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

CHAP. IX. The great Power and prevalency of selfishness discovered.

And that you may see what cause we have for our Lamentation: Consider the greatness of selfish Tyranny in these Particulars.

ANd that you may see what cause we have for our Lamentation: Consider the greatness of selfish Tyranny in these Particulars.

1. Consider what a Power it is that self beareth down in the world: The Commands of the God of heaven are overcome by it. The promises of eternal life, are trod under foot by it. The threatenings of endless torments are nothing to it. It casts by Heaven: it ventures upon Hell: It tramples upon the precious blood of Christ: It will not hear the voice of wisdom it self: Nor the voice of goodness and mercy it self: It refuseth him that speaks from heaven: Love it self is not lovely where self is Judge: It quencheth all the motions of the Spirit: it despiseth Ministers: It turneth mercies into wantonness and sin: Like Sampson, it breaks all bonds that are laid on it: and till it be weakened it self, there is no holding, no ruling, no saving the soul, that's ruled by it.

1. Consider what a Power it is that self beareth down in the world: The Commands of the God of heaven are overcome by it. The promises of eternal life, are trod under foot by it. The threatnings of endless torments are nothing to it. It casts by Heaven: it ventures upon Hell: It tramples upon the precious blood of Christ: It will not hear the voice of wisdom it self: Nor the voice of goodness and mercy it self: It refuseth him that speaks from heaven: Love it self is not lovely where self is Judge: It quencheth all the motions of the Spirit: it despiseth Ministers: It turneth mercies into wantonness and sin: Like Sampson, it breaks all bonds that are laid on it: and till it be weakned it self, there is no holding, no ruling, no saving the soul, thats ruled by it.