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

CHAP. XLII. The Love and good Word of others denied.

2. Another part of selfish Interest to be Denied, is the Love, and good Will, and Word of others. This is a thing that may and must be desired to good ends; but not for carnal self. When Paul looked at Gods honour and the good of souls, he [became all things to all men that he might by all means save some; and this he did, not for self but for the Gospels sake, and yet for himself in subordination to God, that he might be partaker of it with them] He would give no offence to Jew or Gentile, or the Church of God: but pleased all men in all things (that tended to their good) not seeking his own profit, but the profit of many that they may be saved] 1 Cor. 10. 32, 33. And he hath left it as the duty of the strongest Christians, [not to please themselves, but every one to please his neighbour for his good to edification.] But when Paul looked at himself, and his esteem among men, then he saith [With me it is a very small thing, that I should be judged of you or of mans judgment] 1 Cor. 4. 3. And Gal. 1. 10. [Do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the Servant of Christ.] Good natures are loth to provoke others to displeasure: and Grace moveth us to Please men for the saving of their souls. But it's Pride and Self-seeking to desire to set up our selves in mens esteem, and to endear our selves for our selves into their affections. It is Gods highest honour to be highliest esteemed, and dearliest beloved, as being the most perfect and transcendent Good. And Proud men in this world aspire to his Prerogative; and much affect to be beloved of all: and fain they would sit near ⟨p. 292⟩mens hearts, and be the darlings of the world. This is a fine, but dangerous sin: and I doubt many that are guilty of it, never well considered that it is a sin, and so great a sin as indeed it is. Deny your selves in this. It is God that must be Loved of all, and not you: You must be content to be hated of all men for his name sake, that he may be beloved. Mens hearts were not made to be your throne, but Gods. Your work is to Love, and not ambitiously to seek for love. So far as your interest in mens affections doth conduce to Gods honour, and service, and their good, desire it, and spare not: But see that these be really your ends. But for your selves take heed of desiring or seeking for mens Love.