Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

2. As it doth most relate to, or lead to God. The Devil directs his fiercest batteries against those Doctrines in the Word, and those Graces in the heart, which most exalt God, debase man, and bring men to the lowest subjection to their Creator; Such is the Doctrine and grace of justifying faith. That men hate not knowledge as knowledge, but as it directs them to choose the fear of the Lord, was the determination of the Holy Ghost long ago. Prov. 1.29. for that they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord. Whatsoever respects God, clears up guilt, witnesses mans revolt to him, rouseth up Conscience, and moves to a return to God, a man naturally runs from, as Adam did from God, and seeks a shelter in some weak bushes of error, rather than appear before it. Not that men are unwilling to inquire into and contemplate some Divine Truths, which lie furthest from the heart, and concern not themselves immediately with the rectifying the soul: They may view them with such a pleasure as some might take in beholding the Miracles of our Saviour, who could not endure his searching Doctrine. The light of speculation may be pleasant, but the light of conviction is grievous; that which galls their Consciences, and would affect them with a sense of their duty to God.

2. As it doth most relate to, or lead to God. The Devil directs his fiercest batteries against those Doctrines in the Word, and those Graces in the heart, which most exalt God, debase man, and bring men to the lowest subjection to their Creator; Such is the Doctrine and grace of justifying faith. That men hate not knowledge as knowledge, but as it directs them to choose the fear of the Lord, was the determination of the Holy Ghost long ago. Prov. 1.29. for that they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord. Whatsoever respects God, clears up guilt, witnesses mans revolt to him, rouzeth up Conscience, and moves to a return to God, a man naturally runs from, as Adam did from God, and seeks a shelter in some weak bushes of error, rather than appear before it. Not that men are unwilling to inquire into and contemplate some Divine Truths, which lie furthest from the heart, and concern not themselves immediatly with the rectifying the soul: They may view them with such a pleasure as some might take in beholding the Miracles of our Saviour, who could not endure his searching Doctrine. The light of speculation may be pleasant, but the light of conviction is grievous; that which galls their Consciences, and would affect them with a sense of their duty to God.