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. And if you value not Gods approbation above mans, it's a sign that you are hypocrites indeed, and so the censure is not unjust: But if you do, then you will acquiesce in it, though man condemn you; and say as the Apostle, Rom. 8. 33, 34. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect; It is God that Justifieth, who is he that condemneth? And as 1 Cor. 4. 3, 4. [With me it is a very small thing, that I should be judged of you, or of mans judgment—but he that judgeth me is the Lord.]

And remember that the great day of Judgment is near at hand, that will set all straight which the slanderous tongues of men made crooked. Stay but a while, and the Glory of Christ, and the sentence of your judge, will dispel all the unjust reproaches that were on you, and wash off all the blots that were falsely laid on your good name: and he will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgment as the noon-day: for there is nothing hid that shall not be then revealed.

And remember that the great day of Judgment is near at hand, that will set all straight which the slanderous tongues of men made crooked. Stay but a while, and the Glory of Christ, and the sentence of your judge, will dispel all the unjust reproaches that were on you, and wash off all the blots that were falsly laid on your good name: and he will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgment as the noon-day: for there is nothing hid that shall not be then revealed.

8. In the mean time God will take care of your name: He will make the very tongues that slander you to honour you; in the blindness of their reproaches, crossing themselves. As the Papists by the poor Waldenses, saying they were the more dangerous heretics, because they held all the Articles of faith, and lived godly and honestly, and were reputed holy, but only that they were against the Church of Rome. As you trust God with your health, and wealth, so must you do with your Reputation, even in point of Honesty, and be satisfied that he can clear you when he pleases.