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

6. Yea this self doth lamentably survive even in the sanctified soul, among the special graces of the Spirit, and lamentably distempereth the hearts and lives of too many of the godly themselves. Not that any godly man is selfish in a predominant sense; or that self is higher or more powerful in his heart than God: for that's a contradiction: such a man cannot be a godly man (without Conversion:) But yet the very remnants of conquered Self, what a smoke do they make in our Assemblies, and what noisome scent in the lives of many godly men? what a stir have we sometimes with those that we hope are godly, before we can get them to an impartial judgment; to lament their own fowl words, or other miscarriages, and to humble themselves, or freely to forgive another that hath wronged them! especially to confess disgraceful sins in any self-denying manner? How close stick they to their own conceits? how lamentably do they improve them, to the contempt of Ministers, & trouble and division of the Church? How wise are they in their own eyes, and how hardly yield they to any advice that crosseth Self? How hardly are they brought to any dear and costly duty? How much do they indulge their appetites and passions? and how cheap a Religion do many think to come to ⟨p. 74⟩heaven with? we can scarce please some of them, they are so selfish: either because we cross them in their opinions, or in their ways; or because we allow them not so much special countenance and respect as self would have: or deny them somewhat which self desires. If they have any use for us, if we leave not more public or greater work which god hath set us on, and allow them not that part in our time or labours, or other helps, which God and Conscience will not allow them, they are offended & take it ill, that self is not preferred before God and the public service. Their selves are so dear to themselves, that they think we should neglect all to serve them.

6. Yea this self doth lamentably survive even in the sanctified soul, among the special graces of the Spirit, and lamentably distempereth the hearts and lives of too many of the godly themselves. Not that any godly man is selfish in a predominant sense; or that self is higher or more powerful in his heart than God: for that's a contradiction: such a man cannot be a godly man (without Conversion:) But yet the very remnants of conquered Self, what a smoak do they make in our Assemblies, and what noisom scent in the lives of many godly men? what a stir have we sometimes with those that we hope are godly, before we can get them to an impartial judgment; to lament their own fowl words, or other miscarriages, and to humble themselves, or freely to forgive another that hath wronged them! especially to confess disgraceful sins in any self-denying manner? How close stick they to their own conceits? how lamentably do they improve them, to the contempt of Ministers, & trouble and division of the Church? How wise are they in their own eyes, and how hardly yield they to any advice that crosseth Self? How hardly are they brought to any dear and costly duty? How much do they indulge their appetites and passions? and how cheap a Religion do many think to come to