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

but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men, and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross: Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him] [Look therefore unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the Cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the Throne of God: Consider him that endured such contradictions of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds,] Heb. 12. 2, 3, 4.

Direct. 10. But the greatest help to self-denial is, To retire from the Creature into God, and live in the love of him, and employ the soul continually upon him. Men will not be frightened from self love. It must be another more powerful Love that must draw them from it. And that can be none but the Love of God. When you have soundly discerned a surer friend than self, a wiser, a better, an abler Governor and Defender, and one that much more deserveth all your Love and Care; then you will turn away from self, and never till then. See therefore that you espouse no Interest but God's; and then you will have nothing to call you from him: Let love so close you with him and unite you to him, that you may know no Happiness but his Love and Glory, and see with no other Light than his: and know no will but the will of God; nor meddle with any work which for matter and end you cannot call the work of God. Then you have indeed denied your selves, when you are nothing, have nothing, and do nothing, but as from God, and by him and for him: Own not any self but in and for God, and then you may love and seek it freely; or this is to be called a loving and seeking of God and not of self. Own not any Knowledge, but that which is from the Light of God, by his word, works, Spirit and Ordinances, and which leadeth you to God in Holiness and Peace, and guideth you in his service, and then you need not condemn your selves of self-conceitedness, or a selfish understanding. Know not any will in your selves, but that which is caused by the will of God, and directed by it, and intended to fulfil it; So that you maybe able to say of every desire of your soul, I desie this because that God would have me desire it, and I am resolved to follow his will in the seeking of it, and the end of my