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

Dear Brethren, if selfishness shall not now be left, when we are in the sight of the havoc it hath made, and stand in the field among those that it hath slain, and see the Church of God so horribly abused by it: when then shall it be forsaken! I here entreat every man that loveth ⟨p. 415⟩his present or everlasting Peace, and the Peace of the Church or Commonwealth, that he will resolve upon a deadly enmity with this selfishness in himself and others! And that you will suspect it, and watch against it in every work you have to do. Are you upon any employment spiritual or secular? Presently enquire when you set upon it, [Is there no self-interest and selfish disposition lurking here? How far is my own worldly, fleshly ends or prosperity concerned in it?] And if you discover that self is any way concerned in it; I beseech you suspect it, and follow self with an exceeding watchful eye; and when you have done your best, it is ten to one but it will over-reach you. O look to it that you be not ensnared before you are aware. Take heed of it, especially you that are great and honourable, and have so much self-interest to tempt you in the world! How hardly will you escape! When all other enemies are conquered, you have yet self the greatest enemy to overcome. Take heed of it; you that have any rising thriving project, little know you on what a precipice you stand: Take heed of it you that are in deep and pinching wants, lest self make them seem more grievous than they are, and provoke you to venture upon sin for your relief. Take heed all you that have raging appetites or passions, or lustful inclinations, and remember your enemy is now discovered, and you have him to deal with before your face: and therefore see that you be resolute and vigilant. Take heed all you that have Learning, Parts, or fame and honour, or any thing that self hath to glory in and to abuse, lest the noblest gifts should by this deadly principle be turned into a plague to the Church, and to your souls. Suspect self in the choice of your parties and opinions: Suspect it in your public labours; yea and in your ⟨p. 416⟩private duties, and greatest diligence in Religious Works; lest when your eyes are opened at last it should appear, that you preached, or prayed, or professed, or wrote, or lived for self, and not for God. I do but transcribe the counsel to you, that God is daily giving in to my own soul: