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

It humbly stoopeth to the mysteries of Faith, which others proudly quarrel with in the dark. It makes a man say, O what am I that I should set my wit against the Lord, and make my Reason the Touch-stone of his truth, and think to Comprehend his judgements that are incomprehensible! It causeth a man to sit as a little child, at the feet of Christ to learn his will, and say, Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth. It silenceth the carpings of an unsatisfied understanding, and limiteth the enquiries of a busy, prying, presumptuous wit; and subdueth the contradictions of flesh and blood: It casteth off that Pride and self-conceitedness that hindereth others from believing.

It humbly stoopeth to the mysteries of Faith, which others proudly quarrel with in the dark. It makes a man say, O what am I that I should set my wit against the Lord, and make my Reason the Touch-stone of his truth, and think to Comprehend his judgements that are incomprehensible! It causeth a man to sit as a little child, at the feet of Christ to learn his will, and say, Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth. It silenceth the carpings of an unsatisfied understanding, and limiteth the enquiries of a busie, prying, presumptuous wit; and subdueth the contradictions of flesh and blood: It casteth off that Pride and self-conceitedness that hindreth others from believing.

In Prayer it bringeth an emptied soul, that is not stopped up against the grace and blessings of God; It layeth us low in a receiving posture: It emptieth us of our selves, that we may be filled with God: It hath nothing to say against any one of those Requests which Christ hath put into our mouths, but subscribeth to them all. It is the highest ambition, the greatest desire of a self-denying soul, that Gods Name may be hallowed and honoured, whatever become of his own Name or honour; and that the Kingdom of God may flourish, in which he desireth to be a subject; and that the will of God ⟨p. 364⟩may be done, and the will of himself and all the world conformed and subjected to it: And so of the rest of the Petitions. Self-denial is half the life of Prayer.