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

Spirit. He that perceives the look and sees the end, Whither it is that fleshly Pleasures tend: He that by faith hath seen both Heaven and Hell, And what sin costeth at the last can tell: He that hath tried and tasted Better things, And felt that love from which all pleasure springs. They that still watch, and for Christs coming wait, Can turn away from, or despise the bait.

Spirit. He that perceives the look and sees the end, Whither it is that fleshly Pleasures tend: He that by faith hath seen both Heav'n and Hell, And what sin costeth at the last can tell: He that hath try'd and tasted Better things, And felt that love from which all pleasure springs. They that still watch, and for Christs coming wait, Can turn away from, or despise the bait.

Flesh. Must I be made the foot-ball of disdain? And called a precise fool or Puritan?

Flesh. Must I be made the foot-ball of disdain? And call'd a precise fool or Puritane?

Spirit. Remember him that did despise the shame, And for thy sake bore undeserved blame. Thy journey's of small moment if thou stay Because dogs bark, or stones lie in the way. If life lay on it wouldst thou turn again, For the winds blowing or a little rain? Is this thy greatest love to thy dear Lord? That canst not for his sake bear a foul word? Wilt thou not bear for him a scorners breath, That underwent for thee a cursed death? ⟨image 262⟩Is not Heaven worth the bearing of a flout? Then blame not Justice when it shuts thee out. Will these deriders stand to what they say, And own their words at the great dreadful day? Then they'd be glad, when wrath shall overtake them, To eat their words, and say they never spake them.