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 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.

6. Selfishness also makes men withdraw from all those necessary burdens and duties that are for the preservation of Church or Commonwealth. Such wretches had rather the Gospel were thrust out of doors than it should cost them much: and had rather have the unworthiest man that would be their Teacher for a little, than allow the best that maintenance that the Gospel doth command, or give them what the Law hath made their Own. They would venture the ruin of Church and State, and let all fall into the hands of the common enemies, rather than hazard their persons, or lay out their estates for the common preservation. So that if the hand of violence did not sometimes squeeze those Sponges, and force these leeches to disgorge themselves, they would but impoverish the Common-wealth by their Riches, and weaken the body like wens or impostumes by drawing to themselves.

6. Selfishness also makes men withdraw from all those necessary burdens and duties that are for the preservation of Church or Commonwealth. Such wretches had rather the Gospel were thrust out of doors than it should cost them much: and had rather have the unworthiest man that would be their Teacher for a little, than allow the best that maintenance that the Gospel doth command, or give them what the Law hath made their Own. They would venture the ruine of Church and State, and let all fall into the hands of the common enemies, rather than hazard their persons, or lay out their estates for the common preservation. So that if the hand of violence did not sometimes squeeze those Spunges, and force these leeches to disgorge themselves, they would but impoverish the Common-wealth by their Riches, and weaken the body like wens or impostumes by drawing to themselves.