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

The persons that have most need of this advice are especially these following. 1. Young unexperienced Professors, that are but lately turned to a Profession of a Godly life; that have so much illumination as showeth them much that before they knew not, and raiseth them above the vulgar measure, but yet hath made ⟨p. 300⟩them but smatterers and half-knowing men; These are they that the Apostle requireth should not be made Bishops or Pastors of the Church, because of their proneness to this very sin, that now we are speaking of, 1 Tim. 3. 6. [Not a Novice, lest being lifted up with Pride, he fall into the condemnation of the Devil] the spirit of God here intimateth to us, that Novices are the likest to be lifted up with Pride, and that this Pride is the way to the Condemnation of the Devil.

The persons that have most need of this advice are especially these following. 1. Young unexperienced Professors, that are but lately turned to a Profession of a Godly life; that have so much illumination as sheweth them much that before they knew not, and raiseth them above the vulgar measure, but yet hath made ⟨p. 300⟩them but smatterers and half-knowing men; These are they that the Apostle requireth should not be made Bishops or Pastors of the Church, because of their pronenefs to this very sin, that now we are speaking of, 1 Tim. 3. 6. [Not a Novice, lest being lifted up with Pride, he fall into the condemnation of the Devil] the spirit of God here intimateth to us, that Novices are the likest to be lifted up with Pride, and that this Pride is the way to the Condemnation of the Devil.

2. And men of great abilities, natural or acquired, that have withal unsanctified hearts, are ordinarily transported with this odious vice. A strong wit and a voluble tongue, and learning to furnish it with matter, are notable servants to Pride of heart, where that spiritual illumination and holiness is wanting, that should abase the Proud, and turn mens Parts a better way. To all that are apt to be tainted with this odious vice, I would recommend these following considerations.