The general policy of Seleucus towards the .Tews, like that of his father (iii, 2, 3, kuI SAfUK-oi'), was coucilia- torj', as the possession of Palestine was of the highest importance in the prospect of an Egyptian war; and he undertook a large share of the expenses of the Temple service (ver. 3, 6). On one occasion, by the false rep- resentations of Simon (q. v.), a Jewish officer, he was induced to make an attempt to carry away the treas- ures deposited in the Temple by means of the same Heliodorus who murdered him. The attempt signally failed, but it does not appear that he afterwards show- ed any resentment against the Jews (iv, 5, 0.) ; though his want of money to pay the enormous tribute due to the Romans may have compelled him to raise extraor- dinarj' revenues, for which cause lie is described in Daniel as a " raiser of taxes" (xi, 20 ; corap. Livy, xii, 19). — Smith. See Smith, Diet, of Class. Bio;/, s. v.; Manzini's monograph (in Italian) on this prince (Mai- land, 1634).
Coin of Seleucus IV.
Seleucus. See Seleucians.
Seleznevtshini, asectof dissenters from the Russo- Greek Church resembling the Strigolniks (q. v.).
Self-baptizers. See Se-Baptists.
Self-deception, deception proceeding from, and practiced upon, one's self, especially in forming judg- ments or receiving impressions of our own state, char- acter, and conduct. For example: 1. In judging of our own character we are very apt to enhance the good qualities we possess, to give ourselves credit for others that we really have not, and to ignore the evil qualities that should be seen by us. 2. In the matter of our con- duct we are very prone to persuade ourselves either that our acts were not wrong, or that the peculiar circum- stances under which we were placed were so extenuating as to remove actual guilt. 3. There is a tendency to confound the non-appearance of a vicious affection with its actual extirpation. 4. An improper estimate of the reality of our repentance, faith, works, etc., or of the im- portance of the same. The range of objects as to which men deceive themselves is very wide, including God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Scriptures, experience, etc. The results are great and dangerous, it renders men slaves of procrastination, leads them to overrate themselves, flatters them with an easy victory, and con- firms their evil habits. The means of avoiding self- deception are strict self- inquirj', prayer, watchfulness, and diligent study of God's Word,
Self- dedication, the unreserved dedication of ourselves to God with the purpose of serving him in holiness and righteousness.
Self-defence, the act of defending one's self and property from injury. The right of self-defence has been questioned W many, and has also been stoutly ad- vocated. The secular law requires no man to submit passively to the infliction of evil upon his person, but al- ways allows him to defend himself. Of course, the vio- lence used must only be so much as is necessary for de- fence. Is the principle of self-defence contrary to the Gospel, or should a man choose rather to lose his own life than to save it at the expense of another's? It may be answered that where there is reason to believe that life is at stake one is justified in taking the life of the would-be murderer; for the reason that in attempt- ing a felony he has forfeited his life, and in preserving your own you spare the innocent. It is generally con-
SELF-DENIAL
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siilered lawful even to kill in the defence of chastity, provided there be no other way of preserving it.
Self-denial, the forbearing to follow one's inclina- tions or desires. In the scriptural sense it is the re- nouncing of all those pleasures, profits, views, connections, or practices that are prejudicial to the true interests of the soul. The understanding must be so far denied as not to lean upon it independent of divine instruction (I'rov. iii, 5, 6). The will must be denied so far as it opposes the will of God (Eph. v, 17). The affections must be denied when they become inordinate (Col. iii, 5). The gratitication of the members of the body must be denied when out of their due course (Rom. vi, 12, 13). The honors of the world and praise of men must be foregone when they become a snare (Heb. xi, 2-1-26) ; also worldly emoluments, when to be obtained in an unlawful way or when standing in opposition to religion and usefulness (Matt, iv, 20-22). Friends and relatives must be renounced, so far as they oppose the truth and would influence us to ojipose it too (Gen. xii, 1). Our own righteousness must be relinquished, so as not to depend upon it (I'hil. iii, 8, 9). Life itself must be laid down if called for in the cause of Christ (Matt, xvi, 24, 25). In fine, everything that is sinful must be de- nied, however pleasant and ajiparently advantageous, since, without holiness, no man shall see the Lord (Heb. xii, 14). See Buck, Theol. Did. s. v.
Self- examination, the act of examining one's own conduct and motives. It is a duty commanded by God (2 Cor. xiii. 5), and, to result favorably, should be deliberate, frequent, impartial, diligent, wise, and with ia desire of amendment. In self-examination reference should always be made to the \\'ord of God as the rule of duty.