Of many things we may all be ignorant without any imputation on our character. But to be desti- tute of the knowledge of God is a shame to all, because it is,
1. The most excellent of all knowledge —
[The knowledge of philosophy is a very valuable acqui- sition : but it is not to be compared with the knowledge of Godj since that infinitely surpasses every thing that can occupy the human mind. How glorious is it for a worm of the earth to see the perfections of the invisible God ! to behold them all shining forth in the face of Jesus Christ ! and, above all, to see them all interested in his salvation ! How glorious is it for a helpless sinner to know that he has omnipotence for his support, and unbounded mercy for his refuge ! How glorious is it for such an unworthy creature to survey the justice and holiness, the power and wisdom, the love and mercy, the truth and faithfulness of God, and then to say, " This God is my God for ever and ever^ !" Surely every thing else in compari- son of this is lighter than vanity itself. And whoever seeks any other knowledge in preference to this, has reason to blush for his stupidity, and to be ashamed of his choice.]
2. The most needful of all knowledge —
[The knowledge of trade, and of politics, is necessary for the welfare of a state : but a statesman need not be conversant with the lowest branches of trade ; nor need a tradesman know how to govern a state. But the knowledge of God is every man's business ; it is that for which God has brought him into existence, and for which the ordinances of the Gospel are con- tinued to him. Every man is more interested in this, than even in providing bread for his body : for he may have food supplied to him by the benevolence of others ; but who can supply the lack of this knowledge, or what substitute can be found for it ? Without that a man can have no happiness ; because, till he has it, he is exposed to the wrath of Almighty God. Without that he can have no holiness; because holiness is the fruit that springs from it, and therefore cannot subsist without it. Without that he can have no salvation ; for " to know God and Christ is eternal hfe'' ;" and when Christ shall come to judgment, it will be for the express purpose of " taking vengeance on them that know not God^" If then it be a shame to be destitute of all good, and to be a miserable outcast from heaven, it is a shame to be ignorant of God.]
3. The most easy to be obtained of all knowledge —
e Ps. xlviii. M. •' John xvii. 3. ' 2 Tliess. i. 7, 8.