The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Ignorance is the mother of all irreligion, of all atheism, Ephes. 4. 18. They are alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their hearts. As Owls, sinners may see in the night of this world, have some knowledge in worldly affairs, but they cannot see in the day; are ignorant of spiritual, of heavenly things. Sin, like the pestilence David speaks of, walketh in the dark, Psa. 91.5. And Satan is the enemy that soweth his tares by night. This is one cause why sin is called a work of darkness; It is from that darkness which is in mens understandings, that they turn their backs upon God, and run upon their own eternal ruins. It were impossible for the rational creature to be so desperately mad as to play with the wrath of God, and slight the love of God, to neglect his mercy ⟨p. 807⟩and despise his justice, if they did but know God. When Princes go incognitos, in a disguise, and a•e unknown, then they are disesteemed. Hence they who are obstinately profane and resolved on wickedness say unto God, Depart from us we desire not the knowledge of thy ways, Job 21. 14. The hooded Hawk, that seeth not the Partridge, will never fly after it. The Israelites pitched in Mithkah, which signifieth sweetness, before they removed to Cashmonah, which signifieth swiftness. They only who know the sweetness of God, will fly to him with swiftness; Ignoti nulla cupido. He who knoweth the All-sufficiency of God, will never turn to the Creature; even as the Bee, if it did not find honey enough in one flower, would never hasten to another.

Ignorance is the mother of all irreligion, of all atheism, Ephes. 4. 18. They are alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their hearts. As Owles, sinners may see in the night of this world, have some knowledge in worldly affairs, but they cannot see in the day; are ignorant of spiritual, of heavenly things. Sin, like the pestilence David speaks of, walketh in the dark,