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

1. These Proud desires of a great and surviving Name, do show that you lamentably overlook the true eternal honour of the Saints. Must you have Honour? choose that which lieth in the esteem of God: Must you be great and glorious? why you may be so, and God would have you be so; if you will but know where Greatness and Glory is to be had, even in that blessedness that Christ hath purchased. Must you have your greatness and honour perpetuated? why you may have that which will never have an end: And when God hath set before you such an endless glory, are you looking after a Name among mortal men, to leave behind you on the Earth? Do you think to be saved indeed or not? If you do, what need have you of the smoke of mans applause, when you are with God? what unworthy thoughts have you of heaven, if you think when you are there, you shall have need of mens good thoughts or words on earth? But it's a dangerous sign that you are indeed unbelievers, and lay not up your treasure in heaven, when you are so careful to perpetuate your names and shadows here with men. The true relish of Heavenly honour would put you out of love with this.

1. These Proud desires of a great and surviving Name, do shew that you lamentably overlook the true eternal honour of the Saints. Must you have Honour? choose that which lieth in the esteem of God: Must you be great and glorious? why you may be so, and God would have you be so; if you will but know where Greatness and Glory is to be had, even in that blessedness that Christ hath purchased. Must you have your greatness and honour perpeuated? why you may have that which will never have an end: And when God hath set before you such an endless glory, are you looking after a Name among mortal men, to leave behind you on the Earth? Do you think to be saved indeed or not? If you do, what need have you of the smoak of mans applause, when you are with God? what unworthythoughts have you of heaven, if you think when you are there, you shall have need of mens good thoughts or words on earth? But it's a dangerous sign that you are indeed unbelievers, and lay not up your treasure in heaven, when you are so careful to perpetuate your names and shaddows here with men. The true reli•h of Heavenly honour would put you out of love with this.