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

1. The trial of your self-denial may be performed by ⟨p. 80⟩the help of the Signs that have been given you before. In the ten particulars mentioned in the beginning, you may see what is selfishness, and what is self-denial. But for your further satisfaction, I shall only tell you in a few words, how the least measure of true self-denial may be known. And, in one word, that is thus: Wherever the Interest of Carnal self is stronger and more predominant habitually than the Interest of God, of Christ, of everlasting life, there is no true self-denial or saving grace: But where Gods Interest is the strongest, there self-denial is sincere. If you further ask me, How this may be known? Briefly thus.

1. What is it that you Live for? what is that Good which your mind is principally set to obtain? and what is that End which you principally design and endeavour to obtain, and which you set your heart on, and lay out your hopes upon? Is it the Pleasing and glorifying of God, and the everlasting fruition of him? Or is it the Pleasing of your fleshly mind in the fruition of any inferior thing? Know this, and you may know whether Self or God have the greatest interest in you. For that is your God, which you Love most, and Please best, and would do most for.

1. What is it that you Live for? what is that Good which your mind is principally set to obtain? and what is that End which you principally design and endeavour to obtain, and which you set your heart on, and lay out your hopes upon? Is it the Pleasing and glorifying of God, and the everlasting fruition of him? Or is it the Pleasing of your fleshly mind in the fruition of any inferiour thing? Know this, and you may know whether Self or God have the greatest interest in you. For that is your God, which you Love most, and Please best, and would do most for.