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

See then that in this you Deny your selves: Not in refusing Prosperity when God bestows it on you; but in refusing the sensual Delights which it affordeth the fle•• to satisfy its lust. Not in pulling down your houses, or casting away your estates, or hindering your increase; but 1. See that you do not promise your selves too much in the creature; feed not your carnal fancies with vain hopes. Think not too highly of a prosperous state. Judge not of it as it accommodateth the flesh, but as it either helps or hinders you for God and heaven: And then you'll perceive that it is an heavy charge and burden to the best, if not a dangerous temptation. O if you knew but how dear the most do pay for their prosperity, you would pity them, and have lower thoughts of prosperity.

See then that in this you Deny your selves: Not in refusing Prosperity when God bestows it on you; but in refusing the sensual Delights which it affordeth the fle•• to satisfie its lust. Not in pulling down your houses, or casting away your estates, or hindring your increase; but 1. See that you do not promise your selves too much in the creature; feed not your carnal fancies with vain hopes. Think not too highly of a prosperous state. Judge not of it as it accommodateth the flesh, but as it either helps or hinders you for God and heaven: And then you'l perceive that it is an heavy charge and burden to the best, if not a dangerous temptation. O if you knew but how dear the most do pay for their prosperity, you would pity them, and have lower thoughts of prosperity.

2. Seek not after prosperity too eagerly. Seek first the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness, and then if other things be cast in or added to you, take them thankfully, but with self-suspicion and holy fear; but run not after them. Labour not for the meat that perisheth, but for that which endureth to everlasting life, Joh. 6. 27. and then take your daily bread as from your Fathers provision. Labour about the world, in obedience to God; but not for the world as your ultimate end.