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

CHAP. XXXIII. Factious Desire of the success of our own Opinions and Parties, as such, &c.

It exceedingly delighteth a Carnal mind that his Judgement should be admired, and he should be taken as the light of the Country round about him, and therefore when he hath hatched any opinions of his own, or espoused any whereby his singularity may be manifested, or by which his selfish interest may be promoted, he is as careful to promote these opinions, and the party that holdeth with him, as a Covetous man is to promote his gain. There is indeed as much of self in many mens Heresies and Church-divisions, as any Sensualist hath in his way. And hence it is that a zeal for selfish opinions is easily got and easily maintained; when zeal for the saving truths of God is hardly kindled, and hardly kept alive. Yea multitudes in the world do make the very truth to be the matter of their carnal interest in it; while they some way get a seeming peculiar interest, and promote it but as an opinion of their own, or of their party, and use it for selfish carnal ends. And hence it is that many that are called Orthodox, can easily get and keep a burning zeal for their Orthodox opinions, when Practical Christians do find it a very hard matter to be zealous for the same truths in a Practical way. Many ungodly men will be hot in Disputing for the truth, and crying down all that are against it, and perhaps so far exceed their bounds,