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

II. Another selfish Interest to be denied, is A Delight in prosperity, and seeing our selves thrive, and our designs succeed for worldly things. The possession of these things doth not so much delight, as the Hopes and successes of our endeavours to attain them. The very thoughts of Prospering in our undertakings, and of being in a thriving course, and likely to reach some higher things which are in our eye and hope, is the greatest part of the content of Worldlings. Men think that the world can do no more for them than it can, and is sweeter than it is; and therefore they are very eager in seeking it, and please themselves much with the thoughts of their supposed felicity: But when they have reached the matter of their desires, they find it is not the thing they took it for. But in the mean time they feed themselves with fancies and expectations, and think that though this doth not content them, which they have attained, yet such or such a thing more would do it: and when they have that, yet somewhat more would do; and still though they come short of the felicity they expect, yet it pleaseth them that they think they are in the way to it, and see their endeavours seem to prosper. The poor man that hath a desire but to reach to a competency, doth please himself much when he perceiveth that he is fair for it. Much more do the rich in the prospering of their designs, for the increase o• their •iches. And thus the turning away of the simpl• […] and the prosperity of fools doth d•st• […]. If their Prosperity be such an eye […] godly in temptation, when ⟨p. 192⟩they judge according to the flesh, no wonder if it be a great matter in their own eyes, Psal. 73. 3. If the best are in danger of puffing up with carnal delight and confidence in their attainments, and saying in their prosperity, [we shall never be moved] Psal. 30. 6. no wonder if it be much more so with others. Prosperity is as strong a trial to many as suffering for Christ; O how eager is the flesh upon this bait; and how close doth it cleave to what it doth attain!