relation to you. Let a Stranger do amiss, and you can give way to Justice: But if the Drunkard, or Ale-seller, or Swearer be your friend, then he must be born with and forgiven, and the justice must be entreated for him.

19. Nay more; men are not only partial for themselves, but for any that are neer themselves, or that self is related to. Let another mans Son or Servant do evil, and you can be content that he be rebuked or corrected: But if it be a Son, or Kinsman, or Servant of your Own, the case is altered; its then a wrong to punish, ⟨p. 69⟩him, because of his relation to you. Let a Stranger do amiss, and you can give way to Justice: But if the Drunkard, or Ale-seller, or Swearer be your friend, then he must be born with and forgiven, and the justice must be intreated for him.

Let a scandalous, or insufficient Minister, or Schoolmaster be offered to any place: If he be a Stranger, you can be content that he be rejected: but if he be a Kinsman, or Child, or Friend of yours, what an alteration doth this make in the case! then he must be born with, or tried, and you hope he will mend, and his faults are made the least of, & his virtues more than indeed they are.

Nay any man that doth but love your selves and honour you, and think highly of you, shall have a favourabler construction for all his words, and actions, and intentions, than one that you imagine is against you or hath low thoughts of you, or is against your interest, or your opinion.