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

And for the question, whether we may not take any meat or drink purposely to please the appetite? I answer, yes, as a means to fit us for duty: but not as your chief end. 1. Sometimes, especially in weak bodies, the very Pleasing of the Appetite doth recreate nature, and further strength. 2. And sometime the appetite shows what sort of food nature will best close with and concoct, so that as to the quality if Reason have nothing against it, it hath something for it; because it is a sign that it's like to be best digested, which is most desired. And so if you thus far follow the appetite, as a sign directing your reason what is best, and take nothing ultimately to please it, but by pleasing it to preserve the health or vigour of your bodies for Gods service; thus you may do and yet be self-denying: for this is not a sensual serving of your flesh. But if you will 1. Take that which reason tells you is unhealthful in quality; 2. Or that which reason tells you is either hurtful, or but needless and unprofitable in the quantity. 3. Or have mastered your reason so far by your appetite, that you will not believe that is hurtful or needless which you love, but judge what is good for you, merely by your appetite as a beast. 4. Or if you make the pleasing of your appetite your chief End, in any meat or drink that you take; all this is bestiality, sensuality, carnality, gulosity, and contrary to true moderation and self-denial.

And for the question, whether we may not take any meat or drink purposely to please the appetite? I answer, yes, as a means to fit us for duty: but not as your chief end. 1. Sometimes, especially in weak bodies, the very Pleasing of the Appetite doth recreate nature, and further strength. 2. And sometime the appetite shews what sort of food nature will best close with and concoct, so that as to the quality if Reason have nothing against it, it hath something for it; because it is a sign that it's like to be best digested, which is most desired. And so if you thus far follow the appetite, as a sign directing your reason what is best, and take nothing ultimately to please it, but by pleasing it to preserve the health or vigour of your bodies for Gods service; thus you may do and yet be self-denying: for this is not a sensual serving of your flesh. But if you will 1. Take that which reason tells you is unhealthful in quality; 2. Or that which reason tells you is either hurtful, or but needless and unprofitable in the quantity. 3. Or have mastered your reason so far by your appetite, that you will not believe that is hurtful or needless which you love, but judge what is good for you, meerly by your appetite as a beast. 4. Or if you make the pleasing of your appetite your chief End, in any meat or drink that you take; all this is bestiality, sensuality, carnality, gulosity, and contrary to true moderation and self-denial.