Zeal A passionate ardour for any person or cause. There are various kinds of zeal; as,
1. An ignorant zeal, Romans 10:2; Romans 1:3-31:
2. A persecuting zeal, Php_3:6 .
3. A superstitious zeal, 1 Kings 1:18-46: Galatians 1:14.
4. An hypocritical zeal, 2 Kings 10:16.
5. A contentious zeal, 1 Corinthians 11:16.
6. A partial zeal, Hosea 7:8.
7. A temporary zeal, 2 Kings 1:12-21; 2 Kings 1:13-25: Galatians 1:4-16.
8. a genuine zeal, which is a sincere and warm concern for the glory of God, and the spiritual welfare of mankind. This is generally compounded of sound knowledge, strong faith, and disinterested regard; and will manifest itself by self-denial, patient endurance, and constant exertion.
The motives to true zeal are,
1. The divine command, Revelation 3:19.
2. The example of Christ, Acts 10:38.
3. The importance of the service of Christ.
4. The advantage and pleasure it brings to the possessor.
5. The instances and honourable commendation of it in the Scriptures: Moses, Phineas, Caleb, David, Paul, &c. Galatians 4:18. Revelation 3:15, &c. Titus 2:14.
6. The incalculable good effects it produces on others, James 5:20.
See Reynolds and Orton on Sacred Zeal; Evan's Christian Temper, ser. 37; Hughes's Sermon on Zeal; Mason's Christ. Mor. ser. 28.