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

Ah little do these Proud worms that rage at us now for faithful dealing, and for telling them that which they will shortly find true, little do they think that they shall shortly say the very same against themselves which they hated us for saying: Nay with an hundred times more ⟨p. 376⟩bitterness and self-revenge will they speak these things against themselves, than ever we spoke them. Hence it is that faithful plain-dealing Ministers are commonly hated and persecuted by the ungodly, especially by the great ones and honourable sinners. For their message is against self, and therefore self will rise up against them, and so many selfish unmortified persons as there be in the Congregation, so many enemies usually hath such a Minister. And therefore the Lords of Israel petition the King that Jeremiah may be put to death, Jer. 38. 4. And Amaziah the Priest calls Amos a conspirator against the King, and tells the King that the Land was not able to bear his words, and commands him to preach no more at the Kings Chapel or his Court, Amos 7. 10, 11, 12, 13. And what was the matter that deserved all this, yea and the death of almost all the Prophets and Apostles of Christ? why, it was for speaking against self and its carnal interest: But was it not a truth that was spoken? True or false, if it be against self, it cannot be born! As the Bishop of Ments that Luther speaks of, meeting with a Bible, and reading an hour in it, [I know not, saith he, what book this is, but I am sure it is against us] Meaning the Popish Clergy. So these men say by our preaching and by the word of God it self, Be it never so true, we are sure it is against us: Or rather [we will not believe it, because it is against us] But if these men had their wits about them, they would see that this is for them, which they think is against them. It is for their healing and salvation, had they hearts to entertain it, though it be for the troubling of them at the present by humiliation. O how tender are carnal persons of this self! How quickly do they feel, if a Minister do but touch them! How impatiently do they smart, if he meddle with the galled place, and plainly open their ⟨p. 377⟩most disgraceful sins, and most dangerous courses, as one that had rather be guilty of displeasing them, than of silently permitting them to displease God, and undo their souls!