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

10. The last point of Honour which self must be denied in, is, A Renewed and Perpetuated Name. For to that height doth Pride aspire, that no less will satisfy, where there is any apparent hope of this: though in those that sit so low that they see no ground to hope for such a thing, the desires after it are not so kindled as they be in others, that think the prey is within their reach. Fain men would be famous and talked of through the world: They would have their real and supposed worth made known as far as may be. And when they die, they would fain have their names survive, that they may be great in the estimation of posterity, and magnified by all that mention them. And so deeply are men possessed with this dangerous sin, that they account this perpetuated fame for their felicity. And there was nothing that most of the Heathens did prefer before it: but when they seemed to be most virtuous, heroical, and patient, it was but to be thus esteemed of after they were dead.

10. THe last point of Honour which self must be denied in, is, A Renowed and Perpetuated Name. For to that height doth Pride aspire, that no less will satisfie, where there is any apparent hope of this: though in those that sit so low that they see no ground to hope for such a thing, the desires after it are not so kindled as they be in others, that think the prey is within their reach. Fain men would be famous and talk'd of through the world: They would have their real and supposed worth made known as far as may be. And when they die, they would fain have their names survive, that they may be great in the estimation of posterity, and magnified by all that mention them. And so deeply are men possessed with this dangerous sin, that they account this perpetuated fame for their felicity. And there was nothing that most of the Heathens did prefer before it: but when they seemed to be most vertuous, heroical, and patient, it was but to be thus esteemed of after they were dead.

If you ask me, How far a surviving reputation may be regarded? I answer. 1. So far as the interest of God, or his Gospel, Church, or Cause, or the public good, or the good of our posterity is concerned in it, and may be promoted by it, thus far it is lawful and a duty to value it, desire it, and seek it. For if we have throughly searched our hearts, and can say unfeignedly