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

7. Another piece of vain-glory to be denied, is, The Reputation of our Gifts and spiritual Abilities: I mean such as Praying, and Preaching, and Disputing, and good Conference, to have readiness for words, and liveliness of expression, and exactness of method: to be esteemed in all these a very able man by others, is an high part of self-interest to be denied. The duties themselves must be denied by none, for they are the service of God, commanded us by his word: But it is the Honour that self presumeth to hunt after in these holy things. And it is a double sin here to seek our selves, when we are specially commanded to seek God! and where the work is instituted for that end! and when we pretend to seek God, and to deny our selves! The greater are our abilities to do God service, the more resolutely and thankfully we should improve them in his service. But we must remember that they are given us to save others by our improvement, and not to destroy our selves by our Pride. Get as great abilities as you can, and when you have them, thank God for them, and use them for him to the uttermost of your Power: but take heed lest Pride should sacrifice them to your selves and pervert them from your Masters service.

7. ANother piece of vain-glory to be denied, is, The Reputation of our Gifts and spiritual Abilities: I mean such as Praying, and Preaching, and Disputing, and good Conference, to have readiness for words, and liveliness of expression, and exactness of method: to be esteemed in all these a very able man by others, is an high part of self-interest to be denied. The duties themselves must be denied by none, for they are the service of God, commanded us by his word: But it is the Honour that self presumeth to hunt after in these holy things. And it is a double sin here to seek our selves, when we are specially commanded to seek God! and where the work is instituted for that end! and when we pretend to seek God, and to deny our selves! The greater are our abilities to do God service, the more resolutely and thankfully we should improve them in his service. But we must remember that they are given us to save others by our improvement, and not to destroy our selves by our Pride. Get as great abilities as you can, and when you have them, thank God for them, and use them for him to the uttermost of your Power: but take heed lest Pride should sacrifice them to your selves and pervert them from your Masters service.