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

And it is this also that causeth the Divisions of the Commonwealth; Faction rising up against Faction, and Prince and people living in jealousies of each other as having contradictory interests; which would not be if the Pleasing of God, and the common good were the principal End and Interest of them all, and selfishness did not prevail.

And this is it that keepeth Christian Princes in most ungodly wars, to the shedding of Christian blood, and the weakening of the common interest, and the strengthening of the common enemy, whom they should all join together to resist.

And this is it that keepeth Christian Princes in most ungodly wars, to the shedding of Christian blood, and the weakening of the common interest, and the strengthening of the common enemy, whom they should all joyn together to resist.

This also keepeth up so many parties on Religious pretences to seek the undermining and ruin of each other, when they should all join together against the common profaneness of the world; and all their conjunct endeavours would be too little. Thus selfishness is the grand Enemy that by Divisions and Subdivisions is still at work for the Dissolution and Ruin of Church and State, and the Confusion of the World, and the disturbance and destruction of order and government.

This also keepeth up so many parties on Religious pretences to seek the undermining and ruine of each other, when they should all joyn together against the common prophaneness of the world; and all their conjunct endeavours would be too little. Thus selfishness is the grand Enemy that by Divisions and Subdivisions is still at work for the Dissolution and Ruine of Church and State, and the Confusion of the World, and the disturbance and destruction of order and government.