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

4. And much more is it self-willedness, when men contradict the Will of God: when Scripture saith One thing, and they another: when they disrelish Gods Laws, and dislike the work that he sets them on; when they have a Will to that which God forbids, and would fain be doing with unlawful things; yea and it doth not satisfy their corrupt desires to see that the express will of God is against them; this is self-will in a high degree.

4. And much more is it self-willedness, when men contradict the Will of God: when Scripture saith One thing, and they another: when they disrelish Gods Laws, and dislike the work that he sets them on; when they have a Will to that which God forbids, and would fain be doing with unlawful things; yea and it doth not satisfie their corrupt desires to see that the express will of God is against them; this is self-will in a high degree.

5. So also when mens wills are to that which is against the honour and interest of God; which would hinder this Gospel, and the saving mens souls, and is displeasing to him, this is self-willedness in a high degree.

And thus you see what it is to be self-willed. And now do but consider whether this part of self be commonly denied in the world. Among the millions of desires that are in mens hearts, how few of them are kindled by the commands of God, or moved by his Interest and Glory? How commonly are the word and ways of God distasteful to the world? How ill do men like the disposals of his providence? And what a striving is there in their wills against him? And were it not that God is above them and unconquerable, and they know that striving will not help them, you should have most of the world in open war against the God of Heaven: I speak no more than I am able to prove. The Dominion of self is so great in the wills of all that are unsanctified, that their wills are utterly against ⟨p. 112⟩