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

7. It is a sin that habituateth the speaker and hearers both to vanity: use makes us disposed to that which we use. It will grow strange to you to speak of better things when you are used to vanity. And the use of hearing ⟨p. 154⟩you, is an exceeding wrong to the souls of the hearers. And a small matter confirmeth such bad hearts as the most have, in the vanity that they are in. You cast water on their graces and your own, if there were any. If any of them had better thoughts, your idle talk doth drown and divert them.

8. And it is a sin that hindereth abundance of Edification that holy conference might bring. It's a precious thriving course for Christians to be communicating experiences, and declaring the excellencies and loving-kindness of God, and exciting one another: and this you lay by and turn to vanity. Nay perhaps some other that is in the company may be purposed to set upon such profitable discourse, and your idle talk doth hinder them, and suppress the exercise of Gods graces for your good. At least there may be much precious matter in them, that wants but vent, & if you would but begin, it may be poured forth as precious ointment. Many wise and able men are too backward in beginning edifying discourse, that yet are exceeding fruitful when you have once set them a work. And idle talk is the hinderer of this.

8. And it is a sin that hindreth abundance of Edification that holy conference might bring. It's a precious thriving course for Christians to be communicating experiences, and declaring the excellencies and loving-kindness of God, and exciting one another: and this you lay by and turn to vanity. Nay perhaps some other that is in the company may be purposed to set upon such profitable discourse, and your idle talk doth hinder them, and suppress the exercise of Gods graces for your good. At least there may be much precious matter in them, that wants but vent, & if you would but begin, it may be poured forth as precious ointment. Many wise and able men are too backward in beginning edifying discourse, that yet are exceeding fruitful when you have once set them a work. And idle talk is the hinderer of this.