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

5. Observe but how casily men fall out with one another, and how hardly they are reconciled, and how much ado any peace-maker shall have to end the difference; and observe also whether all the quarrel be not about some selfish interest: and judge by this of their self-denial. When do they so fall out with men, for wronging God, or the Gospel, or their own souls, as they do for wronging them?

5. Observe but how casily men fall out with one another, and how hardly they are reconciled, and how much ado any peace-maker shall have to end the difference; and observe also whether all the quarrel be not about some selfish interest: and judge by this of their selfdenial. When do they so fall out with men, for wronging God, or the Gospel, or their own souls, as they do for wronging them?

And if a Minister that can bear an injury against himself, do faithfully rebuke them that deal injuriously against Christ, and against the Church, and the souls of men, (especially if they be Great men in the world that are reproved) it's strange to see how self makes them storm; though they have read what a mark of Rebellion, and prognostic of misery it was, even in Kings, to reject the reproofs of the Messengers of the Lord? much more to hate or persecute the reprover.

And if a Minister that can bear an injury against himself, do faithfully rebuke them that deal injuriously against Christ, and against the Church, and the souls of men, (especially if they be Great men in the world that are reproved) it's strange to see how self makes them storm; though they have read what a mark of Rebellion, and prognostick of misery it was, even in Kings, to reject the reproofs of the Messengers of the Lord? much more to hate or persecute the reprover.

6. Observe also how forward many are, unreasonably to exalt their own understandings, above those that are far wiser than themselves: and judge by this of their self-denial. Though their Brethren or Teachers, have studied, and prayed, and sought after knowledge, ten times, or twenty times more than they, and have as faithfully obeyed according to their knowledge, and indeed be incomparably beyond them in understanding: yet how commonly shall you meet with unstudied, unexperienced Novices (notably described,