Heavenly Doctrine (Tafel) n. 65

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65. THE LOVE OF SELF AND THE LOVE OF THE WORLD.

THE, LOVE OF SELF Consists in wishing Well to One's Self alone, and not to others, except for the sake of one's self; not even to the Church, to one's country, to society, or to a fellow-citizen; and also in doing good to these solely for the sake of one's own reputation, honour, and glory; and unless the love of self sees these in the good which it does to them, it says at heart, "Of what consequence is it? Why should I do it? Of what advantage will it be to me?" And therefore does not do it. From this it is evident that he who is in the love of self, does not love either the Church, or his country, or society, or a fellow-citizen, or anything good, but himself only.


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