Page:The Swedenborg Library Vol 1.djvu/175

 to self-love, but only to that puffed-up state of mind, outwardly manifested, which is called pride; and which, because it appears to the sight, is alone believed to be self-love.

Moreover, self-love which does not so exalt itself, is believed in the world to be the fire of life, whereby man is stimulated to seek employment and to perform uses. It is contended that, unless he looked to the honor and glory to be thereby acquired, his mind would grow torpid. Who, say they, ever did any worthy, useful or memorable deed, but for the sake of being celebrated and honored by others, or in the minds of others? And whence, it is asked, does this arise, but from the ardor of love for glory and honor, consequently for self?

Hence it is unknown in the world that self-love, in itself considered, is the love which rules in hell and makes hell with man. This being the case, I will first describe what self-love is; and then show that all evils and the falsities thence derived, spring from that love as from their fountain.

Self-love consists in a man's wishing well to himself alone, and not to others except for the sake of himself,—not even to the church, to his country or to any human society; also in doing good to them solely for the sake of his own reputation, honor and glory; for unless he sees these in the uses which he performs for them, he says in his heart, Of what use is it? Why should I do this? What advantage