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

5. Moreover, Self must be denied as it is the great resister of the Holy Ghost. The sanctifying spirit hath no greater enemy, at least, except the Devil himself. One half of the work of sanctification, is to destroy this Carnal self. And therefore no wonder if hence it find the chief resistance. Not an holy motion can be made to the soul but self is against it. No work hath the spirit to do upon us, but self is ready to gainsay it, and contradict it, and work against it: when ever therefore this mortal Principle is contending against the spirit of God, dishonouring holiness, dissuading you from duty, persuading you to sin, down with it and deny it, as you would be true to the spirit and your selves.

5. Moreover, Self must be denyed as it is the great resister of the Holy Ghost. The sanctifying spirit hath no greater enemy, at least, except the Devil himself. One half of the work of sanctification, is to destroy this Carnal self. And therefore no wonder if hence it find the chief resistance. Not an holy motion can be made to the soul but self is against it. No work hath the spirit to do upon us, but self is ready to gainsay it, and contradict it, and work against it: when ever therefore this mortal Principle is contending against the spirit of God, dishonouring holiness, disswading you from duty, perswading you to sin, down with it and deny it, as you would be true to the spirit and your selves.

6. Moreover, self must be denied as it traitorously complieth with the enemies of Christ and your own salvation: when it takes part with Satan, and pleads for sin, and saith as wicked men say, and entereth a conspiracy with all that would undo you, and all this under pretence of your own good. When ever it speaks for sin, you may be sure it speaks against God and you, and therefore it's reason you should deny it. Self also must ⟨p. 87⟩be denied when it riseth up against the supposed tediousness or difficulty of duty: when it grudgeth at an holy life, & saith, [What a stir is here? what a weary life is this? what do I get by serving God?] Now self is playing the traitor against God and you; and therefore deny it.