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

III. The third sort of Liberty is that which is in it self Indifferent, or to be reckoned among the common transitory benefits of this life, which with Gods blessing is a mercy; and well used may do good, but otherwise is hurtful or little worth. This Liberty is not the Natural Liberty of the will, which in regard of its own elicit Acts is nothing but the power of self-determination; and in regard of internal imperate acts, is nothing but a power or freedom to do what we will. For these are so our own, if not our selves, that no man can take them from us; at least the first. Nor is it ⟨p. 224⟩the Ethical Liberty of the soul from sin by gracious Habits: for this is ever good, as was said before. Nor is it a Political Liberty from those tyrannous Laws or practices of men that would root out the Gospel and pull down the Kingdom of Christ, and set up iniquity. This Liberty must be desired, and not denied, even when we submit our selves to persecution: but it is 1. The Civil Liberty of being from under the Government of others, and of having a hand in Government our selves. 2. The Liberty of being from under the Government of Strangers, Conquerors, or enemies. 3. The Liberty of choosing our own Governors, and having them not by other mens election set over us. 4. A Liberty from burdensome payments & taxes which are of no necessity to our good. 5. A liberty from arbitrary Government, and from being liable to the mere will and passions of men. 6. A protection from the abuses and injuries of others. 7. And a liberty for o ⟨p. 225⟩foolish conceits that makes imprisonment so grievous to the most. It is the same earth that they tread on, and the same air that they breath in as before. The great trouble is that they have not their wills: for when their own wills do as much confine them, it is then no trouble. I can confine my self to one room, to one chair, the far greatest part of the year for my studies: and why should I not bear as well to be so confined by another, if my own will could but comply with it? Never grudge at restraint or imprisonment then, but find out some employment in it, whereby you may be serviceable to God, or at least serve him by your sufferings, and then rejoice in it, and bring your minds to your condition, and so you may set your selves at liberty in spite of the greatest Tyrant in the world. Imprisonment is but a penal restraint:

III. The third sort of Liberty is that which is in it self Indifferent, or to be reckoned among the common transitory benefits of this life, which with Gods blessing is a mercy; and well used may do good, but otherwise is hurtful or little worth. This Liberty is not the Natural Liberty of the will, which in regard of its own elicite Acts is nothing but the power of self-determination; and in regard of internal imperate acts, is nothing but a power or freedom to do what we will. For these are so our own, if not our selves, that no man can take them from us; at least the first. Nor is it