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

7. Observe also how far men are carried by the fond over-valuing of their own opinions against all Reason, and former promises, and against all bonds to God and man; and then judge of their self-denial. If once they feel a new apprehension, it tickleth them with delight, as being an elevation of their understandings above other mens; and as Parents are fond of their children, because they are their own, so are the Proud through the corruption of their minds as fond of an Opinion which they can call their Own, if there be any thing of singularity in it to make them seem persons of more than ordinary understanding. And when they are once possessed of it, how partially do they indulge it? How light do they make of the strongest arguments that are brought against it? How contemptuously do they think and speak of the persons, the judgements, the writings, the reasonings of any that are against them? Nay usually they will not be persuaded so much as once to read the writings that contradict them. Or if they do, it is with so much prejudice and partiality, that they have in their minds confuted them, before they read or understand them, and instead of considering the weight of arguments, and comparing faithfully cause with cause, they only study what to say against their adversary (for so they account those that would cross or confute their opinions.)

7. Observe also how far men are carryed by the fond over-valuing of their own opinions against all Reason, and former promises, and against all bonds to God and man; and then judge of their self-denial. If once they feel a new apprehension, it tickleth them with delight, as being an elevation of their understandings above other mens; and as Parents are fond of their children, because they are their own, so are the Proud through the corruption of their minds as fond of an Opinion which they can call their Own, if there be any thing of singularity in it to make them seem persons of more than ordinary understanding. And when they are once possessed of it, how partially do they indulge it? How light do they make of the strongest arguments that are brought against it? How contemptuously do they think and speak of the persons, the judgements, the writings, the reasonings of any that are against them? Nay usually they will not be perswaded so much as once to read the writings that contradict them. Or if they do, it is with so much prejudice and partiality, that they have in their minds confuted them, before they read or understand them, and instead of considering the weight of arguments, and comparing faithfully cause with cause, they only study what to say against their adversary (for so they account those that would cross or confute their opinions.)