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

But this Love is not in the same degree in all the sanctified. Three degrees of it we may distinctly observe. 1. Oft-times in the beginning of a true Conversion, though the seed of Love is cast into the soul, and the Convert had rather enjoy God, than the world, and had rather live in perfect holiness, than in any sin, yet Fear is so active, that he scarce observeth the workings of the Love of God within him: He is so taken up with the sense of sin and misery, that he hath little sense of love to God, and perhaps may doubt whether he hath any or none.

2. When these Fears begin a little to abate, and the soul hath attained somewhat of the sense of Gods Love to it self, it Loveth him more observably, and hath some leisure to think of the riches of his grace, and of his Infinite excellencies, and attractive goodness, and not only to Love him because he Loveth us, and hath been Merciful to us, but also because he is Goodness it self, and we were made to Love him. But yet in this middle degree of Love, the soul is much more frequently and sensibly exercised in minding it self than God, and in studying its own preservation, than the honour an interest of the Lord. In this state it is, that Christians are almost all upon the inquiry after marks of Grace in themselves; and asking [How shall I know that I have this or that grace, and that I perform this or that duty in sincerity, and that I am reconciled to God, and shall be saved?] Which are needful questions, but should not be more insisted on, than questions about our duty and the Interest of Christ. In ⟨image 28⟩this state, though a Christian hath the Love of God yet having much of his ancient Fears, and Self-love, and the Love of God being yet too weak, he is much more in studying his Safety than his Duty; and asketh oftener, How may I be sure that I am a true believer? than, What is the duty of a true believer? There is yet too much of Self in his Religion.

2. When these Fears begin a little to abate, and the soul hath attained somewhat of the sense of Gods Love to it self, it Loveth him more observably, and hath some leisure to think of the riches of his grace, and of his Infinite excellencies, and attractive goodness, and not only to Love him because he Loveth us, and hath been Merciful to us, but also because he is Goodness it self, and we were made to Love him. But yet in this middle degree of Love, the soul is much more frequently and sensibly exercised in minding it self than God, and in studying its own preservation, than the honour an interest of the Lord. In this state it is, that Christians are almost all upon the inquiry after marks of Grace in themselves; and asking [How shall I know that I have this or that grace, and that I perform this or that duty in sincerity, and that I am reconciled to God, and shall be saved?] Which are needful questions, but should not be more insisted on, than questions about our duty and the Interest of Christ. In