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

I. The selfish, fleshy Pleasure that must be denied, consisteth in these particulars following, which I shall but briefly touch, because they are so many. 1. One Principal part of Sensuality or Self-interest, consisteth in meats and drinks to please the Appetite. So far as ⟨p. 135⟩these are taken to fit us for Gods service, and used to his Glory, so far they are sanctified, as before was said: but when they are merely to please the appetite, they are offered to an enemy, and are the fuel of lust. Do you see any thing that your Appetite desireth, whether meats or drinks, whether for quality or quantity? Take it not, touch it not, merely upon that account: but enquire whether it tend to the strengthening and fitting your bodies or minds for the service of God: and if so, take it; if not, let alone. If your appetite had rather have Wine than Beer, or strong Beer than small, take it not merely upon that account: If your appetite would fain have one cup more, when nature hath as much as is profitable, deny that appetite. If your appetite would fain be tasting of any thing that is not for your health, deny that appetite. If it would fain have one bit more, when you have as much before as is wholesome or useful to you, deny that appetite: Or else you are guilty of flesh pleasing, and plain Gluttony.

I. The selfish, fleshy Pleasure that must be denied, consisteth in these particulars following, which I shall but briefly touch, because they are so many. 1. One Principal part of Sensuality or Self-interest, consisteth in meats and drinks to please the Appetite. So far as ⟨p. 135⟩these are taken to fit us for Gods service, and used to his Glory, so far they are sanctified, as before was said: but when they are meerly to please the appetite, they are offered to an enemy, and are the fuel of lust. Do you see any thing that your Appetite desireth, whether meats or drinks, whether for quality or quantity? Take it not, touch it not, meerly upon that account: but enquire whether it tend to the strengthning and fitting your bodies or minds for the service of God: and if so, take it; if not, let alone. If your appetite had rather have Wine than Beer, or strong Beer than small, take it not meerly upon that account: If your appetite would fain have one cup more, when nature hath as much as is profitable, deny that appetite. If your appetite would fain be tasting of any thing that is not for your health, deny that appetite. If it would fain have one bit more, when you have as much before as is wholesom or useful to you, deny that appetite: Or else you are guilty of flesh pleasing, and plain Gluttony.