by Edward Payson
"In his pride, the wicked does not seek God; in all his thoughts, there is no room for God!" Psalm 10:4
The pride of the wicked is the principal reason why they will not seek after the knowledge of God. Pride renders God a disagreeable and undesirable object of contemplation to the wicked.
Pride consists in an unduly exalted opinion of one's self. It is, therefore . . .
impatient of a rival,
hates a superior, and
cannot endure a master!
In proportion as pride prevails in the heart, it makes us wish . . .
to see no God above us,
to acknowledge no law but our own wills,
to follow no rule but our own inclinations.
Thus pride led Satan to rebel against his Creator — and our first parents to desire to be as gods.
Since such are the effects of pride, it is evident that nothing can be more painful to a proud heart, than the thoughts of such a being as God . . .
one who is infinitely powerful, just, and holy;
one who can neither be resisted, deceived, nor deluded;
one who disposes, according to His own sovereign pleasure, of all creatures and events;
one who, in an especial manner, hates pride, and is determined to abase and punish it!
Such a being, the proud man can contemplate only with feelings of dread, aversion, and abhorrence! The proud man must look upon God as his natural enemy, his great enemy, whom he has to fear!