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

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 ⟨p. 319⟩that it is God, and his cause and honour that we principally intend, and desire our own honour but as a Means to his, and therefore desire it no further than it is such a means; then we may justly desire both the extension and surviving of our reputation if we are groundedly persuaded that it's like to conduce to these happy ends. As for example: A Prince that owns the cause of God, and makes such Laws for the common good as may exceedingly promote it, if they be observed by posterity, must have a great regard to his present and surviving fame, because the honour of his Laws will depend much upon the honour of his name: and if once the people vilify him, they will be likely to vilify and cast off his Laws, to the hurt of Church and Common-wealth, and their own undoing. And even as to the success of their present Government, they should be very careful of their fame: so also a Minister of the Gospel must be very careful of his present and future reputation. For at present, the saving good of his auditors doth much depend upon it. For if they have a base esteem of the Pastor, they will be unlikely to give diligent intention to his Doctrine, but disesteem it as they do the speaker, and it is not likely to go to their hearts: Nor will they seek his advice in the great matters of salvation, and the difficult cases and dangers that they meet with; but to the great hazard of their souls will slight the necessary assistance of him that is appointed to be their guide to heaven, and will set light by all the Ordinances of God. And therefore the Pastors Reputation is ten thousand times more beneficial and necessary to the people than to himself. For alas it is but their good thoughts and words that he receiveth; which add little to his happiness: but it's everlasting life which they may receive by that Word of God and help from him, which is furthered by his ⟨p. 320⟩Reputation. And therefore as Ministers should be exceeding watchful against Pride, that they desire not Honour for themselves;

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 publick 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