Self-denial instead of self-love

A Christian will measure all his deeds by God’s Law, and his secret thoughts he will subject to God’s will.
If a man has learned to regard God in every enterprise, he will be delivered from all vain desires.
The denial of ourselves which Christ has so diligently commanded his disciples from the beginning will at last dominate all the desires of our heart.
The denial of ourselves will leave no room for pride, haughtiness or vainglory, nor for avarice, licentiousness, love of luxury, wantonness, any sin born from self-love.
Without the principle of self-denial man is either led to indulgence in the grossest vices without the least shame; or if there is any appearance of virtue in him, it is spoiled by an evil passion for glory.
Show me a single man who does not believe in the Lord’s law of self- denial, and who yet willingly practices virtue among men. [John Calvin]