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

Quest. 8. Whether self-denial require us after sin, to use vindictive penance or punishment of the flesh, by fasting, watching, going barefoot, lying hard, wearing hair-cloth, or to do this ordinarily? as some of the Papists, Monks, and Friars do?

Quest. 8. WHether self-denial require us after sin, to use vindictive penance or punishment of the flesh, by fasting, watching, going barefoot, lying hard, wearing hair-cloth, or to do this ordinarily? as some of the Papists, Monks, and Fryars do?

Answ. The easiness of this case may allow a brief decision. 1. The Body must be so far afflicted, as is needful to humble it, and subdue it to the spirit, and tame its Rebellion, and fit it for the service of God. 2. The exercise of a holy revenge on our selves may be a lower end, subservient to this. 3. It must also be so far humbled as is necessary to express Repentance to the Church when Absolution is expected upon public Repentance. 4. As also to concur with the soul in secret or open humiliation.

Answ. The easiness of this case may allow a brief decision. 1. The Body must be so far afflicted, as is needful to humble it, and subdue it to the spirit, and tame its Rebellion, and fit it for the service of God. 2. The exercise of a holy revenge on our selves may be a lower end, subservient to this. 3. It must also be so far humbled as is necessary to express Repentance to the Church when Absolution is expected upon publick Repentance. 4. As also to concur with the soul in secret or open humiliation.

But 1. He that shall think that whippings, or sackcloth, or going bare-foot or other self-punishing, are of themselves good works, and meritorious with God, or satisfy his Justice, or are a state of perfection, doth offer God a heinous sin, under the name and conceit of a good work. 2. And he that shall by such self-afflicting unfit his Body for the service of God, yea that doth not cherish it so far as is necessary to fit it for duty, is guilty of self-murder, and defrauding God of his service, and abusing his creature, and depriving others of the help