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 alas what work doth selfishness make with inferior Magistrates? It is this only that opens the hand to a Reward, and the ear to the solicitations of their friends; and its this that perverteth the judgement, and this that oppresseth the poor and innocent, and this that •yeth the tongues and hands of Justices, so that abundance of them do little more than possess the room, and stand like an armed statue or a sign-post, which hurteth none; Alehouses do what their list for them, and drunkards and swearers are bold at their noses, and they are no terror to evil doers, nor revengers to execute wrath upon them, nor Ministers that use their power for much good, but bear the Sword almost in vain, contrary to the very nature of their Office, Rom. 13. 1, 2, 3, 4.

And it is selfishness in the people that causeth the trouble of faithful Magistrates: Every man would do what his list. The worst offender abhors him that would punish him: And those that will commend Justice, and cry down vice in the general, yet when they fall under Justice themselves, they take all that they suffer to be injury, and will do all that they can against Justice and the Officers of it, when it is to defend themselves or theirs from the execution of it: so rare a thing is it to meet with a man that is a friend to Laws and Justice, when themselves must suffer by it.

And it is selfishness in the people that causeth the trouble of faithful Magistrates: Every man would do what his list. The worst offendor abhors him that would punish him: And those that will commend Justice, and cry down vice in the general, yet when they fall under Justice themselves, they take all that they suffer to be injury, and will do all that they can against Justice and the Officers of it, when it is to defend themselves or theirs from the execution of it: so rare a thing is it to meet with a man that is a friend to Laws and Justice, when themselves must suffer by it.