Septuagesima Week. Chapter from "The Way that Leads to God" by the Abbe A. Saudreau
Love of self in good people.
Non efficiamur inanis gloriae cupidi (Let us not be made desirous of vainglory). - Gal.V.26
1. Vanity
49. In describing the hideous idolatry into which an uncombated pride may lead the soul, have we said enough? In stating that to give a deliberate consent to feeling of self-complacency, even in small things, is to do serious harm to the soul, have we made the danger of this self-love clear enough, and put souls sufficiently on their guard against this interior enemy which is so perfidious and dangerous? Alas for this enemy! How many souls are there who admit its formidable character, lament that they are the objects of its attacks, and yet continue to yield to it. They certainly refuse to go as far as it would have them go, but they travel half-way. Two opposite sentiments are contending in their hearts, and neither obtains the full victory. They certainly refuse to go as far as it would have them go, but they travel half-way. Two opposite sentiments are contending in their hearts, and neither obtains the full victory. They detest and at the same time they have a tender feeling for this disordered self-love. It is characteristic of the human heart to be attached to its affections. The fervent soul delights in loving God; it wishes to love Him more; it prays earnestly for the redoubling of its own devotion, and it multiplies its efforts to attain thereto. The sinner, bound by the cords of a guilty affection, cling to his slavery; he obstinately rejects every invitation to renounce his infatuation. To all lovers the thought that their love may one day have an end is heart-rending. So with those in whom two conflicting loves are striving for the monastery - the love of God and a sinful love of the creature; or a legitimate love for our parents, and an affection which these parents condemn. Such persons are in torment because they do not wish to renounce either of these affections. So with the vain man who only resists half-heartedly. He loves his vanity; this failings, of which he may be ashamed, flatters him and please him, notwithstanding. So, too, he who gives way to his susceptibility actually admires it. He loudly protests that it is necessary to be careful of his honour, and that he should consider himself weak and without character if he were to allow his neighbour to fail in consideration towards him, and to treat him without proper respect. In this inner feeling, this more or less avowed partially for a fatal defect, that we must first attack; we must conceive a lively detestation of this self-love within our hearts, and realize the evils of which it is the root.

Next: more on self-love.