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

And therefore you need not ask me, which Commandment it is that doth forbid it: For it is forbidden in every one of the ten Commandments. The first condemneth self as it is the Idol set up, and Loved, trusted, and served before God: the second condemneth it as the Enemy of his worship; and the third condemneth it as the Profaner of his Name; and the fourth, as the Profaner of his Hallowed time: The second Table in the tenth Commandment condemneth self as it is the Tumour and gulf that is contrary to the Love of our neighbour, and would draw all to it self. The fifth Commandment condemneth it as the Enemy of Authority and Society: the sixth as the Enemy to our Neighbours life; the seventh, eighth, and ninth condemn it as the enemy to our neighbours chastity, Estates, and Cause, or Name.

And therefore you need not ask me, which Commandment it is that doth forbid it: For it is forbidden in every one of the ten Commandments. The first condemneth self as it is the Idol set up, and Loved, trusted, and served before God: the second condemneth it as the Enemy of his worship; and the third condemneth it as the Prophaner of his Name; and the fourth, as the Prophaner of his Hallowed time: The second Table in the tenth Commandment condemneth self as it is the Tumor and gulf that is contrary to the Love of our neighbour, and would draw all to it self. The fifth Commandment condemneth it as the Enemy of Authority and Society: the sixth as the Enemy to our Neighbours life; the seventh, eighth, and ninth condemn it as the enemy to our neighbours chastity, Estates, and Cause, or Name.

So that if you see any mischief done in Persons, Families, Towns, Countries, Courts, Armies, or any where in the world, you need not send out Hue and ⟨p. 362⟩Cry to find out and apprehend the actor: It is selfishness that is the Author of all. If the poor be oppressed by the rich, and their lives made almost like the life of a labouring Ox or Horse, till the Cry of the oppressed reach to heaven, who is it that doth all this but self? The Landlords and rich men must Rule and be served by them. I warrant you they would not do thus by themselves.