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

Thus much I have said to prevent a mis-application of that which followeth; and to help you so to understand me on this point of Honour, as not to run from extreme into extreme, and to sin by seeking to avoid sin.

Thus much I have said to prevent a mis-application of that which followeth; and to help you so to understand me on this point of Honour, as not to run from extream into extream, and to sin by seeking to avoid sin.

But alas, this kind of seeking our Honour for God and his Church, and not for our selves, and as our own, I doubt is more rare than the neglect of honour. The sin that I dissuade you from, is in these two points. 1. That you do not Affect and seek after Extending or surviving Reputation for your selves; and out of a Proud desire to be still some body in the estimation of the world: 2. That if God deny you even that honour which in the lawfullest manner you desire, that you submit to his pleasure, and take it patiently; and in these two respects you must here deny your selves.

But alas, this kind of seeking our Honour for God and his Church, and not for our selves, and as our own, I doubt is more rare than the neglect of honour. The sin that I disswade you from, is in these two points. 1. That you do not Affect and seek after Extending or surviving Reputation for your selves; and out of a Proud desire to be still some body in the estimation of the world: 2. That if God deny you even that honour which in the lawfullest manner you desire, that you submit to his pleasure, and take it patiently; and in these two respects you must here deny your selves.

Above all others, these sorts of persons following are in danger of this odious Pride, in desiring for themselves ⟨p. 323⟩