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

You must pray that the Kingdom of God may come: But this Kingdom treadeth down self as an enemy, and therefore no marvel if self be unwilling of it. Would you be deposed, and subjected to a spiritual government, and do nothing nor have nothing but at the pleasure of Christ? The Reign of self is contrary to his reign.

You must pray that the Will of God may be done. But self hath a Will that is contrary to Gods Will; and every carnal man would be a Lawgiver to himself, and ⟨p. 358⟩unto others, and had rather have his Own will done, than Gods. O• else whence come all the sins of your lives, which are nothing but the doing of your own wills, and the not doing the Will of God!

You must pray each day for your daily bread, as children that live not on their own provision, but on their Fathers love and bounty, and have their address to him for all they want, desiring but such supplies as are necessary or useful to them for his service. But self desireth more than daily bread, & desireth not so much to strengthen you for Gods service, as to delight and gratify the flesh; and had rather have its stock in its own possession, than daily to fetch it as you use it from God.

You must pray each day for your daily bread, as children that live not on their own provision, but on their Fathers love and bounty, and have their address to him for all they want, desiring but such supplies as are necessary or useful to them for his service. But self desireth more than daily bread, & desireth not so much to strengthen you for Gods service, as to delight and gratifie the flesh; and had rather have its stock in its own possession, than daily to fetch it as you use it from God.