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 the examples of the holiest of Gods servants. The example of Job and Isaiah I have now mentioned. Moses himself did think himself unmeet to speak in Gods message, Exod. 4. 10. He said unto the Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken to thy servant: but I am of slow speech and of a slow tongue.] And ver. 13. He said O, my Lord, send I pray thee by the hand of him whom thou wilt send] When God sent Jer. 1. 6. he said, Ah Lord God, behold I cannot speak: for I am a child] And Paul cries out [Who is sufficient for these things! 2 Cor. 2. 16.] So that it hath been the course of the most Seraphical Prophets, and holy Apostles to have low thoughts of their own abilities for duty: And yet have you enough to be Proud of?

5. And consider that the Nature of the holy employment that you are upon, one would think, should be enough to humble you. It is a confessing of sin, unworthiness and guilt, and will you be Proud of this? It is a confessing that you deserve everlasting torment; And will you be Proud of such a confession as this? The Lord be merciful to us, and save us from ⟨p. 303⟩this unreasonable vice; who would think that it should be thus with a man in his wits? To confess that he deserveth Hell-fire; And to be Proud of that Confession! your Petitions are all humbling, if they be according to the word; you are beggars for your lives, for pardon of many and heinous sins, and should come as with the rope about your necks: you beg for deliverance from eternal misery: and should you be proud of such requests! should beggars be Proud, yea such needy miserable beggars, and be proud of their very begging? Nay, your very thanksgiving it self is humbling. For what do you give thanks for, but for salvation from these odious sins, and the damnation which you have deserved? And shall a thief be proud that he is pardoned and taken from the gallows? Pride is contrary to the very Nature and meaning of all those holy duties that you are Proud of.