Heavenly Doctrine (Tafel) n. 151

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151. The doing of good which is [really] good, ought to flow from the love of good, and thus it ought to be for the sake of good. Those who are in that love are not willing to hear of merit: for they are in the love of doing, and perceive a satisfaction in doing and, conversely, they are grieved if it is thought, that anything is done [by them] for the sake of self. The case herein is almost like those who do good to their friends for the sake of friendship, to a brother for the sake of the brotherly relation, to a wife and children for the sake of the wife and children, to the country for the sake of the country, and who thus do good from friendship and love. Those also who think rightly say and insist, that they do good not for the sake of themselves, but for the sake of others.


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