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

Direct. 3. To promote your self-denial, Consider frequently and seriously, who God is, and to what end he made, redeemed, sustaineth, and governeth the world: And then bethink you, whether it be meet that this glorious God should be neglected, and frustrated of the end of all these works! and whether any thing besides him be fit to be the creatures end. You think it meet that every workman should have the use of his own work. Doth any man make a House for its own sake, or for his use to dwell in? Is it for the things sake that any man makes an Instrument, or for his service by it? Do you think that God made you for your selves: and not for himself and service? give therefore to God the things that are Gods: All souls are his, and therefore all should acknowledge him, and submit to his dispose and pleasure. Shall the pot quarrel with the Potter, or claim title to it self and say, I am mine own? It is against the clearest reason in the world, that any but the Creator, Redeemer and Preserver of the world should be Lord, and the Governor and the end of it▪ and that men should prefer themselves before him.

Direct. 3. To promote your self-denial, Consider freque•tly and seriously, who God is, and to what end he made, redeemed, sustaineth, and governeth the world: And then bethink you, whether it be meet that this glorious God should be neglected, and frustrated of the end of all these works! and whether any thing besides him be fit to be the creatures end. You think it meet that every workman should have the use of his own work. Doth any man make a House for its own sake, or for his use to dwell in? Is it for the things sake that any man makes an Instrument, or for his service by it? Do you think that God made you for your selves: and not for himself and service? give therefore to God the things that are Gods: All souls are his, and therefore all should acknowledge him, and submit to his dispose and pleasure. Shall the pot quarrel with the Potter, or claim title to it self and say, I am mine own? It is against the clearest reason in the world, that any but the Creator, Redeemer and Perserver of the world should be Lord, and the Governour and the end of it▪ and that men should prefer themselves before him.