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

yet it is certain that none but a sanctified believer can Love God better than his Life, or can prefer those spiritual heavenly joys which consist in the holy Love and Fruition of God, before his life: And therefore he that for these can deny his Life, is indeed a Christian: and none but be. Though it be an ungrateful word to the ears of some, I must say it again, and none but he. For this is the very point in which Christ for instance, doth put our self-denial to the trial. He that will save his life, shall lose it] Whether you Love an immortal holy life with God, or this ⟨p. 239⟩earthly fleshly life better, is the great question on which it will be resolved whether you are Christians or Infidels at the heart, and whether you are heirs of heaven or hell. Some Love to God may be in the unsanctified; but not a love to him above their lives: and in some cases they may submit to death; but not for the Love of God. But both these set together, that is, a submitting to Death for the Love of God, or a Loving of God above this life, is the most infallible proof of your sincerity.

I confess, flesh and blood must needs think this is a very hard saying; and though they might consent to acknowledge it a Duty, and a Reasonable thing to die for Christ, and a note of excellency, and a commendable qualification of some few extraordinary Saints, yet it goeth very hardly down with them, that it should be the lowest measure of saving grace, & that the weakest Christian must have it that will be saved; For say they, What can the strongest do more than die for Christ? But to this I answer, 1. There is no rom for objections against so plain a Word of God. It is the wisdom of God, and not our Reason that disposeth of the Crown of life: and therefore it is his Wisdom and not our Reason must determine by what we shall attain it. And if God say plainly, that If any man come to Christ, and hate not his own life, (that is, love it not so much less than Christ, that for his sake he can use it as a hated thing is used) he cannot be his Disciple,] Luke 14. 26. it is too late for the vote of man, or all the clamour of foolish reason to recall this resolution. The word of God will stand, when they have talked against it never so long: we may destroy our selves by dashing against it, but we cannot destroy or frustrate it. 2. And whereas men ask, What can the strongest do more than die for Christ? I