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

4. Consider, that pain and suffering we shall have, whether for Christ or not: The worst men undergo almost as much by ordinary sicknesses and losses and crosses, as the Martyrs do that suffer for Christ; sin will bring suffering: and it's better have that which is sanctified by the interest of Christ, than that which is not.

5. And a Christian that hath so much ado to curb and rule the flesh in prosperity, me thinks should the more patiently bear adversity, because God sets in by it, and helps him to subdue the flesh, and tame the body and bring it in subjection: And as it is but this burdensome flesh that suffereth, which hath been the cause of so much suffering to our minds; so our warfare against this flesh, which we manage through the course of our lives, goes on more prosperously in the time of its sufferings, than in prosperity. A weakened enemy is ⟨p. 233⟩easilier conquered. Do not therefore too much take part with the suffering flesh, but self-denyingly justify the proceedings of the Lord.

5. And a Christian that hath so much ado to curb and rule the flesh in prosperity, me thinks should the more patiently bear adversity, because God sets in by it, and helps him to subdue the flesh, and tame the body and bring it in subjection: And as it is but this burdensome flesh that suffereth, which hath been the cause of so much suffering to our minds; so our warfare against this flesh, which we mannage through the course of our lives, goes on more prosperously in the time of its sufferings, than in prosperity. A weakned enemy is ⟨p. 233⟩easilier conquered. Do not therefore too much take part with the suffering flesh, but self-denyingly justifie the proceedings of the Lord.