Lastly, this discovers how few there are who do truly know God; for no man knoweth God, but he that loveth him; and how can a man choose but love him, being the sovereign good, if he know him, seeing the nature of God is to enamour with the love of his goodness? And whosoever loveth anything more than God, is not worthy of God; and such is every one who settles the love and rest of his heart upon anything besides God.
If, therefore, thou dost believe that God is almighty, why dost thou fear devils and enemies, and not confidently trust in God, and crave his help in all thy troubles and dangers? If thou believest that God is infinite, how darest thou provoke him to anger?
If thou believest that God is simple, with what heart canst thou dissemble and play the hypocrite? If thou believest that God is the sovereign good, why is not thy heart more settled upon him than on all worldly good? If thou dost indeed believe that God is a just Judge, how darest thou live so securely in sin without repentance?
If thou dost truly believe that God is most wise, why dost not thou refer the events of crosses and disgraces to him who knoweth how to turn all things to the best unto them that love him? (Rom. viii. 28). If thou art persuaded that God is true, why dost thou doubt of his promises? If thou believest that God is beauty and perfection itself, why dost not thou make him alone the chief end of all thine affections and desires?
For if thou lovest beauty, he is most fair; if thou desirest riches, he is most wealthy; if thou seekest wisdom, he is most wise.
Excerpted from The Practice of Piety by Lewis Bayly. Public domain.
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