A37046:1098
The law unsealed
The law unsealed: or, A practical exposition of the Ten Commandments With a resolution of several momentous questions and cases of conscience. By the learned, laborious, faithful servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. James Durham, late minister of the Gospel at Glasgow.
Glasgow: printed by Robert Sanders, 1676
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
2. When it is terminated on the wrong object, as when they run out in the immoderate pursuit of bodily and temporal things, caring more, if not only, for the body neglecting the better part.
3. When it is laid out for the pleasing of corrupt self and the making of provision for the Flesh to fulfil its Lusts, Rom. 13. 14. Self love under these considerations is corrupt, and to be guarded against.
Answ. 2. Self love, or love to our self, is allowable when qualified with the following properties. 1. When it is subservient and subordinate to higher ends, and can hazard it self, and deny it self for Gods honour, for a public good yea, and in some cases, out of respect to the good of others also, so a righteous man should, and when at himself, will do much▪ though with his own hazard, for a Christian friend, for the safety or edification of the Godly, or in defence of the inte▪rest of Christ. 2. When it is drawn out after spiritual things, and it's on these mostly that pains are taken, as how to grow in grace, to have a good conscience, to have the soul saved, sin mortified, &c. 3. when outward things are desired for the former ends, as when we pray, Give us this day our daily bread, that we may promove these ends, being willing to want them when they may not stand with these ends, and desiring life, means, &c. in so far only as they may be useful for the attainment of them. As the first self-love marreth duties to God, and thwarteth with them; so the second advanceth them and swayeth strongly, yet sweetly to them.
Answ. 2. Self love, or love to our self, is allowable when qualified with the following properties. 1. When it is subservient and subordinate to higher ends, and can hazard it self, and deny it self for Gods honour, for a publick good yea, and in some cases, out of respect to the good of others also, so a righteous man should, and when at himself, will do much though with his own hazard, for a Christian friend, for the safety or edification of the Godly, or in defence of the interest of Christ. 2. When it is drawen out after spiritual things, and it's on these mostly that pains are taken, as how to grow in grace, to have a good conscience, to have the soul saved, sin mortified, &c. 3. when outward things are desired for the former ends, as when we pray, Give us this day our daily bread, that we may promove these ends, being willing to want them when they may not stand with these ends, and desiring life, means, &c. in so far only as they may be useful for the attainment of them. As the first self-love marreth duties to God, and thwarteth with them; so the second advanceth them and sweyeth strongly, yet sweetly to them.