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

10. Another part of Carnal self-interest to be denied, is, Ease, and Quietness and worldly Peace, which the slothful and self-seekers prefer before the pleasing of God. Both the ease of the mind and of the body are •here comprehended; and slothfulness in Gods nearest service, and also in the works of our callings to be reprehended.

10. ANother part of Carnal self-interest to be denied, is, Ease, and Quietness and worldly Peace, which the slothful and selfseekers prefer before the pleasing of God. Both the ease of the mind and of the body are •here comprehended; and slothfulness in Gods nearest service, and also in the works of our callings to be reprehended.

The same fleshly Power that draweth one man to whoredom and drunkenness, and covetousness, doth draw another to sloth and idleness. It is but several ways of Pleasing the same flesh, and obeying the same ⟨p. 183⟩sensuality. And because that Idleness and Sloth is so great and common a sin, & yet made so light of by the most, I shall briefly tell you the mischiefs of it, and the Reasons that should make you hate it.

1. Slothfulness doth contradict the very end of our creation and preservation, and the frame of our nature; and so provoketh God to cut us off and cast us as useless into the fire. Who dare so wrong the wisdom of God, as to say or think that he made us to do nothing! If a man make an house, it is to dwell in; if he make a watch, it is to tell him the hour of the day, and every thing is for its proper use: And is man made to be idle? what man, that is the noblest inferior creature, and an active creature, fitted for work, and the highest work! shall he be idle? Justly may God then hew him down as a dead and withered tree, and suffer him no more to cumber his ground.