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

1, We all see that almost all the world is of that Religion or Opinion which hath the countenance of the Government that they live under, and the persons that have greatest power on their reputation; or at least which is consistent with their safety, if not rising and prosperity in the world. The Turks are commonly Mahometans: the subjects of Rome, and Spain, and Austria, &c. are generally Papists: those in Denmark, Sweden, Saxony, &c. are generally Lutherans: those of Scotland, ⟨p. 50⟩England, Helvetia, &c. are commonly Calvinists (as they are called.) I know the power of education is great, and hearing evidence only on one side, may bias a well▪ meaning man: But Papists and Protestants (as to the learned part) have the Books of the contrary-minded at hand: And therefore that Opinions should run in a stream, and whole Countries almost be of a party, must needs be much from the power of selfishness, because they are swayed by them that have the power of their reputation, and estates and liberties in the world.

1, We all see that almost all the world is of that Religion or Opinion which hath the countenance of the Government that they live under, and the persons that have greatest power on their reputation; or at least which is consistent with their safety, if not rising and prosperity in the world. The Turks are commonly Mahometans: the subjects of Rome, and Spain, and Austria, &c. are generally Papists: those in Denmark, Sweden, Saxony, &c. are generally Lutherans: those of Scotland, ⟨p. 50⟩England, Helvetia, &c. are commonly Calvinists (as they are called.) I know the power of education is great, and hearing evidence only on one side, may byas a well▪ meaning man: But Papists and Protestants (as to the learned part) have the Books of the contrary-minded at hand: And therefore that Opinions should run in a stream, and whole Countreys almost be of a party, must needs be much from the power of selfishness, because they are swayed by them that have the power of their reputation, and estates and liberties in the world.